Carlson & Dennett, P.S.

Investor Claims and Securities Litigation, 20+ years,Experienced Trusts & Estate Litigators

This lawyer is licensed to practice in Washington and has no record of discipline from the Washington bar association.*

Firm Overview

Carlson & Dennett emphasizes securities arbitrations and litigation, and trust & estate litigation, while we also handle other kinds of commercial litigation.

After practicing with downtown Seattle law firms for 17 years, I established a solo practice in 1995, which has become Carlson & Dennett, P.S.

Example cases

Estate of Ives v. Ramsden, 142 Wn. App. 369 (2008)
Represented estate of elderly man who had been sold unsuitable limited partnership investments; recovered full amount of claim, won on appeal, ultimately collected full amount plus attorney's fees after about eight years.

Represented an Indian nation in a claim arising out of stockbrokers' unsuitable recommendation to invest short term funds in initial public offering shares of close end mutual fund shares, which bore excessive costs and risks. Won award of $391,766.

Represented parties contesting will in Spokane County Superior Court trial, February 2011. I won a judgment reinstating prior will, entitling clients to 75% of $2 million estate.

Represented two beneficiaries of trusts established when beneficiaries were young children, to recover against Trustee for its failure to properly manage trust assets, in King County Superior Court case. The case settled before trial in the high six figures, subject to a confidentiality agreement.

Main Office

Main
1601 Fifth Avenue
Suite 2150
Seattle WA 98101

Phone

(206) 621-1111

Fax

(206) 621-1151

Websites

http://www.carlsondennettlaw.com

Fees

Free Initial Consultation?

It depends on the situation. If I am considering whether to take a case on a contingent fee basis, I do not charge for an initial conference. In other situations I may or may not charge for an initial meeting, at my usual hourly rates. I advise the client before they come in whether they will be charged for the conference or not.

Services Offered For Fixed Fees?

I handle securities claims under $50,000 for a flat fee ($5,000 as of May 2011 (subject to change).

Hourly Rates

$120 for paralegal work; $295-$390 for attorneys.

Office Information

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Will meet with clients after hours and on weekends on an as-needed basis.

Office Manager

Nadine Morin

Emergency After Hours

How did your firm decide on the primary area of practice(s)?

Initially I did a wide range of litigation. Gradually I found that I liked investment related issues, which are involved in both trust & estate litigation as well as in securities litigation, as well as the fact that both areas of practice involve working closely with clients on issues that are extremely important to them.

What is your firm's point of view regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I think it's a good idea, and would encourage clients to try to do so.

Is your firm willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am quite willing to do so.

Is your firm willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

We are quite willing to do so, have done so a number of times.

Carl Carlson

I worked for one year as a staff attorney for the Washington State Supreme Court, then joined a mid-sized Seattle tax and litigation firm, LeSourd & Patten, with which I practiced from 1978-1991. From 1991-1995, I was of-counsel with Talmadge & Cutler, after which I established my own firm. I also lectured for the BAR/BRI Bar Review of Washington 1980-1998, on the topics of Agency; Limited Liability Companies; Consumer Protection Act; and Bar Exam writing.

I come from blue collar roots. I have experienced raising kids. Putting myself through college and law school, working hard at a top university and Law School, and being mentored by highly ethical lawyers in my first law firm were valuable. Working with county and State Bar Associations on many issues involving the legal profession also made me a better lawyer.

I am very hard working and very committed to my clients. I am aggressive while being cordial and professional. I'm tenacious.

Personal interests:

Political and civic affairs; collecting and enjoying music, attending live musical events; playing poker with a long-time group of friends; reading history and other non-fiction.

License

Bar Number: 7157
Washington , 1976

Education

Stanford Law School
Juris Doctorate , 1976
Stanford, CA
• Employed entire time during law school
• Research Assistant for Professor Robert Rubin
Stanford University
Bachelor's Degree , 1972
Stanford, CA
• Education financed entirely through scholarships, work and student loans
• Attended Stanford campus in Vienna for six months

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