Tario & Associates, P.S.

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls
Tario & Associates, P.S.

For over 40 years Tario & Associates, P.S. has been serving and representing injured persons in the Pacific Northwest. We have built a reputation for being tough in court and fair with our clients. Call us today for a FREE Consultation.

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

Tario & Associates, P.S.

Tario & Associates, P.S.

Open for Business
Offers Video Calls

For over 40 years Tario & Associates, P.S. has been serving and representing injured persons in the Pacific Northwest. We have built a reputation for being tough in court and fair with our clients. Call us today for a FREE Consultation.

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

Firm Overview

In 1979, founding attorney Michael Tario opened the prominent law firm Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, Washington. Since then Michael has provided legal counsel to more than 5,000 injured persons throughout Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. He has negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements and where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael Tario has earned the respect of his peers and thousands of satisfied clients. He strives to provide each client with superior legal representation at competitive and reasonable attorney fees. Personal injury clients pay no up front expenses and pay nothing at all if a settlement is not recovered.

Representing thousands of legal cases both in and out of court, Tario & Associates, P.S. is the law firm you want on your side. Tario & Associates, P.S. employs a competent and caring legal team that keeps each client informed on the progress of their case and provides the best possible outcome in the form of a full and fair settlement. Whenever possible, they favor out-of-court solutions but always obtain client approval before closing a case.

We promise to listen to you and treat you with dignity and respect in resolving your legal case. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION at 360-671-8500.

Main Office

Main Office
Bellingham Towers 119 N Commercial St # 1000
Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone

(360) 671-8500

Fees
Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, 45 minutes.

Office Information
Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Languages Spoken

English

Other Offices
  • Tario & Associates

    414 Pine St
    Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Personal Injury

Our primary focus is on personal injury cases. Since 1979, the personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. have helped thousands of injured parties receive fair compensation and just treatment for their injuries.

Since 1979, the personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates have helped thousands of injured parties receive fair compensation and just treatment for their injuries through negotiated settlements and, when necessary, bringing cases to trial. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to represent our clients. Our network of well regarded specialists in medicine, accident reconstruction, psychology, and engineering serve as invaluable resources when determining liability and calculating the extent of your injuries and the true value of your injury claim. We keep our clients informed of our progress and always treat you with dignity and respect.

The only way to know whether you have a case is to meet with one of our experienced personal injury associates for a free consultation. At no cost to you, we will fully evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights.

An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. If the at-fault insurance adjuster has already presented you with a proposed settlement, you need to know whether it is fair, if your claim is worth more, or if you need to hire an attorney to force the insurance company to pay you the fair and full compensation you deserve. During your initial free consultation we can help determine the best way to proceed.

There are no upfront costs or fees paid by our clients to pursue an injury claim. We provide representation on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. While you will not incur any attorney fees if you do not win your case, Washington State law requires clients to reimburse the law firm for out-of-pocket expenses. Our firm advances out-of-pocket costs for our injury clients and does not require our clients to pay any of these costs up front. When cases are concluded with a monetary recovery, our firm is repaid out of the recovery for the out-of-pocket costs we have advanced.

In most cases, seeking professional advice from an attorney will yield better results, even for seemingly minor claims. At Tario & Associates, we stand by our injured clients every step of the way. It is not unusual for our attorneys to be able to achieve monetary recoveries five to twenty times what an insurance company has offered.

Auto Accident

Our experienced car accident lawyers will gather information about your accident and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Free consultation and no up-front fees.

A car accident can be very traumatic, especially if you or a loved one was seriously injured and the at-fault insurance company is trying to low-ball your settlement. An auto accident lawyer helps gather information about your accident and build a case to fight the insurance company on your behalf so you get the compensation you deserve.

Car accident lawyers are personal injury lawyers who represent victims of car accidents where another driver was at fault. An auto accident lawyer will:
Review and gather evidence about the accident, including police reports and contacting eye witnesses;
Make an assessment of the total cost of your accident including medical treatment, lost wages, and the cost to repair your vehicle;
Negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company;
File a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached; and
Represent you in court if the case cannot be settled out of court.

There are several reasons to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney knows the personal injury laws in your state and the games played by insurance companies. They are qualified to negotiate a fair settlement and represent you in court, if a settlement cannot be reached. It is not uncommon for an injury lawyer to settle a claim for at least five times the amount that someone could receive by fighting on their own.

Accident attorneys receive a contingency fee for their work, which means that clients pay nothing upfront. Upon the completion of a successful claim, clients share a percentage with their attorney.

Medical Malpractice

At Tario & Associates, P.S., we represent people injured by medical negligence, including failure to diagnose, birth injuries, and surgical errors. Our firm has the expertise and access to build a case that will get you a full and fair settlement.

If you are struggling with an injury or the loss of a loved one caused by the negligence of a healthcare professional, it can be difficult to obtain the right medical treatment and fight for the damages you deserve.

Since 1979, the medical malpractice attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. have been advocating for victims who were injured or died as a result of negligence by doctors and other medical and healthcare providers. Malpractice cases raise complicated medical and scientific questions that require experience and expertise. We can identify negligence and whether a medical provider or organization such as a hospital can be held accountable. Over the past four plus decades, our law firm has evaluated hundreds of cases involving medical and healthcare negligence issues including misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, surgical negligence, failure to treat, and other matters concerning healthcare such as nursing home abuse.

There are no upfront costs or fees paid by our clients to pursue an injury claim, including medical malpractice claims. We provide representation on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. While you will not incur any attorney fees if you do not win your case, Washington State law requires clients to reimburse the law firm for out-of-pocket expenses. Our firm advances out-of-pocket costs for our injury clients and does not require our clients to pay any of these costs up front. When cases are concluded with a monetary recovery, our firm is repaid out of the recovery for the out-of-pocket costs we have advanced. Do not let financial losses such as lost wages and medical bills pile up without support from our dedicated law team; we are here to help.

What experience or education distinguishes your lawyers from others?

Michael John Tario has decades of experience representing injured clients in the Pacific Northwest, winning favorable settlements or jury awards for thousands. Since the beginning of his career, he has fought hard to protect his clients' rights, building a reputation as a tough negotiator and trial lawyer. Clients appreciate the hard work he puts into fighting for a fair settlement and how his office staff keep them informed of the process along the way.

He opened his Bellingham office in 1979 and later, his Mount Vernon office in 1988. He prides himself on offering high-quality, local service that the big national law firms simply can't offer.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors). In particular, he studied the psychology and social dynamics of perception and persuasion, focusing on the cognitive processes associated with the development of speech communication skills and persuasion techniques. Mr. Tario’s undergraduate and graduate education afforded him significant insight and skills, directly contributing to his success.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Tario & Associates, P.S. employs competent, hard-working, and concerned attorneys and legal staff who have a passion for fighting insurance companies to ensure each client gets a fair settlement. Whenever possible, the firm favors out-of-court solutions but always obtains client approval before closing a case.

We promise to listen to you and treat you with dignity and respect. We will answer any questions that arise and keep you informed on the progress of your case.

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Michael Tario

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings*.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in a wide range of personal injury claims against the interests of insurance companies who are only interested in protecting their bottom line. He has successfully represented over 5,000 clients and negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements. Where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors).

Admitted to Practice Law
Mr. Tario is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court for the State of Washington, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. Mr. Tario has appeared and represented clients on a “pro hac vice” basis in various other states including Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has been a continuing legal education teacher, a judge pro tem, a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Tario is one of the thirty-three founding members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

*Every year since 1997, Mr. Tario has earned a Silver Client Champion Award and a Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating signifies a very high rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. In 2014 he also earned the “Client Distinction Award” from Martindale-Hubbell. He was rated as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals in 2019. Mr. Tario is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and he has earned a “Superb” 10.0 rating and 2012 and 2018 Client’s Choice awards with Avvo. In December 2016, Mr. Tario received the Distinguished Lawyer Designation from the Expert Network, which is only conferred upon the Top 3 percent of Lawyers in North America. In May 2015, Mr. Tario was awarded “Top Rated Lawyer” for Litigation from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2014, he was recognized as being one of the nation’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. In 2013, he was ranked in the “Top Lawyers in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence by the Legal Network. This award is given to those who are recognized for excellence in quality of service; overall value; responsiveness; and communication ability based on actual client reviews. In 2007, the Bellingham Business Journal rated Mr. Tario as “The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit”.

Mr. Tario has made guest appearances or has been interviewed or appeared on various local, national and international television, radio, and news programs, including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC.

Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor. He also enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family.

License

Bar Number: 18075
Washington, 1979

Education

Seattle University Law School
J.D., 1979

University of Wisconsin, Superior
MA - Masters - Honors, 1976

University of Minnesota, Duluth
BA - Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, 1975

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Michael Tario

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings*.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in a wide range of personal injury claims against the interests of insurance companies who are only interested in protecting their bottom line. He has successfully represented over 5,000 clients and negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements. Where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors).

Admitted to Practice Law
Mr. Tario is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court for the State of Washington, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. Mr. Tario has appeared and represented clients on a “pro hac vice” basis in various other states including Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has been a continuing legal education teacher, a judge pro tem, a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Tario is one of the thirty-three founding members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

*Every year since 1997, Mr. Tario has earned a Silver Client Champion Award and a Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating signifies a very high rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. In 2014 he also earned the “Client Distinction Award” from Martindale-Hubbell. He was rated as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals in 2019. Mr. Tario is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and he has earned a “Superb” 10.0 rating and 2012 and 2018 Client’s Choice awards with Avvo. In December 2016, Mr. Tario received the Distinguished Lawyer Designation from the Expert Network, which is only conferred upon the Top 3 percent of Lawyers in North America. In May 2015, Mr. Tario was awarded “Top Rated Lawyer” for Litigation from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2014, he was recognized as being one of the nation’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. In 2013, he was ranked in the “Top Lawyers in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence by the Legal Network. This award is given to those who are recognized for excellence in quality of service; overall value; responsiveness; and communication ability based on actual client reviews. In 2007, the Bellingham Business Journal rated Mr. Tario as “The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit”.

Mr. Tario has made guest appearances or has been interviewed or appeared on various local, national and international television, radio, and news programs, including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC.

Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor. He also enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family.

License

Bar Number: 18075
Washington, 1979

Education

Seattle University Law School J.D., 1979


University of Wisconsin, Superior MA - Masters - Honors, 1976


University of Minnesota, Duluth BA - Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, 1975


Tario & Associates, P.S.
Oralie Chapman

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Oralie Chapman

Firm Overview

In 1979, founding attorney Michael Tario opened the prominent law firm Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, Washington. Since then Michael has provided legal counsel to more than 5,000 injured persons throughout Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties. He has negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements and where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael Tario has earned the respect of his peers and thousands of satisfied clients. He strives to provide each client with superior legal representation at competitive and reasonable attorney fees. Personal injury clients pay no up front expenses and pay nothing at all if a settlement is not recovered.

Representing thousands of legal cases both in and out of court, Tario & Associates, P.S. is the law firm you want on your side. Tario & Associates, P.S. employs a competent and caring legal team that keeps each client informed on the progress of their case and provides the best possible outcome in the form of a full and fair settlement. Whenever possible, they favor out-of-court solutions but always obtain client approval before closing a case.

We promise to listen to you and treat you with dignity and respect in resolving your legal case. Call us today for a FREE CONSULTATION at 360-671-8500.

Main Office

Main Office
Bellingham Towers 119 N Commercial St # 1000
Bellingham, WA 98225

Phone

(360) 671-8500

Fees
Free Initial Consultation?

Yes, 45 minutes.

Office Information
Office Hours

Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Languages Spoken

English

Other Offices
  • Tario & Associates

    414 Pine St
    Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Personal Injury

Our primary focus is on personal injury cases. Since 1979, the personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. have helped thousands of injured parties receive fair compensation and just treatment for their injuries.

Since 1979, the personal injury attorneys at Tario & Associates have helped thousands of injured parties receive fair compensation and just treatment for their injuries through negotiated settlements and, when necessary, bringing cases to trial. We have the resources, experience, and knowledge necessary to represent our clients. Our network of well regarded specialists in medicine, accident reconstruction, psychology, and engineering serve as invaluable resources when determining liability and calculating the extent of your injuries and the true value of your injury claim. We keep our clients informed of our progress and always treat you with dignity and respect.

The only way to know whether you have a case is to meet with one of our experienced personal injury associates for a free consultation. At no cost to you, we will fully evaluate your case and advise you of your legal rights.

An insurance adjuster works for the insurance company, not you. If the at-fault insurance adjuster has already presented you with a proposed settlement, you need to know whether it is fair, if your claim is worth more, or if you need to hire an attorney to force the insurance company to pay you the fair and full compensation you deserve. During your initial free consultation we can help determine the best way to proceed.

There are no upfront costs or fees paid by our clients to pursue an injury claim. We provide representation on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. While you will not incur any attorney fees if you do not win your case, Washington State law requires clients to reimburse the law firm for out-of-pocket expenses. Our firm advances out-of-pocket costs for our injury clients and does not require our clients to pay any of these costs up front. When cases are concluded with a monetary recovery, our firm is repaid out of the recovery for the out-of-pocket costs we have advanced.

In most cases, seeking professional advice from an attorney will yield better results, even for seemingly minor claims. At Tario & Associates, we stand by our injured clients every step of the way. It is not unusual for our attorneys to be able to achieve monetary recoveries five to twenty times what an insurance company has offered.

Auto Accident

Our experienced car accident lawyers will gather information about your accident and negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf to get you the compensation you deserve. Free consultation and no up-front fees.

A car accident can be very traumatic, especially if you or a loved one was seriously injured and the at-fault insurance company is trying to low-ball your settlement. An auto accident lawyer helps gather information about your accident and build a case to fight the insurance company on your behalf so you get the compensation you deserve.

Car accident lawyers are personal injury lawyers who represent victims of car accidents where another driver was at fault. An auto accident lawyer will:
Review and gather evidence about the accident, including police reports and contacting eye witnesses;
Make an assessment of the total cost of your accident including medical treatment, lost wages, and the cost to repair your vehicle;
Negotiate a settlement with the other driver's insurance company;
File a lawsuit if a settlement cannot be reached; and
Represent you in court if the case cannot be settled out of court.

There are several reasons to hire a car accident lawyer. An experienced car accident attorney knows the personal injury laws in your state and the games played by insurance companies. They are qualified to negotiate a fair settlement and represent you in court, if a settlement cannot be reached. It is not uncommon for an injury lawyer to settle a claim for at least five times the amount that someone could receive by fighting on their own.

Accident attorneys receive a contingency fee for their work, which means that clients pay nothing upfront. Upon the completion of a successful claim, clients share a percentage with their attorney.

Medical Malpractice

At Tario & Associates, P.S., we represent people injured by medical negligence, including failure to diagnose, birth injuries, and surgical errors. Our firm has the expertise and access to build a case that will get you a full and fair settlement.

If you are struggling with an injury or the loss of a loved one caused by the negligence of a healthcare professional, it can be difficult to obtain the right medical treatment and fight for the damages you deserve.

Since 1979, the medical malpractice attorneys at Tario & Associates, P.S. have been advocating for victims who were injured or died as a result of negligence by doctors and other medical and healthcare providers. Malpractice cases raise complicated medical and scientific questions that require experience and expertise. We can identify negligence and whether a medical provider or organization such as a hospital can be held accountable. Over the past four plus decades, our law firm has evaluated hundreds of cases involving medical and healthcare negligence issues including misdiagnosis, medication errors, birth injuries, surgical negligence, failure to treat, and other matters concerning healthcare such as nursing home abuse.

There are no upfront costs or fees paid by our clients to pursue an injury claim, including medical malpractice claims. We provide representation on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases. While you will not incur any attorney fees if you do not win your case, Washington State law requires clients to reimburse the law firm for out-of-pocket expenses. Our firm advances out-of-pocket costs for our injury clients and does not require our clients to pay any of these costs up front. When cases are concluded with a monetary recovery, our firm is repaid out of the recovery for the out-of-pocket costs we have advanced. Do not let financial losses such as lost wages and medical bills pile up without support from our dedicated law team; we are here to help.

What experience or education distinguishes your lawyers from others?

Michael John Tario has decades of experience representing injured clients in the Pacific Northwest, winning favorable settlements or jury awards for thousands. Since the beginning of his career, he has fought hard to protect his clients' rights, building a reputation as a tough negotiator and trial lawyer. Clients appreciate the hard work he puts into fighting for a fair settlement and how his office staff keep them informed of the process along the way.

He opened his Bellingham office in 1979 and later, his Mount Vernon office in 1988. He prides himself on offering high-quality, local service that the big national law firms simply can't offer.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors). In particular, he studied the psychology and social dynamics of perception and persuasion, focusing on the cognitive processes associated with the development of speech communication skills and persuasion techniques. Mr. Tario’s undergraduate and graduate education afforded him significant insight and skills, directly contributing to his success.

What distinguishes your law firm from others?

Tario & Associates, P.S. employs competent, hard-working, and concerned attorneys and legal staff who have a passion for fighting insurance companies to ensure each client gets a fair settlement. Whenever possible, the firm favors out-of-court solutions but always obtains client approval before closing a case.

We promise to listen to you and treat you with dignity and respect. We will answer any questions that arise and keep you informed on the progress of your case.

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Michael Tario

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings*.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in a wide range of personal injury claims against the interests of insurance companies who are only interested in protecting their bottom line. He has successfully represented over 5,000 clients and negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements. Where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors).

Admitted to Practice Law
Mr. Tario is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court for the State of Washington, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. Mr. Tario has appeared and represented clients on a “pro hac vice” basis in various other states including Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has been a continuing legal education teacher, a judge pro tem, a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Tario is one of the thirty-three founding members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

*Every year since 1997, Mr. Tario has earned a Silver Client Champion Award and a Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating signifies a very high rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. In 2014 he also earned the “Client Distinction Award” from Martindale-Hubbell. He was rated as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals in 2019. Mr. Tario is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and he has earned a “Superb” 10.0 rating and 2012 and 2018 Client’s Choice awards with Avvo. In December 2016, Mr. Tario received the Distinguished Lawyer Designation from the Expert Network, which is only conferred upon the Top 3 percent of Lawyers in North America. In May 2015, Mr. Tario was awarded “Top Rated Lawyer” for Litigation from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2014, he was recognized as being one of the nation’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. In 2013, he was ranked in the “Top Lawyers in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence by the Legal Network. This award is given to those who are recognized for excellence in quality of service; overall value; responsiveness; and communication ability based on actual client reviews. In 2007, the Bellingham Business Journal rated Mr. Tario as “The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit”.

Mr. Tario has made guest appearances or has been interviewed or appeared on various local, national and international television, radio, and news programs, including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC.

Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor. He also enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family.

License

Bar Number: 18075
Washington, 1979

Education

Seattle University Law School
J.D., 1979

University of Wisconsin, Superior
MA - Masters - Honors, 1976

University of Minnesota, Duluth
BA - Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, 1975

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Michael Tario

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings*.

Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in a wide range of personal injury claims against the interests of insurance companies who are only interested in protecting their bottom line. He has successfully represented over 5,000 clients and negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements. Where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.

Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors).

Admitted to Practice Law
Mr. Tario is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court for the State of Washington, the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, and the Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. Mr. Tario has appeared and represented clients on a “pro hac vice” basis in various other states including Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has been a continuing legal education teacher, a judge pro tem, a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Tario is one of the thirty-three founding members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

*Every year since 1997, Mr. Tario has earned a Silver Client Champion Award and a Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement from Martindale-Hubbell. This rating signifies a very high rating in both legal ability and ethical standards. In 2014 he also earned the “Client Distinction Award” from Martindale-Hubbell. He was rated as one of America’s Most Honored Professionals in 2019. Mr. Tario is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum and he has earned a “Superb” 10.0 rating and 2012 and 2018 Client’s Choice awards with Avvo. In December 2016, Mr. Tario received the Distinguished Lawyer Designation from the Expert Network, which is only conferred upon the Top 3 percent of Lawyers in North America. In May 2015, Mr. Tario was awarded “Top Rated Lawyer” for Litigation from Martindale-Hubbell. In 2014, he was recognized as being one of the nation’s “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” by the National Trial Lawyers Association. In 2013, he was ranked in the “Top Lawyers in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence by the Legal Network. This award is given to those who are recognized for excellence in quality of service; overall value; responsiveness; and communication ability based on actual client reviews. In 2007, the Bellingham Business Journal rated Mr. Tario as “The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit”.

Mr. Tario has made guest appearances or has been interviewed or appeared on various local, national and international television, radio, and news programs, including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC.

Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor. He also enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family.

License

Bar Number: 18075
Washington, 1979

Education

Seattle University Law School J.D., 1979


University of Wisconsin, Superior MA - Masters - Honors, 1976


University of Minnesota, Duluth BA - Bachelor of Arts Cum Laude, 1975


Tario & Associates, P.S.
Oralie Chapman

Tario & Associates, P.S.
Oralie Chapman

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

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.

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

* Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers. Any past disbarments and suspensions (with possible exceptions for minor violations or nonpayment of dues, in our discretion) will be indicated accordingly in the badge. Member attorneys are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.