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Mary Katherine Plas
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Mary Katherine Plas
Rainbow Family Law, PLLC
2952 A Limited Lane N.W.
Olympia, WA 98502
Phone: (360) 464-3777
http://www.rainbowfamilylaw.com
Recognizing Unique Legal Needs of the LGBTQ Community
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to handle adoption, guardianship, general family law, LGBTQ issues, probate, and estate planning.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Bar Admissions
WA, Jun 2008
Bar Number: 40274
Other Court Admissions
Washington State.
Association Memberships
State Bar Association, Parents, Families & Friends of Lesbians and Gays, Project: Transitions, American Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I am taking classes to become a certified mediator and will be doing volunteer work with the Dispute Resolution Center a non-profit mediation center in Olympia. I also am a member of the SOGILI (Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity Legal Issues) section of the Washington State Bar Association and attend many of the CLEs sponsored by this section
Example Cases
I have successfully represented adopting parents in a number of step-parent adoptions as well as re-adoptions for children who were adoption internationally.
I work with both traditional and LGBTQ couples and families.
I also represent clients in Guardianship actions, Probate matters and Estate and Trust Planning. One of my goals is to assist people in making sound financial planning decisions for their future and for their family's security.
It is crucial for non-traditional couples and families to have an estate plan to protect them and their children in the event of an emergency.
Education
Degree:
Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in Paralegal Studies
School:
University of Toledo
City:
Toledo
State:
OH
Year:
1995
Honors:
Phi Theta Kappa Honors Fraternity, TALA Student of the Year, Dean's List, President's List
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
University of Toledo
City:
Toledo
State:
OH
Year:
2001
Honors:
President's Scholar, James D. Kirkpatrick Memorial Scholarship
Focus and Accomplishments:
Dean's List
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Valparaiso University
City:
Valparaiso
State:
IN
Year:
1989
Focus and Accomplishments:
Majors in Psychology and German, minor in Music
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
Rainbow Family Law is a relatively new firm in Olympia, Washington. We opened our doors in April 2008 providing contracted legal services to other family law attorneys in Washington. Beginning in July 2008, we provided professional attorney services to families seeking assistance with Adoption, Guardianship, Probate and Estate Planning issues. We serve a diverse clientèle and try to make the process of seeking and using attorney services less daunting. We schedule our time around client needs working weekends, evenings and holidays and we have fee schedules and payment plans available.
Rainbow Family Law promotes Equality for All Families. We recognize the unique legal needs of the LGBTQ, Poly, Pagan and other Non-Traditional Communities. Family is not only created by birth and blood but also by choice. For this reason, we support Families of Choice and strive to find solutions to legal issues faced by families of all types. We believe that one's gender identity, sexual orientation, and spiritual practices do not dictate one's ability and commitment to be a good parent or spouse.
Previous Employment Summary
After teaching and working with families for several years, I decided to make some career changes. I earned a certificate in paralegal studies and began working in legal services in 1995 focusing on individuals and families with special needs. Believing in equal access to justice, I worked in legal services for several years going to Law School at night. I graduated from Law School in 2001 and worked for a legal research firm in Ohio before moving to the Pacific Northwest. I worked for a short period of time as an advocate for foster children before taking the Washington bar and starting my own firm in Olympia.
Activities and Awards
ACLU Board of Directors (NW Ohio), Internship with Federal Bankruptcy Court (N. Ohio), Pro Bono legal work via ABLE, Inc (Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc.) a public interest law firm in Toledo, Ohio.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I believe each of us knows our own story the best. No matter how passionate a representative is regarding your issues, you know better than anyone what is "right for you." It is crucial to educate yourself as much as possible so that you know your rights and responsibilities. Ultimately, an attorney can only give you options and point out possible advantages and pitfalls. It is each person's responsibility to choose the best course of action. Our system is set up so that people have a right to represent themselves. NOLO is an excellent provider of sample forms and ideas regarding various legal issues. When you educate yourself, you have a better chance of a positive outcome.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I believe in collaboration. Many clients want to save money by doing some of the documents themselves. In most cases, this is a fine idea and I am willing to work with them. Sometimes, in more complex or contested matters this does not work as well. Like everything else, I look at each case individually to see what works best.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have often met with potential clients who have limited funds to spend on legal fees. Generally, I offer my contact information and invite them to ask questions if necessary. If I can help in an area I am familiar with, I will do so.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
While I know this will sound incredibly corny, I really did decide to be a lawyer because I wanted to "make a difference." As a teacher, I saw so many kids and families who were not good at advocating for themselves. I wanted to be a voice for those who didn't have one.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Teacher, Student, Daughter, Friend, Aunt, Granddaughter, Niece, Significant Other…all of the roles we play help make us better at who we are. For me, having been an adopted child and now having a solid relationship with both my adoptive and birth families gives me a unique perspective on adoption, foster care, guardianship, etc. My heart is definitely in what I do.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Family is number one for me and it makes sense that that is the focus of my work, too. I am passionate about bringing families together and finding real solutions if it becomes necessary for the family members to take different roads.
What do you like best about your career?
Helping people find ways to make their lives better. Law is just an avenue in which one can do that. I help folks use the tools that are out there.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner. I make myself available to clients as they need me. There is definitely a lot of one-on-one attention. I have even hand delivered documents to client's homes or gotten signatures from them at night to make sure deadlines were met. My phone number is available 24/7.
What are your strengths and style?
I am personable and warm. I make an effort to understand the desired outcome of all parties involved. Though I am new, I think that makes me more passionate and open to different/better ways to find solutions for all. I also have life experience that makes me realistic about conflict resolution.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy music, Celtic Mythology, hiking, camping, Civil Rights, environmental concerns and Native American Spirituality.
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
I speak German.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Certain cases may be on a sliding fee or payment schedule depending on the needs of the clients.
Hourly Rates
Hourly rates are $150 for attorney time, $75 for administrative time (subject to change at the beginning of each calendar year).
Free Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is $100 regardless of how much time it takes. This offers the clients the freedom to ask as many questions as they may have and feel comfortable with their representation.
Typical Retainer
If so, what is it? $1,000. The amount remains in an "account" for each client/case and clients are invoiced every 30-60 days to maintain a positive balance in their account. Any remaining money after the case is completed is returned to them.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
