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Michael D. Johnson
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Michael D. Johnson
Michael D. Johnson, Attorney at Law
2135 6th Street
Suite 102
Bremerton, WA 98312
Phone: (360) 373-1228 | Fax: (360) 850-1424
http://www.mdjatlaw.com/
Confident Representation in Family and Divorce Issues
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Ordinary, reasonable people who want to work with their lawyer to amicably solve their divorce or family law issues.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Legal Topic
Divorce
Preferred New Clients
Ordinary, reasonable people who want to work with their lawyer to amicably solve their divorce or family law issues.
Sub-Categories
Divorce
- Alimony/Palimony/Spousal Support
- Annulment
- Child Support
- Custody/Visitation Rights
- Delinquent Support Payments
- Division of Property
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution(ADR)
- Restraining Orders
- Uncontested Divorce
- Collaborative Law
Bar Admissions
WA, Dec 2008
Bar Number: 40983
Other Court Admissions
Washington State.
Association Memberships
Washington State Bar Association, Kitsap County Bar Association, National Alliance of Crime Victims' Advocates.
Continuing Education
I always seek out continuing education which I think is useful to my areas of practice (divorce, family law, family immigration, crime victims' rights), rather than just whatever is most convenient.
Example Cases
I don't think there is a typical divorce or family law case. Every client is unique and requires a unique solution.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Lewis & Clark Law School
City:
Portland
State:
OR
Year:
2008
Focus and Accomplishments:
I focused on practical courses which would help improve my skill as an attorney.
Degree:
B.A., English
School:
Oregon State University
City:
Corvallis
State:
OR
Year:
2004
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
I started my own divorce and family law practice in the beginning of 2009.
I seek to provide efficient solutions to the divorce and family law problems that face ordinary people. I know that divorces and other family law issues can be extremely trying, so I seek to resolve these problems amicably, quickly, and efficiently, without adding a large lawyers' fee to the problem.
Previous Employment Summary
I have worked mostly in somewhat academic positions. I was a research assistant first, and then worked with a judge in Portland.
Activities and Awards
Community service has always been important to me, and I frequently volunteer with Kitsap Legal Services to provide divorce and family law representation to indigent clients, as well as volunteer at their bi-monthly self-help divorce clinic.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is the duty of every citizen to educate himself or herself on the law. I applaud any efforts clients make to learn the law, and hope that I can impart some of my knowledge to them during the course of my representation. However, I also believe it is extremely important to have an impartial, skilled lawyer to help solve problems well and efficiently.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I review documents frequently for indigent/pro bono divorce and family law clients, and am certainly willing to do so for a paying client.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Learning how to go to trial is far too complicated to coach someone. I am more than happy to advise clients on a case they are doing themselves, but I am not a coach; I'm a lawyer.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I did a lot of volunteer work with lawyers and spoke with many lawyers before deciding to go to law school. What struck me about the law was what an incredible tool it was for helping people. I decided to become a lawyer so I could use our legal system to help people solve their problems, protect the weak and unfortunate, and make sure the system works for its citizens.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I come from a fairly poor family that was devoted to serving the public. I think my spirit of public service and service to clients, which I place far ahead of monetary gain, sets me apart from many lawyers.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
Family is important to me and I think divorce and all other family law issues are some of the most incredible problems most people will face. Helping clients navigate through these troubled waters and reach a safe shore gives me particular satisfaction.
What do you like best about your career?
I like having my own practice because it allows me to concentrate on things I think are important, allows me more flexibility to adapt to each client's unique situation, and I can choose to do pro bono work or offer a reduced fee instead of pounding out the billable hours.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner and deal directly with my clients. I share a legal assistant/receptionist who is extremely good as well.
What are your strengths and style?
I think my strength is my style. I really take into account clients' situations, financial and otherwise, and work to tailor my service to their needs as best I can.
Personal Interests:
I am an outdoorsy person and especially enjoy the camping, hiking, and boating up here in Kitsap County.
Office Manager/Assistant
Irina Kinyon.
Fax
(360) 850-1424
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Evenings and weekends by appointment
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Ukrainian.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Yes, collaborative/uncontested divorces are $400 plus the $250 filing fee. However, the case must be truly uncontested.
Hourly Rates
$150 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial consultations, up to one half-hour.
Typical Retainer
$1,000 to $4,000.
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.
