Atty. Brian Michael Barnes
Brian Michael Barnes is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal, estate planning/ probate/ wills and 3 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years.
Bankruptcy & More Attorney · Serving Olympia, WA · 31+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Brian Michael Barnes at a Glance
Brian Michael Barnes is a Member based in Olympia, Washington, practicing at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.. They have 31+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1995. Their practice focuses on probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and bankruptcy. Admitted to practice in Washington (1995). Educated at University of San Diego School of Law (J.D., 1995) and Claremont McKenna College (B.A. Economics, 1992). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Olympia, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Brian Michael Barnes
- Brian Michael Barnes is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal, estate planning/ probate/ wills and 3 other areas of law
- Brian received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years
- Brian practices at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S. in Olympia, WA
Practice Areas Explained
Brian Michael Barnes's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Brian Michael Barnes handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Olympia.
Probate in Olympia
Brian Michael Barnes is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in Washington →
Criminal Defense in Olympia
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Brian Michael Barnes is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Washington →
Family Law in Olympia
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Brian Michael Barnes is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Washington →
Estate Planning & Probate in Olympia
An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.
Brian Michael Barnes is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in Washington →
Bankruptcy & Debt in Olympia
A bankruptcy attorney can help you eliminate debt, stop creditor harassment, and protect your home through Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Brian Michael Barnes is one of 104,458 bankruptcy attorneys indexed nationally. Browse bankruptcy attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Olympia
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Olympia are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Olympia Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Olympia-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Olympia or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Olympia Choose Brian Michael Barnes
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Brian Michael Barnes's practice in the field of probate, criminal defense, family law, estate planning, and bankruptcy.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Brian Michael Barnes brings 31+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering probate, criminal defense, and family law, Brian Michael Barnes can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Olympia
A Olympia-based practice means Brian Michael Barnes attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Brian Michael Barnes Handles in Olympia
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Brian Michael Barnes has experience with under Washington law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Brian Michael Barnes directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Brian Michael Barnes Online
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Brian Michael Barnes's Practice Areas & Specializations
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