Atty. David B. Starks
David B. Starks is a Partner at the Pacific Northwest family law firm McKinley Irvin, PLLC.
Family Law Attorney · Serving Seattle, WA
Profile Summary
About David B. Starks at a Glance
David B. Starks is a family law attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at McKinley Irvin. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association, Oregon, Oregon State Bar, and Texas, State Bar of Texas. Educated at Seattle University (J.D., 1998). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Family Law (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Rated 10 out of 10 "Superb" on Avvo.com (2026). Serves clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About David B. Starks
- David B. Starks is a Partner at the Pacific Northwest family law firm McKinley Irvin, PLLC. He is a Fellow of both the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) and the International Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (IAML), and current president of the Washington chapter of the AAML
- David’s practice concentrates on divorce cases involving difficult custody matters as well as the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests
- His passion for resolving complex family law matters has also led him to routinely represent clients with international divorce and family law issues, and he is a frequent speaker on international matrimonial topics
- He is a Past Chair of the ABA International Law Section’s Family Law Committee and an ABA Section Advisor to the Drafting Committee for the National Conference of Commissioners on Uniform State Laws as regards the Implementation of the Hague Convention on the Protection of Children
- David is licensed to practice in Washington, Oregon, and Texas and has been designated by his peers as a Super Lawyer (top 100) in Thompson Reuters Washington Super Lawyers magazine and as one of The Best Lawyers in America in the field of Family Law
Practice Areas Explained
David B. Starks's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David B. Starks handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Seattle.
Family Law in Seattle
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
David B. Starks is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Seattle
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 Seattle 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.
Seattle Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Seattle-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.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Seattle Choose David B. Starks
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 David B. Starks's practice in the field of family law.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Washington, Washington State Bar Association, Oregon, Oregon State Bar, and Texas, State Bar of Texas, David B. Starks can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Focused Family Law Practice
Concentrating on family law means David B. Starks's knowledge of relevant statutes, case law, and procedural nuances stays current — unlike generalist practices that spread attention across unrelated fields.
Local Presence in Seattle
A Seattle-based practice means David B. Starks 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 David B. Starks Handles in Seattle
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters David B. Starks 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 David B. Starks directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find David B. Starks Online
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David B. Starks's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions
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