Atty. David Starks

Atty. David Starks

Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life. That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers; Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State; The Best Lawyers in America; Washington Super Lawyers, and most recently, Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area.

Seattle Seattle 28 yrs experience 28 year
Call (206) 485-1438 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About David Starks at a glance

David Starks is a Partner based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at McKinley Irvin. They have 28+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1998. Their practice focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, and military. Admitted to practice in Washington (1998), Texas (2008), and Oregon (2010). Educated at Seattle University School of Law (J.D. Cum, 1998) and University of Southern Indiana B.A. English (—). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • Possessing a wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and a laser-sharp legal mind, David Starks is, as one colleague recently put it, Larger Than Life
  • That personality has served him well over the years as he continues to carve out an impressive legal career rarely matched by attorneys twice his age: Diplomate, American College of Family Trial Lawyers
  • Fellow, International Academy of Family Lawyers
  • Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State
  • The Best Lawyers in America
  • Washington Super Lawyers, and most recently, Best Lawyers 2024 “Lawyer of the Year” for family law in the Seattle Metro Area
  • Public rankings and recognitions aside, David is a strategic thinker, a gifted advocate, and a warm “people person” who insists that “law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things.” He proves that every day, representing clients in a wide range of divorce cases involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests, as well as other cutting-edge family law matters, including international divorce and child custody. "Practicing family law is emotionally satisfying for me
  • I much prefer the personal connection that comes with protecting the rights of my clients and their families to the impersonal process of representing corporations
  • And I’ve done both
  • Whether at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, David says he will “go the distance” to resolve each case in his clients’ interests
  • And he will do so with compassion and respect
  • Admired around the office for his innate ability to connect with clients and for his willingness to share his expertise with younger lawyers, David Starks is the kind of professional who can handle with aplomb the toughest cases that come in the door. "You wake up a little earlier than the other guy
  • You work a little later,” he explains. “And you make sure you’ve done everything you can to ensure the best possible outcomes
  • That’s what exceptional lawyering is all about
  • And that’s the standard we have set for ourselves at McKinley Irvin."

Practice Areas Explained

David Starks's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases David Starks handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Divorce

A divorce attorney guides you through property division, spousal support, custody, and the final decree — contested or uncontested.

David Starks is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Washington →

Child Custody & Visitation

David Starks is one of 31,241 child custody attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child custody attorneys in Washington →

Family Law

Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.

David Starks is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Washington →

Child Support

David Starks is one of 24,688 child support attorneys indexed nationally. Browse child support attorneys in Washington →

Military Law

Military attorneys for court-martial, discharge upgrades, veterans benefits, and military family matters.

David Starks is one of 8,613 military attorneys indexed nationally. Browse military attorneys in Washington →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

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 andnue, 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.

Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about David Starks

Where is David Starks's law office located?
David Starks's law practice is located in Seattle, Washington. The firm is McKinley Irvin. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does David Starks handle?
David Starks focuses on divorce, child custody, family law, child support, military. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
How long has David Starks practiced law?
David Starks has 28+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1998.
Where did David Starks go to law school?
David Starks earned their education at (J.D. Cum, 1998); (—).
How can I contact David Starks for a consultation?
You can contact David Starks directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has David Starks received?
David Starks's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Education

J.D. Cum
Seattle University School of Law
- 1998
University of Southern Indiana B.A. English
- In Progress

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

Washington
Admitted: 1998
Texas
Admitted: 2008
Oregon
Admitted: 2010

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