Atty. James E. Lobsenz
James E. Lobsenz maintains an extensive appellate practice in both state and federal courts, with substantive experience in constitutional law, freedom of speech, police misconduct, civil rights, criminal defense, employment law, and evidence.
Appellate Practice & More Attorney · Serving Seattle, WA · 48+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James E. Lobsenz at a Glance
James E. Lobsenz is a criminal defense and appellate attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practicing at Carney Badley Spellman PS. They have 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association (1978). Educated at Stanford University (B.A. Political Science, 1974) and Stanford University (M.A., 1975). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Serves clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James E. Lobsenz
- James E. Lobsenz maintains an extensive appellate practice in both state and federal courts, with substantive experience in constitutional law, freedom of speech, police misconduct, civil rights, criminal defense, employment law, and evidence
- After clerking for Associate Justice Mathew O. Tobriner of the California Supreme Court and Chief Justice Vincent L. McKusick of the Supreme Judicial Court of Maine, he joined King County as a deputy prosecuting attorney before serving as a public defender and transitioning to private practice
- He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at Seattle University, teaching constitutional law, the First Amendment, and civil rights litigation
- Lobsenz is an elected Fellow of the American Academy of Appellate Lawyers and has been named a top attorney in Washington State by Super Lawyers Magazine for 22 consecutive years, including 2026
- He has received the William O. Douglas Award from the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Civil Libertarian Award from the Washington ACLU, and the Community Leadership Award from Washington's GLBT Bar Association
- He has been recognized in Best Lawyers since 2025
Practice Areas Explained
James E. Lobsenz's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James E. Lobsenz handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Seattle.
Criminal Defense in Seattle
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
James E. Lobsenz is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Washington →
Appellate Practice in Seattle
Appellate attorneys for civil and criminal appeals at state and federal court.
James E. Lobsenz is one of 85,572 appellate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse appellate 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.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Seattle or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Seattle Choose James E. Lobsenz
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 James E. Lobsenz's practice in the field of criminal defense and appellate.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James E. Lobsenz brings 48+ 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 criminal defense and appellate, James E. Lobsenz can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Seattle
A Seattle-based practice means James E. Lobsenz attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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