Atty. James E. Lobsenz

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.

Seattle Seattle 48 J. Erfahrung 48 year
Call (206) 622-8020 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About James E. Lobsenz at a glance

James E. Lobsenz is an attorney based in Seattle, Washington, practforg at Carney Badley Spellman PS. They haand 48+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1978. Admitted to practice in Washington, Washington State Bar Association (1978). Educated at University of California Berkeley (J.D., 1978) 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). Serands clients in Seattle, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

Über uns

  • 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

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Washington

Practforg law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantiand 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 substantiand 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 James E. Lobsenz

Where is James E. Lobsenz's law office located?
James E. Lobsenz's law practice is located in Seattle, Washington. The firm is Carney Badley Spellman PS. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
How long has James E. Lobsenz practiced law?
James E. Lobsenz has 48+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1978.
Where did James E. Lobsenz go to law school?
James E. Lobsenz earned their education at (J.D., 1978); (M.A., 1975); (B.A. Political Science, 1974).
How can I contact James E. Lobsenz for a consultation?
You can contact James E. Lobsenz 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 James E. Lobsenz receiandd?
James E. Lobsenz's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice; Best Lawyers in America — Awards:; Best Lawyers in America — Elected Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers; Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the William O. Douglas Award (2009), Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Education

J.D.
University of California Berkeley
- 1978
M.A.
Stanford University
- 1975
B.A. Political Science
Stanford University
- 1974

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Appellate Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Awards:
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Elected Fellow, American Academy of Appellate Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the William O. Douglas Award (2009), Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the Community Leadership Award (2010), Washington's GLBT Bar Association
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the Civil Libertarian Award (1991), American Civil Liberties Union
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Recipient of the Human Rights Day Award (1985), Seattle Chapter of the United Nations Association
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Washington's Top Attorneys (22 consecutive years including 2026), Washington Super Lawyers
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — Top Lawyer, Seattle Magazine
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — King County's Top Lawyers (2010-2018), Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
- 2026
Best Lawyers in America — King County's Top Lawyers (2010-2018), Seattle Business Magazine
- 2026

Bar Admissions

Washington, Washington State Bar Association
Admitted: 1978

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