Atty. James White

Atty. James White

James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel. In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender.

Tacoma Tacoma 29 Years Experience 29 year
Call (253) 384-1342

Profile Summary

About James White at a glance

James White is a Member based in Tacoma, Washington, practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, asylum, criminal defense, and immigration. Admitted to practice in Washington (1997). Educated at Seattle University School of Law (J.D., 1996) and University of California - Berkeley (B.S., 1991). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Washington State Bar. Serves clients in Tacoma, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel
  • In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender
  • He was selected to serve as lead counsel for King County’s District Mental Health Court, where he became an impassioned advocate for mentally ill defendants
  • In 2004, James returned to the South Sound area to work on Tacoma and Pierce County criminal defense and gained valuable experience with immigration and asylum law
  • After joining a private criminal defense firm in Seattle to learn the intricacies of DUI law, he and partner Derek Smith founded their own firm, Smith & White, PLLC. James engages in pro bono work and volunteer legal expertise for Centro Latino
  • He coaches youth sports, enjoys dancing and is a founding member of Broodcomb Games
  • He spends his days on Vashon with his two sons and their French bulldog, Charlemagne
  • Past Employment Positions King County District Court for the Mental Health Court, Counsel Pro Bono Activities Volunteer, Tacoma nonprofit organization Centro Latino Professional & Bar Association Memberships • Vashon Island Junior Basketball Member Since: 2005 • Washington State Bar Member Since: 1997

Practice Areas Explained

James White's Areas of Practice

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

DUI / DWI Defense

Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.

James White is one of 26,859 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Washington →

Asylum & Refugee

James White is one of 1,552 asylum attorneys indexed nationally. Browse asylum attorneys in Washington →

Criminal Defense

A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.

James White is one of 190,900 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Washington →

Immigration Law

Immigration attorneys help with green cards, visas, citizenship, asylum, and deportation defense. Find a verified immigration lawyer for your case.

James White is one of 34,874 immigration attorneys indexed nationally. Browse immigration 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 Tacoma 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.

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

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James White

Where is James White's law office located?
James White's law practice is located in Tacoma, Washington. The firm is Smith & White, PLLC. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James White handle?
James White focuses on dui/dwi, asylum, criminal defense, immigration. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
How long has James White practiced law?
James White has 29+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1997.
Where did James White go to law school?
James White earned their education at (J.D., 1996); (B.S., 1991).
How can I contact James White for a consultation?
You can contact James White 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 White received?
James White's notable recognition includes: Peer Reviewed.

Education

J.D.
Seattle University School of Law
- 1996
B.S.
University of California - Berkeley
- 1991

Awards

Peer Reviewed

Bar Admissions

Washington
Admitted: 1997

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