Atty. John S. Stocks

Atty. John S. Stocks

John Stocks has represented a lot of high profile clients and argued ground-breaking cases before the biggest courts (WA Supreme Court, 9th Circuit, and all 3 Courts of Appeals). He has been the lead trial attorney in several complex trials, including family law, criminal defense, and civil cases.

Auburn Auburn 35 yrs experience 35 year
Call (253) 499-5972 Book Appointment

Profile Summary

About John S. Stocks at a glance

John S. Stocks is a Shareholder based in Auburn, Washington, practicing at Van Siclen Stocks & Firkins. They have 35+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1991. Their practice focuses on divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, and litigation. Admitted to practice in Washington (1991) and Oregon U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington U.S. District Court for the Easter (2002). Educated at Seattle University School of Law (J.D. Member, 1991) and Centralia Community College (A.G.S., 1986). Recognitions include BV Distinguished. Active member of Washington State Bar Association Oregon State Bar Association Washington State Trial Lawyers Association King County Bar Association South King Bar Association Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Eagle Washington Civil Rights Section of WSTLA. Serands clients in Auburn, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • John Stocks has represented a lot of high profile clients and argued ground-breaking cases before the biggest courts (WA Supreme Court, 9th Circuit, and all 3 Courts of Appeals)
  • He has been the lead trial attorney in several complex trials, including family law, criminal defense, and civil cases
  • He has also settled a lot of cases through mediation, which requires a thorough preparation of the case from the outset
  • Although settlements often yield the best result for most clients, John is not afraid to get a case ready for trial, whether criminal, civil, or family law
  • He has been the lead trial attorney in numerous jury and bench verdicts, including obtaining the largest and first-ever jury verdict for negligent investigation against a law enforcement agency, which involved the Sheriff’s office
  • The case was held in Spokane County Superior Court ($3 Million)
  • Also, John has settled multiple police & government misconduct cases for over seven figures
  • He has also taken numerous cases to trial for divorce clients where the spouse was offered next to nothing, and no one else would take the case
  • One case highlight was achieving a lifetime spousal support award for the wife of a local, semi-famous news anchor (Seattle)
  • another was obtaining a $450,000 property award decision from a Judge (Tacoma) for a husband who was offered $30,000 in settlement!
  • John also has won many large, complex, and/or publicized criminal jury trials, especially including those falsely accused of a crime (yet already being convicted in the media), including over thirty (30) teachers, all resulting in a dismissal of all charges or not guilty verdicts.Now, John heads the family law department with a strong legal team of excellent lawyers and paralegals to address the many legal issues facing individuals in relationship turmoil.Lastly, John has successfully argued several cases before the Divisions I, II, and III of the Court of Appeals
  • John is admitted to practice in the State of Washington and the U.S
  • District Court, both the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
  • John was born and raised in Olympia, Washington, where his father was with the State Auditor’s office for many years
  • He graduated from the University of Washington and then went to law school at Seattle University (formerly University of Puget Sound School of Law)
  • He maintains his residence in King County, and remains active in the community, including Auburn Eagles, Elks, Rotary, Lions Club, Chamber of Commerce, softball associations, and other volunteer organizations
  • He enjoys participating and/or being a spectator in local softball, basketball, baseball, and professional sports
  • John also writes and composes music

Practice Areas Explained

John S. Stocks's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases John S. Stocks 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.

John S. Stocks is one of 50,487 divorce attorneys indexed nationally. Browse divorce attorneys in Washington →

Personal Injury

Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.

John S. Stocks is one of 264,852 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury 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.

John S. Stocks is one of 214,270 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense 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.

John S. Stocks is one of 187,066 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in Washington →

Civil Litigation

Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.

John S. Stocks is one of 454,532 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation 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 Auburn 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 Auburn or all attorneys in Washington.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about John S. Stocks

Where is John S. Stocks's law office located?
John S. Stocks's law practice is located in Auburn, Washington. The firm is Van Siclen Stocks & Firkins. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does John S. Stocks handle?
John S. Stocks focuses on divorce, personal injury, criminal defense, family law, litigation. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Washington.
How long has John S. Stocks practiced law?
John S. Stocks has 35+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1991.
Where did John S. Stocks go to law school?
John S. Stocks earned their education at (J.D. Member, 1991); (A.G.S., 1986).
How can I contact John S. Stocks for a consultation?
You can contact John S. Stocks 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 John S. Stocks received?
John S. Stocks's notable recognition includes: BV Distinguished.

Education

J.D. Member
Seattle University School of Law
- 1991
A.G.S.
Centralia Community College
- 1986

Awards

BV Distinguished

Bar Admissions

Washington
Admitted: 1991
Oregon U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington U.S. District Court for the Easter
Admitted: 2002

Reviews

5.0
2 Review
5 0
4 0
3 0
2 0
1 0
These reviews belong to platform users; they do not constitute advertisement or promotion for the attorney. Opinions are published for informational purposes only.

No reviews yet.