Who We Are
30 Years: Skill, Experience, Results
We're best at working hard for our clients: looking through every document, exploring every legal precedent, and leaving no equitable or legal stone unturned to achieve the best outcome possible. This is what we're best at. This is our expertise.
Mark D. Olson
Mediator. Counselor. Attorney.
Mark began practicing family law in Seattle, Washington more than 30 years ago. Some words that mean the same thing as "thirty years" are "experienced" and "wise" and "understanding." Mark has litigated complex, high-profile cases as well as cases that are resolved without a murmur. He is at ease with multi-million dollar settlements and he continues to enjoy the satisfaction pro bono work offers. He has led clients to settle quietly, to not settle at all, and to settle for more than they thought they deserved.
Mark has seen enough to know what works and what doesn't. He offers advice couched in experience. And his creativity in problem solving as a mediator is matched only by the level of his care and concern that each party leave the process with a new direction and new possibility.
Mark has argued before the United State Supreme Court, sat as the Chair of the Family Law Section for the Washington State Trial Lawyer's Association, is past president of the Northwest Children's Fund, and has served on the alumni board at The Lakeside School. With his children grown, he spends his time outside the office working his third generation, family-owned farm with his wife, Leslie Olson.
Leslie Carman Olson
Expert Witness. Arbitrator. Attorney.
Leslie Carman Olson applies her 20 years of experience in and out of the courtroom to her role as expert witness, arbitrator, and advocate. To say Leslie is committed is to suggest that the Grand Canyon is a muddy ditch. She works with such thoroughness, that she sometimes uncovers material that surprises everyone — even her clients. Whether working with complex business structures, tax considerations, hidden assets, or marital waste, Leslie’s deep understanding of the law, its shortcomings and its generosity, guides her work and pushes her to always look for more. In the courtroom, she is strong and determined. In settlement, she is direct, clear and firm.
Leslie cares deeply about the unique issues each of her clients face and tailors her approach to a case to address those issues. Long before marriage equality was adopted in Washington State and then after its passage, Leslie has represented LGBTQ clients in matters such as de facto parenting, equitable division of property, and other family matters. For nearly 2o years, Leslie has advocated with attention to the concerns and goals of her BIPOC clients in the context of prenuptial agreements, divorce, parenting, and support issues. As families have become more international, she has widened her practice to address international legal issues for clients from countries such as Mexico, India, China, Russia, Germany, France, England, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.
Leslie has received a Preeminent AV rating by Martindale Hubbell for legal ability and highest ethical standards. She is also a named SuperLawyer by SuperLawers of Thomson Reuters. Avvo.com has rated her 10.0, the highest rating possible.
Leslie is past chair of the Advisory Board of the U/W Bothell School of Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences, where she worked to
support global scholarship for BIPOC, LGBTQ and first generation college students.
She has served with Seattle Art Museum Supporters, and has judged mock trial and appellate advocacy competitions at U/W and Seattle U.
