James D. Stensel
Principal
Practice Emphasis
James is a Principal with the Lasher Family Law Practice Group. His legal career spans more than two decades working in family law. Honed by his experiences, James’s strategy in each case is to focus on creative ways to resolve disputes rather than create them. James also appreciates that clients often have emergent needs that demand swift action, including court intervention. In each case, James’s goal is to help his clients address critical and often complex legal issues through patient, thoughtful, and professional guidance. His representation is primarily focused on preserving client legal rights and interests in the most efficient and effective way.
Since becoming an attorney, James has focused his practice solely on family law. James is experienced in divorce cases involving high net worth, complex finances, jurisdictional issues, and order enforcement. He also has extensive experience litigating in court and navigating the mediation/arbitration process. James understands that the decisions made in a case will affect a client’s personal and financial health for years to come and approaches each case with a long-term-outcome focus and strategy.
Education
- Seattle University School of Law
- Juris Doctor
- CALI Award for Trial Advocacy
- Cheney/Metzger Writing Competition Scholarship Nominee
- Pacific Lutheran University
- B.A. Political Science/Pre-law
- Minor in Philosophy
- Edmonds Community College
- Advanced Paralegal Certificate
Publications/CLEs
- “When Divorce May Be The Only Cure: An Unconventional Approach to Healthcare Access for Sick Spouses,” King County Bar Bulletin, August 2018
- “Divorce Under Tax Reform: The Elimination of the Spousal Support Tax Benefit and Other Changes,” Strafford CLE Webinar, 2019
Professional and Civic
- Recognized by Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America in the practice areas of ‘Family Law’ and ‘Family Law: Arbitration and Mediation (2021 – 2025 eds.)
- Named a “Rising Star,” by Washington Super Lawyers magazine, Family Law, 2019-2024
- Member, Washington State Bar Association
- King County Bar Association
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