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
James D. Stensel
(206) 838-2920 Print Attorney Profile Download vCard LinkedIn Profile AVVO Profile

Practice Areas

  •  

Testimonials

If you are going through the most difficult time in your life because of your divorce, James is the one you need. I had the most crazy divorce one could imagine with the other side lawyer being greedy, lying, unethical, spiteful and the worse you could imagine... well, that was her. Regardless of what she did James stayed true to his core values, provided the best guidance and advice one could. I believe James is absolutely unique and the best at what he does. I would recommend him without hesitation to anyone, anytime, anywhere! I could not have asked for a better person and a lawyer to be by my side!
Michael - via AVVO
James was my attorney as I filed divorce from my husband, having signed a prenup under duress. We have two minor children. James was able to strategize all the way, and knew every fact of my case, through the custody issues and also settled my case in a manner that protected me, as I had signed a prenup (which would have been an uphill battle to overturn) and provided a very fair amount for me to re start my life. Most of all, he and his paralegal Honor really understood the complex emotional issues along the way and treated me with respect and dignity. The communication along the way was beyond excellent. He acted throughout with great honesty and integrity.
Anonymous - via AVVO
James Stensel was invaluable during my high conflict divorce which lasted over 16 months. During that time, James was thoroughly proficient, attentive, and focused on the issues at hand enabling him to deliver amazing court document responses. During the most emotionally driven years of my life, James always remained calm, confident and enlightened with the law enabling my journey through our justice system tolerable. Having to step up and redefend me in a case that started 30 months ago, he hasn’t forgotten a detail. His delivery in court is well prepared and confident. And best of all, his ethics and integrity are strong and he’s just flat out an amiable and cordial man. I would highly recommend him.
Anonymous - via AVVO