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In 1980, Mark Olson began practicing family law in Seattle, Washington. Mark has been at this for close to thirty years, not counting a stint while still in the womb. Some words that mean the same thing as "thirty years" are "experienced" and "wisdom" and even "understanding." In close to thirty years Mark has litigated complex, high-profile cases as well as cases that are resolved without a murmur. He is at ease with multimillion-dollar settlements and he continues to enjoy the satisfaction that pro bono work offers. He has led his clients to settle quietly, to not settle at all, and to settle for more than they thought they deserved. He offers advice couched in experience. Mark has argued before the United States Supreme Court, sat as the Chair of the Family Law Section for the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, is past president of the Northwest Children's Fund and has served on the alumni board at The Lakeside School. He is currently watching children grow up with his wife, Leslie Olson. He is most proud of this last item.
Leslie Olson was admitted to practice in Washington in 2000. She won a coveted position to clerk for the Washington State Court of Appeals for two years, where she briefed cases and drafted opinions for the court. She joined Mark Olson in his practice in 2002 and has been showing him what's what ever since. To say that Leslie is driven is to suggest that the Grand Canyon is a muddy ditch. She works so hard for her clients that sometimes she ends up uncovering material that surprises everyone - even her clients. Leslie's deep understanding of the law, its short-comings and its generosity, guides her work and pushes her to always look for more. In the courtroom she is relentless, strong and determined. In mediation, she is clear and firm. The complexity of multi-million dollar cases does not faze her and her commitment to our community is reflected in her pro bono work. Her reputation as a trial lawyer precedes her and an increasing number of opposing parties seem to prefer to settle. Which is fine with her considering that staying out of the courtroom means more time with her children and husband, Mark Olson.
The support staff of Olson & Olson put up with a lot. That goes without saying given the nature of the partners' relationship. Playful laughter, questionable eye contact and good-bye kisses - it doesn't get any worse than this.
Holly got her BA in political science with an emphasis in international politics and foreign languages from the University of Washington, has studied abroad in Guadalajara, lived in Germany and promises she's not bored with her office job. Her specialty is tracking cases, managing the details and anticipating when Mark or Leslie will need an obscure document. She has an uncanny ability to make everything better and for this we are grateful.
With over twenty years of experience in the legal field, Heather provides valuable support to the Olson & Olson team. Her experience ranges from family law to civil rights and employment law as well as the truly exciting criminal law. She raises Shetland Sheepdogs and Persian and Himalayan cats, which makes her an animal person. This would lead one to anticipate that she is kind to all living things. We like having someone like this on our team.
Matt comes to Seattle by way of Jackson, Tennessee and still refers to his new home as "out here." We can't hold this against him, though, because the services he provides are too valuable for silly little pokes like that. He got his political science degree from the University of Tennesse and followed that up with a stint as a legal aide for the State of Tennesse in the Department of Children Services. He's looking forward to attending law school "out here."
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