Elizabeth A. Hershman-Greven, Attorney

Elizabeth Hershman-Greven's keen intellect, winning track record, and competitive, yet compassionate nature have made their mark on Seattle's legal community. And while Elizabeth is well known and admired by members of the bar and bench, she is held in highest esteem by the scores of clients she has served during her impressive career.

What sets this gifted lawyer apart from so many of her peers, colleagues say, is her distinctive approach to clients. That approach combines concern with candor, pragmatism with perseverance, and determination with a healthy dose of realism.

There is a real need for zealous advocates in family law, says the McKinley Irvin senior associate. Our work is not simply esoteric and it is certainly not detached. We are dealing with real lives, real people, and real problems for which there are no easy solutions.

From the outset, Elizabeth works to encourage her clients' proactive involvement in the ultimate success of their cases to ensure the most favorable outcomes for them.

I help my clients invest in their own solutions, she explains, and to make intentional, well-reasoned decisions. I help them be their best in situations that can bring out the worst in people, and to fight hard for justice while keeping their integrity intact.

A prolific writer and sought-after speaker on a range of subjects, Elizabeth focuses her practice on cutting-edge issues of family law for both traditional and nontraditional families. In particular, she is an acknowledged authority on legal matters related to same-sex partnerships.

"Elizabeth represents the best in lawyering. She is smart, dedicated, genuine, compassionate, and an effective advocate. She is also progressive and forward-thinkingtraits that enable her to think and operate outside of the box." --Founding Partner Sands McKinley

No matter the type of case, Elizabeth attempts to minimize the negative impact (and maximize the positive influence) it can have on the people involved.

I never forget that the costs to my clients are huge even if they win, she notes. From the beginning, I offer them my full consideration, my support, and my respect.

"From the minute we met Betsy, my partner and I knew we had a first class professional, who not only was a subject matter expert, but truly took the time to get us fully informed, and did so with concern and care. She gave us information, and a no nonsense approach on what we needed to do. Unbelievably, in less than 30 days, we have settled the suit. It simply wouldn't have been possible with out her. I want to say to anyone needing legal advice, if you want the best, in knowledge, commitment, caring and results, Betsy is for you." --Former Client M.W., Seattle, Washington

"I cannot thank Elizabeth and McKinley Irvin enough for the exceptional representation that she and the firm provided me throughout my marriage dissolution process; I will be forever grateful to Elizabeth and feel that I have found a true, genuine caring and professional individual that I would recommend to anyone looking for legal representation." --Former Client R.M., Renton, Washington

"My partner and I were extremely happy with the service we got from McKinley Irvin. Particularly working with Betsy. She was professional, well-educated on the information we needed and timely with our final product. We would recommend Betsy to friends and will definitely use McKinley Irvin again should the need arise." --Former Client L.C., Seattle, Washington

"Upon hiring Elizabeth, she has been a divorcee client's Dream! My family and friends have commented that they cannot believe how involved and accessible she has been to me throughout my case. She has been in constant contact with me and has been my rock throughout the proceedings.

Elizabeth has been above all compassionate, understanding and has been a shoulder to cry on many times. I have honestly felt like she cares about what happens to me and my children, even though I know she has no personal stake in what happens.

I was lucky and got a great attorney. I know everybody is not that lucky. I cannot say enough about how Elizabeth has handled my case. I am her biggest advocate. I would refer anyone I know to her and your firm." --Former Client, L.B., Seattle, Washington

"From the first time we met, I loved your approach, your friendliness, and the way you worked with me. You made me feel like a partner and a friend and not a client. I really appreciated how you were able to see through my frustration and anger and see that I was an honest and straight, but direct person, just trying to protect myself from unfair treatment. Being able to talk out my frustrations made a huge difference during this time and helped me see thing clearly." --Former Client G.M., Seattle, Washington

"I am overwhelmingly appreciative to have been represented by a firm that champions above all-integrity and a commitment to human welfare. My undying thanks to Elizabeth. It has been blessing upon blessing working with her throughout this legal journey. She is a remarkable attorney and a wonderful human being. She has not only courageously, strategically and compassionately campaigned for my rights, but she has truly mentored me in the process as both a teacher and a friend. --Former Client K.L., Bellevue, Washington