David B. Starks | Attorney

David Starks is a strategic thinker, a gifted advocate, and a warm people personqualities that serve his clients well. A McKinley Irvin partner, David focuses his practice on divorce cases involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests, as well as other family law matters, including international divorce and family law.

Practicing family law is emotionally satisfying for me, says the honors law graduate who has been named a Seattle Rising Star by Washington Law & Politics magazine. I much prefer the personal connection that comes with protecting the rights of my clients and their families to the impersonal process of representing corporations. People rely on me to guide them and safeguard their interests during one of the most challenging times of their lives, and that is exactly what I do.

David knows what he is talking about. Although he began his family law career as a student intern with McKinley Irvin, he practiced maritime and securities law in federal court following graduation from law school in 1998, gaining significant negotiation and litigation experience in the process. It wasn't long, however, before he began to miss the human interaction he experienced as a family law attorney.

My clients are real people leading active lives with so much riding on the outcome of their cases. I don't forget that, David insists. Their concerns are my concerns. Their stress is my stress. Their worries are my worries.

Whether I am at the negotiating table or in the courtroom, I am always ready to resolve the case in the best interest of the people I represent.

"You wake up a little earlier than the other guy. You work a little later. And you make sure you've done everything you can. That's what family law is all about." --Partner David Starks

While he focuses largely on complex divorce and U.S. family law cases, David is also one of a select few family law attorneys whose practice emphasizes international law and treaties, including the Hague Conventions on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction and the Recovery of Child Support.

These cases move fast and the stakes are very high, David notes. You have to come out prepared and you have to do it right.

"When you find the need to contact a family law attorney, the situation is almost never under pleasant circumstances. You find yourself filled with emotion and uncertainty. While you might be able to find a good lawyer to represent you, I doubt you will ever find one better than David Starks. He and, well, everyone at McKinley Irvin not only provide the best in legal representation but they truly care about you as a person. They go far beyond just the legal aspects of your situation-listening when things look bleak and providing support and personal advice when needed. The caring continues even after your case has concluded. I have found true friends in David and his staff. I can think of no better firm than McKinley Irvin and no better attorney than David Starks..." --Former Client M.L., Seattle, Washington

"Dave, thank you very much for doing such a wonderful job. It has been a pleasure working with you." --Former Client R.C. New Delhi, India

"Wish I had you when I first got divorced. It's so hard to find a reliable lawyer, but I must say, you are one of the best..." --Former Client R.F., Tokyo, Japan

"I would like to make sure I retain David [Starks] and Sam. I cannot think of two better people, or a better law firm to help me through this... Dave has been far more than an attorney to me and Sam has been so supportive. I have had a very hard time with this and without Dave and Sam I am sure there would be no way I could have made it this far. I am sure that when this is completed I will be just fine with being able to afford the time and cost they truly deserve for everything they have done for me. You have all been wonderful." --Former Client M.L., Bellevue, Washington & San Jose, CA

"In our search for a reputable law firm to handle my sister's divorce case, we explored our options until we found the McKinley Irvin law firm. McKinley Irvin have, through our experience, proven to be compassionate, understanding and patient during the long term process of my sister's case. Due to her disabilities she needed more than the legalities and McKinley Irvin was able to provide their expertise as well as the assurance to my sister that her case would be handled in her best interest. We cannot begin to express our gratitude for all that the McKinley Irvin law firm has done for us. We would highly recommend the knowledgeable and dedicated law firm of McKinley Irvin to anyone who might be seeking legal services." --Former Client P.M., Redmond, Washington

"The personal effort was greatly appreciated and I cannot think of any words to express my thanks..." --Former Client M.L., Seattle, Washington