Michael J. Tario - Bellingham, WA
Attorney at Tario & Associates, P.S.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Bellingham, WA
Bellingham Towers 119 N Commercial St. #1000 Bellingham, WA 98225
- Free Consultation
Bellingham Personal Injury Lawyer
Updated: 05/13/2026
Areas of Practice
- Personal Injury
- Car accidents
- Wrongful Death
Attorney Information
Overview
Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his prominent Bellingham practice in 1979 and has earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of his clients as exemplified by his many awards, high ratings, and customer reviews.
Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties in a wide range of personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death. He and his legal team have successfully represented over 6,000 clients and recovered more than $900 million in damages on their behalf. He has negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements, but where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients.
Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in almost 50 years in practice.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You-BBJ, 2007
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2010
- Clients' Choice Award-AVVO, 2012
- Very High Legal Ability Distinguished for Fifteen Years-Lexis Nexis, 2013
- Top Lawyers in Washington-The Legal Network, 2013
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers-National Trial Lawyers Association, 2013
- Client Distinction Award-Martindale-Hubbell, 2014
- Superb Rating-AVVO, 2014
- Top 100 Trial Lawyers-National Trial Lawyers Association, 2014
- BV Distinguished Attorney for 18 Years-Martindale-Hubbell, 2015
- Avvo Client's Choice Award, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
- Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
- Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018
- Silver Client Champion Award, 2019
- 2014 “Superb” 10.0 rating
Education
-
Legal Education
-
Seattle University School of Law,
Seattle,
Washington, 1979
J.D.
-
Seattle University School of Law,
Seattle,
Washington, 1979
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Non Legal Education
-
University of Wisconsin, Superior,
Superior,
Wisconsin, 1976
M.A.
Honors: With High Honors -
University of Minnesota, Duluth,
Duluth,
Minnesota, 1975
B.A., Bachelor of Arts
Honors: cum laude
-
University of Wisconsin, Superior,
Superior,
Wisconsin, 1976
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Founding Attorney, since 1979
Bar Admissions
- Washington, 1980
- U.S. Supreme Court
- Washington State Supreme Court
- U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
- U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
- U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington
Other Affiliations
- National Trial Lawyers Association, 2013 - Present (Top 100 Trial Lawyers)
- The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2010 - Present (Member)
- Law Advocates - Whatcom County, 1994 - 1996 (Board of Directors)
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 1986 - Present (Founding Member)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 1981 - Present (Member)
- American Trial Lawyers Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
- American Bar Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
- Washington State Bar Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
- Washington State Association for Justice, 1980 - Present (Member)
- Federal Bar Association Western District Washington, 1980 - Present (Member)
Photo
Contact
Bellingham Towers
119 N Commercial St.
#1000
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 866-942-1192
Fax: (360) 733-7092
Email: Send a message
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https://www.tariolaw.com/
- https://www.tariolaw.com/blog/ (Personal Injury Blog)
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