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McKinley, Sands

Sands McKinley - Seattle, WA

Attorney at McKinley Irvin

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Family Law Lawyers in Seattle, WA

601 Union Street Suite 3030 Seattle, WA 98101

206-489-0991 Call Now Email Website Website

Seattle Family Law Lawyer

Updated: 03/02/2026

Areas of Practice

  • Family Law

Attorney Information

Overview

Sands McKinley, Founding Partner, McKinley Irvin

Sands is a founding partner of McKinley Irvin and the firm's managing partner. Together with his partners, they have built a firm focused on client service and care, professionalism, expansive legal knowledge and a strong infrastructure.

"At the heart and soul of this firm is a commitment to excellence in every aspect of serving our clients," says Sands. "Our motto is: 'Be more professional, be more prepared, be more fearless, and always negotiate from a position of strength.' It is not possible to work at McKinley Irvin if you do not share both this level of commitment and deep caring and compassion for our clients."

"Family law is extremely emotional," he notes. "The ante is high when it comes to children, property, and reputation. We act as our clients' sword and shield. We are as prepared for polite and meaningful negotiation as we are for a court battle. The overriding goal is the same in each case: protect our clients' interests and achieve their goals."

Before stepping out of active practice to focus on full-time management, Sands represented clients in over 200 contested family law cases. He also represented individuals in small and mid-size businesses in planning, formation, contract drafting and negotiation, and litigation matters. Clients included industrial contractors, trade associations, construction contractors, retail food service franchises, real estate investors and developers, information technology companies, and many others.

To learn more about Sands McKinley, visit https://www.mckinleyirvin.com/Attorney-Profiles/Sands-McKinley.aspx.

Education

  • Legal Education

    • Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington, 1990
      JD

  • Non Legal Education

    • Pacific Lutheran University, Tacoma, Washington
      B.A.
      Major: Political Science and Legal Studies

Current Employment Position(s)

  • Founder

Languages

  • English (Primary)

Published Works

Articles

  • Editorial: Response to Supreme Court, 2007
  • Collaborative Law: What You Need to Know Now, 2007
  • Top 10 Ways to Choose a Family Law Attorney Who is Right for You, 2006
  • "OK, You Get the House, But I Get the Tupperware!", The Law Book Special Section of the Eastside Journal, 2002
  • Divorce and Family Law, (Co-Author with Rita Herrera Irvin), Washington State, 1998
  • "Ending a Marriage and Preserving a Partnership", Puget Sound Business Journal, August 24, 2007
  • "Divorce and Business, Avoid the Pitfalls When a Marriage Crumbles", Puget Sound Business Journal, March 23, 2007

Bar Admissions

  • Washington, 1991

Other Affiliations

  • Washington State Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
  • American Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)
  • King County Bar Association (Member, Family Law Section)

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Contact

Google Map

Seattle, WA

601 Union Street
Suite 3030
Seattle, WA 98101

Directions

Phone: 206-489-0991

Fax: (206) 223-1999

Email: Send a message

Hours: Monday - Friday: 8:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M.

  • Credit Cards Accepted

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