Brian Michael Barnes, Bankruptcy Attorney in Olympia, Washington
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning · 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
MemberatValz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.
Olympia, WA
Practicing bankruptcy in Olympia since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 4.3 ★
- 3 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Brian Michael Barnes?
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Quick answer
Brian Michael Barnes is a member based in Olympia, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
- Based in
- Olympia, WA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Criminal Defense · Estate Planning
- Handles Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning matters from Olympia, WA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Peer Reviewed.
About Brian Michael Barnes: Brian Michael Barnes is a member based in Olympia, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Brian's practice areas in Olympia
Brian concentrates on bankruptcy, criminal defense, estate planning, family law, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Criminal Defense
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Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Litigation
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Probate
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Bankruptcy cases in Olympia, Washington
Brian takes bankruptcy matters in Olympia, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Olympia, Washington
Brian takes criminal defense matters in Olympia, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Olympia, Washington
Brian takes estate planning matters in Olympia, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Olympia, Washington
Brian takes family law matters in Olympia, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
General cases in Olympia, Washington
Brian takes general matters in Olympia, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Brian Michael Barnes, bankruptcy attorney serving Olympia
Brian Michael Barnes is a member based in Olympia, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Criminal Defense, and Estate Planning. Brian has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.. Rated 4.3 out of 5 from 3 client reviews. Brian works from Olympia, Washington and takes on bankruptcy matters across the region.
Brian Michael Barnes is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal, estate planning/ probate/ wills and 3 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Brian practices at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S. in Olympia, WA.
How Brian handles bankruptcy matters
Brian Michael Barnes is a lawyer practicing bankruptcy, criminal, estate planning/ probate/ wills and 3 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Claremont McKenna College in 1992, and has been licensed for 31 years. Brian practices at Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S. in Olympia, WA.
The kind of cases Brian takes
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, criminal defense, and estate planning matters in Olympia and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Brian studied and practices
University of San Diego School of Law
J.D. · 1995
Claremont McKenna College
B.A. Economics · 1992
Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
Washington
1995 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.A. Economics in Claremont McKenna College.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. in University of San Diego School of Law and B.A. Economics in Claremont McKenna College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Brian's legal honors and published work
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Peer Reviewed
Legal awards and honors
Peer Reviewed.
Locations
Brian Michael Barnes's office in Olympia
Brian's primary office is at West Hills Off. Park II Bldg. 15, 1800 Cooper Point Rd. S.W., Olympia, WA, 98502-1178. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Valz, Houser, Kogut & Barnes, P.S.
West Hills Off. Park II Bldg. 15, 1800 Cooper Point Rd. S.W.
Olympia, WA 98502-1178
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Brian Michael Barnes — 4.3/5 rating from 3 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Olympia.
4.3
3 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian Michael Barnes claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian Michael Barnes — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Olympia, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many bankruptcy matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian
Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in bankruptcy practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every bankruptcy matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many bankruptcy practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian Michael Barnes
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do bankruptcy cases in Washington typically take?
Simple bankruptcy matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside Olympia?
Brian is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Bankruptcy attorneys serving Olympia, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Brian handles bankruptcy matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified bankruptcy attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated bankruptcy attorneys in Washington
If Brian's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Olympia handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

