James E Sedney, Criminal Defense Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 52 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Workers Comp · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatLaw Office of James E. Sedney
Seattle, WA
Practicing criminal defense in Seattle since 1974.
- 52+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you James E Sedney?
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Quick answer
James E Sedney is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Workers Comp. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James E. Sedney. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 52 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Workers Comp
- Handles Criminal Defense and Workers Comp matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 52 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James E Sedney: James E Sedney is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Workers Comp. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James E. Sedney. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James E Sedney
James concentrates on criminal defense and workers comp. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Seattle, Washington
James takes criminal defense matters in Seattle, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Workers Comp cases in Seattle, Washington
James takes workers comp matters in Seattle, 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 James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James E Sedney — Over 52 years of Washington criminal defense experience
James E Sedney is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Workers Comp. James has over 52 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Office of James E. Sedney. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James E Sedney is a lawyer practicing criminal, workers' compensation, criminal defense. James received a A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Law Office of James E. Sedney in Seattle, WA.
How James handles criminal defense matters
James E Sedney is a lawyer practicing criminal, workers' compensation, criminal defense. James received a A.B. degree from Harvard College in 1970, and has been licensed for 52 years. James practices at Law Office of James E. Sedney in Seattle, WA.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and workers comp matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
James E Sedney's legal education and bar admissions
University of Pennsylvania
J.D. · 1974
Harvard College
A.B. · 1970
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Washington
1974 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and A.B. in Harvard College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Pennsylvania and A.B. in Harvard College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James E Sedney
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
Washington State Bar Association Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Association of Trial Lawyers of America Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Workers Injury and Advocacy Group
membership
Locations
James E Sedney's office in Seattle
James's primary office is at 2033 6th Ave., Ste. 800, Seattle, WA, 98121-2567. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Law Office of James E. Sedney
2033 6th Ave., Ste. 800
Seattle, WA 98121-2567
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James E Sedney — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Seattle.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James E Sedney claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James E Sedney — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James'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; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense 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 James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense 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. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James E Sedney
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Washington typically take?
Simple criminal defense 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. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
James 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 — James 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 James?
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. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Washington
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

