Jan Phillip Olson, Criminal Defense Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General · 4.4/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
MemberatEllis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
Seattle, WA
Practicing criminal defense in Seattle since 1981.
- 45+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 8 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Jan Phillip Olson?
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Quick answer
Jan Phillip Olson is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Jan has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 45 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Jan Phillip Olson: Jan Phillip Olson is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Jan has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Jan's practice areas in Seattle
Jan concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jan handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Seattle, Washington
Jan 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 Jan agrees to represent you.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
Jan takes general 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 Jan agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jan Phillip Olson, criminal defense attorney serving Seattle
Jan Phillip Olson is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Jan has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 8 client reviews. Jan works from Seattle, Washington and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Jan cares deeply for his clients, and combines compassion with a forthright manner in helping men and women accused of crimes navigate through the complexities of the criminal justice system.
Professional and Community Involvement
Jan is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
He and his wife have four children and a grandson. He is a lifelong musical trivia expert, and is an avid collector of a wide variety of musical recordings.
How Jan handles criminal defense matters
Jan cares deeply for his clients, and combines compassion with a forthright manner in helping men and women accused of crimes navigate through the complexities of the criminal justice system. Professional and Community Involvement Jan is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He and his wife have four children and a grandson. He is a lifelong musical trivia expert,…
The kind of cases Jan takes
Jan reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jan studied and practices
University of Idaho
J.D. · 1980
University of Washington
B.A. · 1977
Jurisdictions
Jan's state bar admissions
Washington U.S. Dist
1981 · ACTIVE
Jan studied at J.D. in University of Idaho and B.A. in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Jan completed J.D. in University of Idaho and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jan runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Jan's legal honors and published work
Jan has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Jan's professional memberships and bar associations
Washington State Bar Association Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
membership
Locations
Jan Phillip Olson's office in Seattle
Jan's primary office is at 1700 7th Ave, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA, 98121. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jan Phillip Olson — 4.4/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Jan. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Seattle.
4.4
8 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Jan Phillip Olson claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jan Phillip Olson — 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 Jan usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jan charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jan'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; Jan 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 Jan
Jan 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. Jan confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jan'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 Jan Phillip Olson
How much does it cost to hire Jan for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jan walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jan offer a free consultation?
Jan charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jan's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jan'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. Jan gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jan take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Jan 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 — Jan 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 Jan?
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. Jan will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jan accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Jan'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
Jan 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 Jan'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.
