Jay Palmer Derr, Environmental Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 44 years of legal practice · focused on Environmental, Litigation, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratVan Ness Feldman Llp
Seattle, WA
Practicing environmental in Seattle since 1982.
- 44+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you Jay Palmer Derr?
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Quick answer
Jay Palmer Derr is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Real Estate. Jay has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 44 years
- Known for
- Environmental · Litigation · Real Estate
- Handles Environmental, Litigation, and Real Estate matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 44 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Jay Palmer Derr: Jay Palmer Derr is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Real Estate. Jay has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Jay's practice areas in Seattle
Jay concentrates on environmental, litigation, real estate, and zoning. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jay handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Environmental
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Zoning
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Environmental cases in Seattle, Washington
Jay takes environmental 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
Jay takes litigation 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington
Jay takes real estate 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Zoning cases in Seattle, Washington
Jay takes zoning 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 Jay agrees to represent you.
Biography
Jay Palmer Derr, environmental attorney serving Seattle
Jay Palmer Derr is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Environmental, Litigation, and Real Estate. Jay has over 44 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Van Ness Feldman Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Jay works from Seattle, Washington and takes on environmental matters across the region.
Jay Palmer Derr is a lawyer practicing land use, civil litigation, real estate and 2 other areas of law. Jay received a B.S. degree from Michigan State University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Jay practices at Van Ness Feldman LLP in Seattle, WA.
How Jay handles environmental matters
Jay Palmer Derr is a lawyer practicing land use, civil litigation, real estate and 2 other areas of law. Jay received a B.S. degree from Michigan State University in 1979, and has been licensed for 44 years. Jay practices at Van Ness Feldman LLP in Seattle, WA.
The kind of cases Jay takes
Jay reviews new inquiries case-by-case for environmental, litigation, and real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Jay studied and practices
Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California
J.D. · 1982
Michigan State University
B.S. Agriculture · 1979
Jurisdictions
Jay's state bar admissions
Alaska
1983 · ACTIVE
Washington
1982 · ACTIVE
Jay studied at J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.S. Agriculture in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Jay completed J.D. in Boalt Hall School of Law, University of California and B.S. Agriculture in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jay runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Jay's legal honors and published work
Jay has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Jay Palmer Derr's office in Seattle
Jay's primary office is at 719 2nd Ave., Ste. 1150, Seattle, WA, 98104-1700. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Jay Palmer Derr — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Jay. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing environmental 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 Jay Palmer Derr claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Jay Palmer Derr — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new environmental attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jay usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Jay charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay'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; Jay will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a environmental attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many environmental 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 Jay
Jay discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in environmental practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every environmental 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. Jay confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Jay's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many environmental practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Jay Palmer Derr
How much does it cost to hire Jay for a environmental case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jay walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jay offer a free consultation?
Jay charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jay's office. Some environmental attorneys offer free consults — check Jay's current terms during booking.
How long do environmental cases in Washington typically take?
Simple environmental 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. Jay gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jay take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Jay 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 — Jay 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 Jay?
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. Jay will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jay accepting new environmental clients right now?
Jay's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Environmental attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Jay handles environmental matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified environmental attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated environmental attorneys in Washington
If Jay's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these environmental attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





