Joel Guay, Civil Rights Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 40 years of legal practice · focused on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment
Seattle Police Dept.
Seattle, WA
Practicing civil rights in Seattle since 1986.
- 40+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Are you Joel Guay?
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Quick answer
Joel Guay is a seattle police dept. based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Joel has over 40 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 40 years
- Known for
- Civil Rights · Criminal Defense · Employment
- Handles Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 40 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Joel Guay: Joel Guay is a seattle police dept. based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Joel has over 40 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Joel takes on
Joel concentrates on civil rights, criminal defense, employment, general, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joel handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Civil Rights
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Criminal Defense
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Employment
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General
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Government
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Civil Rights cases in Seattle, Washington
Joel takes civil rights 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Criminal Defense cases in Seattle, Washington
Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Employment cases in Seattle, Washington
Joel takes employment 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
General cases in Seattle, Washington
Joel 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Seattle, Washington
Joel takes government 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 Joel agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Joel Guay — civil rights lawyer in Seattle
Joel Guay is a seattle police dept. based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Civil Rights, Criminal Defense, and Employment. Joel has over 40 years of legal experience.
Joel Guay is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, employment, government and 6 other areas of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joel practices in Seattle, WA.
How Joel handles civil rights matters
Joel Guay is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution, employment, government and 6 other areas of law. Joel received a B.A. degree from University of California in 1980, and has been licensed for 40 years. Joel practices in Seattle, WA.
Who Joel represents
Joel reviews new inquiries case-by-case for civil rights, criminal defense, and employment matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Washington
J.D. · 1986
University of California
B.A. · 1980
Jurisdictions
Joel's state bar admissions
Washington
1986 · ACTIVE
Joel studied at J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of California.
Law school and academic background
Joel completed J.D. in University of Washington and B.A. in University of California. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joel runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Office locations for Joel Guay in Seattle, Washington
Joel's primary office is at Seattle, WA, 98115-1053. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Joel Guay
Joel has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with Joel Guay can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Joel Guay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new civil rights attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joel usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joel charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel'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; Joel will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a civil rights attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many civil rights 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 Joel
Joel discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in civil rights practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every civil rights 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. Joel confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joel's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many civil rights practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Joel Guay
How much does it cost to hire Joel for a civil rights case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joel walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joel offer a free consultation?
Joel charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joel's office. Some civil rights attorneys offer free consults — check Joel's current terms during booking.
How long do civil rights cases in Washington typically take?
Simple civil rights 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. Joel gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joel take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Joel 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 — Joel 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 Joel?
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. Joel will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joel accepting new civil rights clients right now?
Joel's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Civil Rights attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Joel handles civil rights matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified civil rights attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Joel's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these civil rights attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.
