Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay, Bankruptcy Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatRyan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC
Seattle, WA
Practicing bankruptcy in Seattle since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay?
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Quick answer
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Joseph has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Seattle, WA
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Bankruptcy · Business · Chapter 11
- Handles Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11 matters from Seattle, WA.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay: Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Joseph has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay
Joseph concentrates on bankruptcy, business, chapter 11, creditor rights, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Bankruptcy
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Business
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Chapter 11
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Creditor Rights
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Litigation
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Real Estate
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Bankruptcy cases in Seattle, Washington
Joseph takes bankruptcy 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Business cases in Seattle, Washington
Joseph takes business 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Chapter 11 cases in Seattle, Washington
Joseph takes chapter 11 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Creditor Rights cases in Seattle, Washington
Joseph takes creditor 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Seattle, Washington
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay — Over 31 years of Washington bankruptcy experience
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay is a member based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Bankruptcy, Business, and Chapter 11. Joseph has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay is a lawyer practicing business, commercial, civil litigation and 6 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from Whitman College in 1990, and has been licensed for 31 years. Joseph practices at Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC in Seattle, WA.
Joseph's approach to bankruptcy cases
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay is a lawyer practicing business, commercial, civil litigation and 6 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from Whitman College in 1990, and has been licensed for 31 years. Joseph practices at Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC in Seattle, WA.
Clients Joseph works with
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for bankruptcy, business, and chapter 11 matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay's legal education and bar admissions
University of Washington School of Law
J.D. · 1993
Whitman College
B.A. · 1990
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
Oregon
2002 · ACTIVE
Washington
1995 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. in Whitman College.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in University of Washington School of Law and B.A. in Whitman College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Joseph's professional memberships and bar associations
King County, Washington State and American Bar Associations The Colorado Bar
membership
Locations
Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay's office in Seattle
Joseph's primary office is at 401 Union St., Ste. 1500, Seattle, WA, 98101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Ryan Swanson & Cleveland PLLC
401 Union St., Ste. 1500
Seattle, WA 98101
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing bankruptcy attorneys in Seattle.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new bankruptcy attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a bankruptcy attorney in Seattle, 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 Joseph
Joseph 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph'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 Joseph Ahern Griffus Sakay
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a bankruptcy case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some bankruptcy attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph'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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new bankruptcy clients right now?
Joseph'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 Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Joseph 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 Joseph's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these bankruptcy attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.