How much does it cost to hire Leif for a probate case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Leif walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Leif offer a free consultation?

Leif charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leif's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Leif's current terms during booking.

How long do probate cases in Washington typically take?

Simple probate 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. Leif gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Leif take my case if I'm outside Seattle?

Leif 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 — Leif 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 Leif?

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. Leif will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Leif accepting new probate clients right now?

Leif's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Leif M. Ormseth, Probate Attorney in Seattle, Washington

Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Probate and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratFikso Kretschmer Smith Dixon

Seattle, WA

Practicing probate in Seattle since 1989.

37+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Probate Real Estate

Are you Leif M. Ormseth?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Leif M. Ormseth is a partner based in Seattle, WA. The practice focuses on Probate and Real Estate. Leif has over 37 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Fikso Kretschmer Smith Dixon. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Seattle, WA
Experience: over 37 years
Known for: Probate · Real Estate

Handles Probate and Real Estate matters from Seattle, WA.
Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Leif's practice areas in Seattle

Leif concentrates on probate and real estate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Leif handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Probate cases in Seattle, Washington

Leif takes probate 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 Leif agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Seattle, Washington

Leif 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 Leif agrees to represent you.

Biography

Leif M. Ormseth, probate attorney serving Seattle

Leif M. Ormseth is a lawyer practicing real estate finance and transactions, probate. Leif received a M.A. degree from University of Colorado in 1984, and has been licensed for 37 years. Leif practices at Fikso Kretschmer Smith Dixon in Seattle, WA.

Working with Leif on a probate matter

Clients Leif works with

Leif reviews new inquiries case-by-case for probate and real estate matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Leif studied and practices

Harvard Law School
J.D. · 1989
University of Colorado
M.A. Mathematics · 1984

Jurisdictions

Leif's state bar admissions

Oregon
1990 · ACTIVE
Washington
1989 · ACTIVE

Leif studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and M.A. Mathematics in University of Colorado.

Law school and academic background

Leif completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and M.A. Mathematics in University of Colorado. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Leif runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Leif's legal honors and published work

Leif has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Leif M. Ormseth's office in Seattle

Leif's primary office is at Market Place Tower, 2025 1st Ave., Ste. 1130, Seattle, WA, 98121-2100. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Fikso Kretschmer Smith Dixon

Market Place Tower, 2025 1st Ave., Ste. 1130

Seattle, WA 98121-2100

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of Leif M. Ormseth — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Leif. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing probate 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 Leif M. Ormseth claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Leif M. Ormseth — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new probate attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Leif usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Leif charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leif'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; Leif will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a probate attorney in Seattle, Washington

A short list to run through before you commit: How many probate 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 Leif

Leif discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in probate practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every probate 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. Leif confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Leif's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many probate practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Leif M. Ormseth

How much does it cost to hire Leif for a probate case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Leif walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Leif offer a free consultation?
Leif charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Leif's office. Some probate attorneys offer free consults — check Leif's current terms during booking.
How long do probate cases in Washington typically take?
Simple probate 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. Leif gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Leif take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Leif 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 — Leif 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 Leif?
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. Leif will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Leif accepting new probate clients right now?
Leif's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Probate attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington

Leif handles probate matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified probate attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Leif's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these probate attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.