Paul Tonella, Business Attorney in Seattle, Washington
Over 37 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Family Law, and Trusts
Seattle, WA
Practicing business in Seattle since 1989.
- 37+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Paul Tonella?
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Quick answer
Paul Tonella is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Seattle, WASHINGTON
- Experience
- over 37 years
- Known for
- Business · Family Law · Trusts
- Handles Business, Family Law, and Trusts matters from Seattle, WASHINGTON.
- Over 37 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026).
About Paul Tonella: Paul Tonella is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Paul takes on
Paul concentrates on business, family law, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Family Law
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Trusts
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Business cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes family law 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Seattle, Washington
Paul takes trusts 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 Paul agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Paul Tonella — business lawyer in Seattle
Paul Tonella is an attorney based in Seattle, WASHINGTON. The practice focuses on Business, Family Law, and Trusts. Paul has over 37 years of legal experience.
Paul Tonella practices in Keller Rohrback's business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families, and businesses in tax and general legal matters.
He brings a wide range of experience in entity formation, contracts, purchases and sales of companies, personalized estate planning and probate and trust administration.
How Paul handles business matters
Paul Tonella practices in Keller Rohrback's business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families, and businesses in tax and general legal matters. He brings a wide range of experience in entity formation, contracts, purchases and sales of companies, personalized estate planning and probate and trust administration.
The kind of cases Paul takes
Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, family law, and trusts matters in Seattle and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Washington
J.D. · 1989
Jurisdictions
Paul's state bar admissions
Washington, Washingt
1989 · ACTIVE
Paul studied at J.D. in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Paul completed J.D. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Paul has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Litigation - Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026).
Locations
Paul Tonella's office in Seattle
Paul's primary office is at 1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle, Washington, 98101. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Paul Tonella
Paul 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 Paul Tonella can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Paul Tonella — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Seattle, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business 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 Paul
Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Paul Tonella
How much does it cost to hire Paul for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in Washington typically take?
Simple business 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Seattle?
Paul 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 — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new business clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington
Paul handles business matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Seattle handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.


