Sands MicKinley & Rita Irvin, Co-Founders

They started out over 20 years ago—new married couple, new law partners, in a new hole-in-the-wall office, and in the middle of a recession. Just Sands, Rita, their paralegal, and their bookkeeper/receptionist. They worked tirelessly, often times passing one another while driving to and from court, home and office. Though they were young, they were wired similarly. Mediocrity was not in their vocabulary. And they were very clear on, and passionately committed to, a common vision of the kind of firm they wanted to build. First, they determined that they would do whatever it took to protect their clients’ well-being and what they valued most; second, they would build a world-class firm that consisted of not only great lawyers, but of great human beings; and, third, they would become the premiere family law firm in the region.

Today, McKinley Irvin serves a roster of appreciative clients from their offices in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, and Portland. They have over 75 leading family law attorneys and staff, many of whom they call both ‘partner’ and ‘friend.’ They continue their relentless pursuit of protecting their clients’ vital interests. While Sands and Rita can be proud of having attained their original goals, they continue to set their sights on new ones. Among them? To be the premiere family law firm in the country. I wouldn’t bet against them.