David B. Starks

About David B. Starks

Seattle Family Law Attorney

David Starks, with his wide smile, engaging demeanor, quick wit, and laser-sharp legal mind, is, as one colleague recently put it, "Larger Than Life."

That personality has served him well over the years as he has carved out an impressive legal career that few attorneys twice his age can match: Diplomate of the American College of Family Trial Lawyers; Fellow of the International Academy of Family Lawyers; Top 100 Attorneys in Washington State; The Best Lawyers in America; Washington Super Lawyers; and, most recently, Best Lawyers 2022 "Lawyer of the Year" for family law in the Seattle Metro Area.

David is a strategic thinker, a gifted advocate, and a warm "people person" who believes that "law, even as an imperfect human creation, is capable of great things." Every day, he demonstrates this by representing clients in divorce cases involving the protection, valuation, and distribution of significant assets or business interests, as well as other cutting-edge family law matters such as international divorce and child custody.

"Practicing family law is emotionally satisfying for me. I much prefer the personal connection that comes with protecting the rights of my clients and their families to the impersonal process of representing corporations. And I’ve done both."

Whether at the negotiating table or in court, David says he will "go the distance" to resolve each case in the best interests of his clients. And he will do so with kindness and dignity.

David Starks is admired throughout the office for his natural ability to connect with clients and willingness to share his knowledge with younger lawyers. He is the type of professional who can handle the most difficult cases that come in the door with ease.

"You wake up a little earlier than the other guy. You work a little later,” he explains. “And you make sure you’ve done everything you can to ensure the best possible outcomes. That’s what exceptional lawyering is all about. And that’s the standard we have set for ourselves at McKinley Irvin."