Michael Tario

Michael John Tario is thought of by many as being one of Washington State’s most experienced and successful trial lawyers. In 2007, the Bellingham Business Journal rated Mr. Tario as “The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit”.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 when he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Prior to attending law school, Mr. Tario obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degree in Persuasion and Speech Communication and Psychology (both degrees with Honors). In particular, he studied the psychology and social dynamics of perception and persuasion, focusing on the cognitive processes associated with the development of speech communication skills and persuasion techniques. Mr. Tario’s undergraduate and graduate education afforded him significant insight and skills, which aided in becoming one of Washington state’s most experienced and successful trial lawyers.

Mr. Tario has made guest appearances, or has been interviewed by, or has appeared on, various local, national and international television and radio and news programs including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, NBC.

During his career, Mr. Tario has successfully represented over 2,000 clients. He has negotiated well over one thousand favorable out-of-court settlements, and where settlement has not been possible, has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients. Michael is known for his hard fighting tenacity, his determination, and his commitment to try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no attorney can win every case he/she handles, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in, and out of court since 1979.

Mr. Tario has spent a significant portion of his legal career trying jury trials with substantial success. He generally focuses his practice upon plaintiff personal injury and criminal defense. Mr. Tario is admitted to practice law in the United States Supreme Court, the Supreme Court for the State of Washington, and the Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington. Mr. Tario has appeared and represented clients on a “pro hac vice” basis in various other states including Alaska, Oregon, and California. He has been a continuing legal education teacher, a judge pro tem, a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the American Trial Lawyers Association, the Washington State Association for Justice, the Federal Bar Association for the Western District of Washington, and the National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys. Mr. Tario is one of the thirty-three founding members of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys.

Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor, who enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family.