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Michael John Tario

Michael John Tario

Founding Personal Injury Lawyer with over 40 years of experience
  • Personal Injury, Medical Malpractice, Maritime Law ...
  • Washington, Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
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Biography

Over the past four decades, Michael John Tario has become one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his Bellingham practice in 1979, followed by his Mount Vernon office in 1988, and has earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of the clients he has helped as shown by his many awards, reviews, and high ratings.

Mr. Tario practices plaintiff personal injury law with a passion for negotiating the maximum possible settlement for his injured clients. During his career, Mr. Tario has successfully represented over 6,000 clients and recovered more than $600 million in damages for people injured through no fault of their own. He has negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements, but where settlement was not possible, he 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 providing his clients with “top notch” representation while keeping them informed of the process along the way. While no lawyer can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario has a very favorable win/loss record. You could say that he has a “proven record of success” based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice. He is truly #1 in Bellingham and Mount Vernon for experience and proven client satisfaction.

Mr. Tario has resided in Bellingham, Washington since 1979 after he graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School (now Seattle University Law School). Mr. Tario has made guest appearances or has been interviewed or appeared on various local, national and international television, radio, and news programs, including “The O’Riley Factor” (Fox News), “Court TV”, NPR, PBS, MSNBC, CNN, ABC, and NBC.

Education
Seattle University School of Law
J.D. | Law
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Seattle University School of Law Logo
University of Wisconsin - Superior
M.A. (1976) | Communication
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Honors: Graduated with honors
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University of Minnesota - Duluth
B.A. (1975) | Communication Psychology
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Honors: Cum Laude
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Professional Experience
Attorney, Owner
Tario & Associates, P.S.
- Current
Judge
Judge ProTem - Part time at Whatcom County District Court
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Legislative & Statute Analyst
Washington State Counsel on Crime and Deliquency
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Alaska Fishing Boat Murders
People Magazine - Interview
Speaking Engagements
Jury Selection, Criminal Defense Seminar
Privacy and Eavesdropping, O'Reilly Factor - No Spin Zone - Bill O'Reilly - Fox News
The Fourth Amendment and Privacy Interests, National Public Radio
Awards
Silver Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbell
Award for high customer ratings.
Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement
Martindale-Hubbell
Award for high peer ratings
Clients' Choice Award
Avvo
Client's Choice Award
Avvo
Client Champion
Martindale-Hubbell
Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Acheivement
Martindale-Hubbell
“Very High–Distinguished” and a "BV Distinguished"
Martindale-Hubbell
“Very High–Distinguished” and a "BV Distinguished" rating from Martindale-Hubbell which signifies a very high rating in both Legal ability & Ethical Standards.
“Superb” 10.0 rating
Avvo
Top 100 trial lawyers
National Trial Lawyer's Association
Top Lawyer in Washington
The Legal Network
Ranked as a “Top Lawyer in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence
The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit
The Bellingham Business Journal
Professional Associations
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum
Member
- Current
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Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Founding Member
- Current
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National Association Of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Member
- Current
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Washington State Bar  # 10845
Member
- Current
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American Bar Association
Member
- Current
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American Trial Lawyers Association
Member
- Current
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Federal Bar Association Western District Washington
Member
- Current
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Washington State Association for Justice
Member
- Current
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NPR
The Fourth Amendment and Privacy Interests
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O'Reilly Factor - No Spin Zone - Bill O'Reilly - Fox News
Privacy and Eavesdropping
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Law Advocates - Whatcom County
Board of Directors
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Jury Selection
Criminal Defense Seminar
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Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Washington
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9th Circuit
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Federal District courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington
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U.S. Supreme Court
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Fees
  • Free Consultation
    Up to 45 minutes
  • Credit Cards Accepted
    Cash, Check or credit card
  • Contingent Fees
    33%-40%
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Fixed (Sometimes), Hourly ($240-$275/hour), Retainer (Sometimes)
Practice Areas
Personal Injury
Brain Injury, Car Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Premises Liability, Truck Accidents, Wrongful Death
Medical Malpractice
Birth Injury, Medical Misdiagnosis, Pharmacy Errors, Surgical Errors
Maritime Law
Products Liability
Drugs & Medical Devices, Motor Vehicle Defects, Toxic Torts
Additional Practice Areas
  • Car Accidents
  • Wrongful Death
Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
  • French: Spoken, Written
Websites & Blogs
Website
Website
Blog
Tario & Associates, P.S.
Contact & Map
Tario & Associates, P.S.
Main Office - Bellingham
Bellingham Towers
119 N Commercial St. #1000
Bellingham, WA 98225
Telephone: (360) 671-8500
Fax: (360) 733-7092
Monday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed
Tario & Associates, P.S.
Mount Vernon Office
414 Pine St
Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Telephone: (360) 336-6666
Monday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Tuesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Wednesday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Thursday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Friday: 10 AM - 5 PM
Saturday: Closed (Today)
Sunday: Closed