Craig A Platt

Mr. Platt began his illustrious career at Stanford University Law School. After graduating from Stanford Craig worked for a so called ‘boutique' corporate law firm in downtown Seattle. Craig enjoyed the frequent court appearances. However, he soon learned that representing millionaires was not for him. He wanted to help the little guy. So, he headed for the birthplace of our legal system, London, England where he perfected his craft while working with barristers and solicitors in famous venues like the Old Bailey and the Royal Courts of Justice. He assisted on high profile murder cases and complicated civil law suits, carefully currating a treasure trove of legal tactics he relies upon to this day. After turning down an advance to write a book on the English legal system, Craig decided it was time to head for home to be with his family and friends. Returning to Seattle, Craig put what he had learned in London into practice, establishing a track record as a public defender which was the envy of his peers. Winning awards for his accomplishments, teaching trial techniques to other lawyers and earning a reputation for winning supposedly "impossible" cases, Craig always fought hard for his clients. His tenacity was rewarded with a remarkable string of major victories in complicated trials. Eventually his work drew the attention of the Attorney General in Saipan, who hired Craig as Chief Prosecutor for his office. In Saipan, Craig spearheaded international investigations of organized crime, fought government corruption by prosecuting a long laundry list of public officials, and gained notoriety for his skill and expertise as a trial attorney. He continued his teaching career on Saipan, this time with the Police Academy, where he taught criminal procedure and constitutional law. Returning to the States, Mr. Platt started Craig Platt and Associates, eventually joining forces with his partner, Mimi Buescher, to form Platt and Buescher, Attorneys at Law. Craig Platt has a long list of courtroom victories. Known for his tenacity and creativity, Craig is frequently asked to lecture to lawyer groups as an expert in criminal law (See Craig Platt: Speaking Engagements). His intensity and aggressive approach in the courtroom are offset by his calm and easy going manner with his clients. Craig believes strongly that the first job of every lawyer is to ‘not make things worse'. You won't get a lecture from Craig about the mistakes you've made. He will be too busy helping you to waste any time bringing you down. That tactic is for insecure lawyers who need to prepare their clients for failure by lowering their clients' expectations. Craig takes the opposite approach, striving for the best result in every case. He never blames his clients for difficult cases. He prefers them. Finally, Craig works very hard for his clients. Despite all of his legal expertise and Ivy League education, Craig knows from experience that without hard work, you'll never win. He laughs at those who call him lucky. He likes to say that "The harder I work, the luckier I am." He will work hard for you too. Awards and Honors Super Lawyers® Selectees Craig A Platt included in a Super Lawyers® list Honors Distinguished Service Washington Defender Association , 2008 Phi Betta Kappa Scholarship Award , 1978 Police Academy Outstanding Instructor Award, 1989 Other Sources of Feedback About Craig A. Platt Included on the 2020Washington Super Lawyers list

• Managing Partner

• Craig Platt and Associates, 1990 - 1998
• Platt and Arndt , Managing Partner, 1998 - 2006
• Languages
• English
• Spanish
• German

• Cross Examining Expert Witnesses, Washington Association of Criminal , 2007
• Jury Selection, Washington State Bar Association , 2007
• Jury Selection , Washington Defender Association
• Annual Conference Chair, Washington Defender Association, 2008
• Winning the Losers , Washington Defender Association, 1994

• Washington, 1982
• U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
• U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit

• President of the Washington Defender Association (Member and former President)
• Washington State Bar Association (Member)
• Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member)