Michael J. Tario

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the gratitude of his clients as exemplified by his many awards, high ratings, and customer reviews. Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in Whatcom, Skagit, Island, and Snohomish counties in a wide range of personal injury claims, including motor vehicle accidents, pedestrian accidents, and wrongful death. He and his legal team have successfully represented over 6,000 clients and recovered more than $600 million in damages on their behalf. He has negotiated thousands of favorable out-of-court settlements, but where settlement has not been 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 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 they handle, 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 in over 40 years in practice. Awards and Honors Honors Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You-BBJ, 2007 Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2010 Clients' Choice Award-AVVO, 2012 Very High Legal Ability Distinguished for Fifteen Years-Lexis Nexis, 2013 Top Lawyers in Washington-The Legal Network, 2013 Top 100 Trial Lawyers-National Trial Lawyers Association, 2013 Client Distinction Award-Martindale-Hubbell, 2014 Superb Rating-AVVO, 2014 Top 100 Trial Lawyers-National Trial Lawyers Association, 2014 BV Distinguished Attorney for 18 Years-Martindale-Hubbell, 2015 Avvo Client's Choice Award, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 Martindale-Hubbell Client Champion, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Achievement, January 1, 2018 - December 31, 2018 Silver Client Champion Award, 2019 2014 “Superb” 10.0 rating

• Founding Attorney, since 1979

• Washington, 1980
• U.S. Supreme Court
• Washington State Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit
• U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
• U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington

• National Trial Lawyers Association, 2013 - Present (Top 100 Trial Lawyers)
• The Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2010 - Present (Member)
• Law Advocates - Whatcom County, 1994 - 1996 (Board of Directors)
• Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 1986 - Present (Founding Member)
• National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, 1981 - Present (Member)
• American Trial Lawyers Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
• American Bar Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
• Washington State Bar Association, 1980 - Present (Member)
• Washington State Association for Justice, 1980 - Present (Member)
• Federal Bar Association Western District Washington, 1980 - Present (Member)