Michael John Tario
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Michael John Tario
Biography
Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He opened his Bellingham practice more than four decades ago and has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings. Through most of his career, Mr. Tario practiced plaintiff personal injury and criminal defense but re-focused as a personal injury lawyer in 2006. During his career, Mr. Tario has successfully represented over 3,000 clients. He has negotiated well over 2,500 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 try to do everything possible (within the bounds of the law) to give his clients “top notch” representation. While no lawyer 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.
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). 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.
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
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)
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
Languages
Professional Experience
Legislative & Statute Analyst Washington State Counsel on Crime and Deliquency
Year: 1977 - 1979
Description:
Attorney, Owner Tario & Associates, P.S.
Year: 1980 - Current
Description:
Judge Judge ProTem - Part time at Whatcom County District Court
Year: 1982 - 1983
Description:
Professional Associations
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys Founding Member (1986 - Current)
National Association Of Criminal Defense Attorneys Member (1981 - Current)
O'Reilly Factor - No Spin Zone - Bill O'Reilly - Fox News Privacy and Eavesdropping (2004)
Washington State Bar # 10845 Member (1980 - Current)
Jury Selection Criminal Defense Seminar (1985)
Law Advocates - Whatcom County Board of Directors (1994 - 1996)
The Million Dollar Advocates Forum Member (2010 - Current)
American Bar Association Member (1980 - Current)
NPR The Fourth Amendment and Privacy Interests (2004)
Washington State Association for Justice Member (1980 - Current)
Federal Bar Association Western District Washington Member (1980 - Current)
American Trial Lawyers Association Member (1980 - Current)
Publications
Alaska Fishing Boat Murders People Magazine - Interview (1984)
Awards
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Client Champion
Martindale-Hubbell 2018.0
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Top 100 trial lawyers
National Trial Lawyer's Association 2013.0
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Client's Choice Award
Avvo 2018.0
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Distinguished Peer Rating for High Professional Achievement
Martindale-Hubbell 2019.0
Note: Award for high peer ratings
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Silver Client Champion Award
Martindale-Hubbell 2019.0
Note: Award for high customer ratings.
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Distinguished Peer Rated for High Professional Acheivement
Martindale-Hubbell 2018.0
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“Very High–Distinguished” and a "BV Distinguished"
Martindale-Hubbell 2014.0
Note: “Very High–Distinguished” and a "BV Distinguished" rating from Martindale-Hubbell which signifies a very high rating in both Legal ability & Ethical Standards.
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“Superb” 10.0 rating
Avvo 2014.0
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The Best Attorney in Bellingham to Defend You in a Lawsuit
The Bellingham Business Journal 2007.0
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Clients' Choice Award
Avvo 2012.0
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Top Lawyer in Washington
The Legal Network 2013.0
Note: Ranked as a “Top Lawyer in Washington” for Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence
Education
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University of Wisconsin - Superior M.A. (1976) | Communication
Year: 1975 - 1976
Honors: Graduated with honors
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Seattle University School of Law J.D. | Law
Year: 1977 - 1979
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University of Minnesota - Duluth B.A. (1975) | Communication Psychology
Year: 1971 - 1975
Honors: Cum Laude
Speaking Engagements
Jury Selection, Criminal Defense Seminar, 1985
Jury Selection, Criminal Defense Seminar, 1985
Websites
https://www.tariolaw.com/
Website
Tario & Associates, P.S.
Main Office - Bellingham
Bellingham Towers, 119 N Commercial St. #1000, Bellingham, WA 98225
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
Sunday: Closed
(360) 733-7092
Tario & Associates, P.S.
Mount Vernon Office
413 S. 1st Street, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
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
Sunday: Closed