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Linda Mason Wilgis

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Biography

Legal Experience

Linda is a passionate advocate for her clients, representing children and families for over 25 years as an attorney in private practice, as a former Assistant Attorney General, and as a family and children's Ombuds for the State of Washington. Linda is committed to helping clients navigate difficult transitions in their lives through compassionate advice and skilled advocacy, both through negotiation and litigation.

Linda is an experienced trial lawyer with deep experience in winning cases for her clients when litigation is necessary. As an Assistant Attorney General for 10 years, Linda tried many cases involving neglect, abuse, and financial exploitation of children and vulnerable adults.

Linda is a skilled negotiator who is adept at achieving resolutions outside of the courtroom. Her experience and knowledge representing clients in a wide variety of situations gives her an advantage in mediating strong and durable solutions for her clients. Linda is trained and certified in mediation and collaborative law.

In 2012, Linda launched her own firm, Mason Wilgis Law, P.S. in downtown Seattle. She joined Meridian Family Law in 2017, and practices in the areas of family law, select child welfare and youth advocacy, and protection of elders/vulnerable adults. In addition to her role as an attorney, for several years she also served as a King County Court certified Guardian ad Litem in Title 26 (Family Law) and Title 11 (guardianship) cases to represent the best interests of minor children and alleged incapacitated persons. She is currently taking a hiatus from serving as a GAL.

Personal & Professional History

Linda grew up in the Pacific Northwest but headed East for her college and law school education. She worked for the U.S. Senate for Senator Henry M. Jackson ("Scoop") and other Senators for several years prior to law school. Linda served as an Assistant Attorney General for 10 years. She then served under the Office of the Governor as an Ombudsman investigating alleged wrongdoing by the Department of Social and Health Services and intervening where appropriate to facilitate DSHS taking corrective action. She has a keen understanding of the relationship between the law, the legislative process, and public policy.

Linda is an avid reader and enjoys skiing, hiking, gardening, and cooking (and eating!) with her husband and 3 boys. Her interest in travel was sparked by living in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania as a youth and climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro with her family.

Classes & Seminars

  • The Golden Years: Protecting Your Wealth. Presentation to seniors at a wealth management firm, 2016
  • Child welfare case studies to teach dependencies, University of WA School of Law, 1998 to 2000

Pro-Bono Activities

  • Henry M. Jackson Foundation, Vice President, 2012 to Present
  • King County Bar Association Kinship Care Solutions Project, 2010 to 2012
  • King County Bar Family Law Mentor Program, 1989 to 1991

Published Works

  • Dependency Proceedings in Juvenile Court, Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Deskbook
  • Office of the Family & Children’s Ombudsman, an Independent Voice for Families and Children: cowriter of Annual Reports, 2004-2010
  • Loss of Trust: A Crisis of Confidence in the Child Welfare System in Colville, WA, OFCO, May, 2009
  • Patterns in Mandated Reporter Referrals 2006-2008, OFCO, July, 2009

Certified Legal Specialties

  • Certified in Mediation and Collaborative Law
  • Guardian ad Litem, Title 26 (Family Law), King County Superior Court
  • Guardian ad Litem, Title 11 (Guardianship), King County Superior Court

Education

  • University of Virginia School of Law, Charlottesville, Virginia
    • J.D. - 1988
  • Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, New York
    • B.A. - 1981
    • Honors: Dean's List, Phi Beta Kappa, With High Honors
    • Major: English/Government

Bar Admissions

  • Washington, 1988

Honors

  • Commendation from Office of the Attorney General for excellent work and dedication

Professional Associations

  • King County Bar Association, Member, 1988 to Present
  • Washington State Bar Association, Member, 1988 to Present