# About Marshall & Saunders - Marshall & Saunders - / - About Us ## About Marshall & Saunders Marshall & Saunders is a leading criminal defense firm based in Seattle, Washington. We specialize in defending clients accused of sex crimes, child abuse, domestic violence, and similar misconduct. We believe that no one should be defined solely by what they’re accused of doing. That’s why our team of experienced attorneys is dedicated to providing the highest quality legal representation and protecting your rights. [Tell Us What’s Happening](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/contact-us) ## Your Trusted Defenders: Marshall & Saunders Marshall & Saunders, formerly known as the Marshall Defense Firm, was founded by David S. Marshall, a renowned criminal defense attorney with over 30 years of experience. David has earned a reputation as one of the most skilled and respected defenders of clients accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and other serious offenses. In 2020, David was joined by Joshua Saunders, an accomplished attorney with a diverse background in law, anthropology, and social justice. Together, David and Josh lead a team of dedicated attorneys who work collaboratively for their clients, taking a compassionate and humanistic approach to defending the accused. attorneys ## Meet Our Team David S. Marshall has over 30 years of experience providing top-notch defense for clients accused of child abuse, sexual assault, and other serious offenses. Known for his meticulous preparation and successful track record, David is a frequent speaker and writer on sexual assault defense. - Washington State - United States District Courts (Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, District of Columbia) - United States Courts of Appeals (Ninth Circuit, District of Columbia Circuit) - Supreme Court of the United States - Bar Admissions - University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, J.D. - Cornell University, B.A. in Government - Education - David S. Marshall - Partner - /david-s-marshall - Learn More About David Joshua R. Saunders brings a wealth of experience from his time as a public defender in New York and Washington State. With a background in anthropology and social justice, Joshua has handled over five thousand criminal cases and achieved numerous acquittals. He founded the Brooklyn Community Bail Fund and has been an advocate for bail reform. Joshua's dedication to defending the accused is driven by his deep understanding of the impact of criminal accusations. - Washington State - United States District Court for the Western District of Washington - Bar Admissions - New York University School of Law, New York, New York - University of Texas, Austin, Texas - Macalester College, St. Paul, Minnesota - Education - Joshua R. Saunders - Partner - /joshua-r-saunders - Learn More About Joshua Sarra Marie brings passion and expertise to Marshall & Saunders, focusing on criminal defense. With 8 years as a public defender, she has represented clients facing charges from misdemeanors to aggravated murder and sex offenses. A Seattle native and UW graduate, Sarra vigorously defends clients facing challenging accusations, providing skilled representation and genuine compassion. - Washington State - Bar Admission - J.D., University of Wisconsin - B.A., University of Washington, Sociology; Law, Society and Social Policy - Education - Sarra Marie - Lawyer - /sarra-marie - Learn More About Sarra James Herr brings diverse legal experience to Marshall & Saunders, including work as a public defender, private criminal defense attorney, and civil litigator. He has successfully argued cases before the Washington Supreme Court and tried numerous jury cases. James's background includes internships with a federal judge and federal public defenders, giving him a comprehensive understanding of the legal system. - Washington State - United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington - Tulalip Tribal Court (inactive) - Bar Admissions - J.D. cum laude, University of Michigan - B.A., History and Anthropology, University of Wyoming - Education - James Herr - Lawyer - /james-herr - Learn More About James Kristina L. Selset has 28 years of experience defending clients and has won numerous acquittals. An honors graduate from the University of Washington, Kristina excels in building strong attorney-client relationships and crafting compelling legal arguments. She has been recognized as a "Rising Star" by Washington Law & Politics Magazine and has served as a Governor of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. - Washington State - U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington - Bar Admissions - University of Washington School of Law, J.D. - University of Washington, Bachelor of Arts, English - Education - Kristina L. Selset - Lawyer - /kristina-l-selset - Learn More About Kristina Sam Sommerman has over a decade of experience defending the accused, starting at the Cook County Public Defender's Office in Chicago before moving to the Pacific Northwest. At the Snohomish County Public Defender Association, she handled cases from misdemeanors to felony charges, including sex offenses. Since 2019, Sam has been in private criminal defense practice, securing not-guilty verdicts in cases ranging from domestic violence to homicide. She brings compassion, dedication, and extensive experience to every case, regardless of its severity. - Washington State - United States District Courts for the Western and Eastern Districts of Washington - Tulalip Tribal Court (inactive) - Bar Admissions - J.D. cum laude, University of Michigan - B.A., History and Anthropology, University of Wyoming - Education - Sam Sommerman - Lawyer - /sam-sommerman - Learn More About Sam Glenn MacGilvra is the skilled researcher behind the scenes at Marshall & Saunders. With a background in history and law from Princeton University and UC Berkeley, Glenn excels in legal research and writing. His work has opened new paths for clients, and he has taught legal research and writing at Boalt Hall. - Washington State - California - Bar Admissions - University of California at Berkeley, Boalt Hall School of Law, J.D. - Princeton University, Bachelor of Arts, History - Education - Glenn MacGilvra - Lawyer - /glenn-macgilvra - Learn More About Glenn Brandon Rain has spent his career dedicated to criminal defense and constitutional litigation, providing excellent representation to a broad spectrum of clients in diverse environments. Before joining Marshall & Saunders as of counsel, Brandon acted as Legal Project Counsel to the Seattle City Attorney, offering advice on a wide range of issues regarding government operations and policy. - Washington State Bar Association (2012) - United States District Court, Eastern District of Washington - United States District Court, Western District of Washington - Ninth Circuit United States Court of Appeals - United States Supreme Court - Bar Admissions - ‍**Seattle University School of Law**, J.D., *magna cum laude* (2012) - **University of Washington**, B.S. in Cellular, Molecular & Developmental Biology, Minor in Law, Societies, & Justice (2008) - Education - Brandon Rain - Of counsel - /brandon-rain - Learn More About Brandon Tracey McDonald combines meticulous attention to detail with deep empathy, making her an invaluable asset to the team. With a degree from an ABA-approved paralegal program, Tracey ensures the smooth operation of the office and supports the attorneys in providing top-quality defense for clients. - Tracey McDonald - Paralegal - /tracey-mcdonald - Learn More About Tracey Sarah Tietz is an experienced criminal defense attorney known for her strong trial advocacy and high case dismissal rate. A former public defender in Maryland and Seattle, she has successfully handled dozens of trials and secured numerous acquittals. Sarah is dedicated to protecting her clients’ rights and believes everyone deserves a vigorous defense. - Washington - Maryland (inactive) - Louisiana (inactive) - Illinois (inactive) - Bar Admissions - Butler University- B.A. English Literature, summa cum laude - Washington University in St. Louis- J.D., magna cum laude - Education - Sarah Tietz - Lawyer - /sarah-tietz - Learn More Sarah Tietz practice areas ## Proven Results in High-Stakes Criminal Cases Our client-centered approach, combined with our attorneys' extensive experience and skill in the courtroom, has enabled us to achieve numerous victories for our clients. We have won acquittals, secured dismissals, and obtained favorable plea bargains for clients accused of a wide range of offenses, including: - [Sexual assault and rape](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/statutory-rape-defense-lawyers) - [Child molestation and abuse](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/child-molestation-defense-attorney) - [Domestic violence](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/domestic-violence-defense-attorney) - [Internet sex crimes](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/internet-sting-operation-defense-attorney) - [Prostitution and solicitation](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/promoting-prostitution-defense-attorney) - [Failure to register as a sex offender](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/failure-to-register-as-a-sex-offender) We also defend clients against physical child abuse accusations, including shaken baby syndrome, suspicious fractures, and other allegations. Our practice covers related civil matters and protection order cases in both state and federal courts. No matter the complexity of your case, we're dedicated to protecting your rights and future. [View More Cases](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/case-studies) ## Ready to Take the Next Step? We're here to listen, support, and fight for your rights. Contact us today for a confidential consultation and let us help you make informed decisions during this challenging time. [Schedule a Consultation](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/contact-us) ## How Our Client-Centered Approach Leads to Success At Marshall & Saunders, we understand that every client is unique and that generic legal strategies don’t work in complex criminal cases. That's why we focus on a client-specific approach, tailored to your individual situation, needs, and goals. **From the start, we:** - Listen to you - Answer your questions - Explain your options clearly We know facing criminal charges can be overwhelming, so we provide support and guidance throughout the process. **Our attorneys work closely with you to develop a personalized defense strategy** aimed at achieving the best possible outcome, whether that involves: - Fighting for an acquittal at trial - Negotiating a favorable plea bargain - Advocating for alternative sentencing options [Learn More About Our Approach](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/our-approach) Testimonials ## A Word from a Client We Acquitted *"When I was falsely accused of sexual assault, I thought my life was over. But the attorneys at Marshall & Saunders believed in me and fought tirelessly to clear my name. Their expertise, compassion, and dedication made all the difference. I cannot thank them enough."* *- M.T., former client* Protecting Your Future: Beyond the Courtroom At Marshall & Saunders, our commitment to our clients extends beyond the courtroom. We understand that even an accusation of sexual misconduct or child abuse can have lasting consequences for your reputation, relationships, and future prospects. That's why we help you navigate the challenges that may arise after your case is resolved. Whether you need assistance with employment or housing issues, advice on complying with sex offender registration requirements, or referrals to counseling and support services, we are here to help. Our goal is not just to achieve the best possible legal outcome in your case, but to help you move forward with your life and put the stress and uncertainty of criminal charges behind you. service area ## Serving Clients Throughout Washington State Our mission to provide exceptional legal representation extends far beyond our Seattle headquarters. Our team of seasoned criminal defense attorneys serves clients throughout the state of Washington and the broader Pacific Northwest region, including but not limited to: - King County - Pierce County - Snohomish County - Kitsap County - Spokane - Tacoma - Olympia - Everett - Vancouver, BC No matter where you're located, you can count on Marshall & Saunders to protect your rights, reputation, and freedom. We know how to handle complex cases at both the state and federal levels, ensuring that you receive the robust, personalized advocacy your situation calls for. Contact a Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyer ## Get the Skilled, Compassionate Representation You Deserve If you or a loved one is facing serious criminal charges, time is of the essence. Don't wait to get the experienced legal representation you need. Contact Marshall & Saunders today to schedule a confidential consultation and learn how we can help safeguard your future. You will receive a response from us within 1 - 2 business days. Please do not share any confidential information until we have confirmed there are no conflicts of interest. We will contact you to discuss your situation further. Flexible Consultation Options Click Anywhere to Close Feel free to tell us the kind of case you have and the kind of charge you’re facing, but don’t tell us here your response to the charge or any facts of the case. Don’t share any information that you think might be confidential. While the best consultations are done face-to-face in our office, we understand that it might not be convenient for everyone to visit. We are flexible with technology and offer consultations via Zoom as well. --- Marshall & Saunders — [https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/about-us](https://www.marshallandsaunders.com/about-us)