Spouses do not need to prove grounds for pursuing a divorce in Washing...
Susan O’Toole
Senior Counsel
Susan is a 15-year veteran family law litigator. She sits on the Family Law Executive Committee of the Washington Bar Association, and was recognized in The Best Lawyers in America ® 2026 awards.
“In this field, experience teaches you that clarity and empathy go hand in hand. My goal is to help clients navigate difficult decisions with both a strong legal strategy and a sense of reassurance.”
Susan O’Toole is a Senior Counsel Attorney with the Hemmat Team. She is an esteemed family law litigator with 15 years of dedicated experience in the field. Renowned for her unwavering commitment to honesty and compassion, Susan firmly believes in the significance of genuinely understanding and respecting each client’s specific situation and perspective.
Susan’s focused dedication to the legal profession is evident in her pursuit of superior results that not only address the legal aspects of her cases but also consider the emotional well-being of her clients. Her approach is centered on avoiding outcomes that exacerbate client dissatisfaction or worsen their circumstances, striving instead for resolutions that enable clients and their families to thrive and prosper in the long term.
Philosophy and Background
Susan draws on her experiences as a single mother, caregiver to her elderly parents, and a survivor of her own challenging divorce to inform her work with clients. Her personal journey enhances her ability to empathize with the complexities of family dynamics, providing a unique blend of legal expertise and compassionate support. Susan’s background enriches her professional approach, making her a dedicated advocate who truly understands her clients’ individual challenges.
Susan holds a B.A. in political science and government from Washington State University Vancouver, an M.A. in forestry from Oregon State University, and a J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law. Susan also earned a mediation certification from Portland Community College.
Role in the Seattle Community
Susan has represented many domestic violence victims pro bono and has served in various leadership roles throughout her career. She currently sits on the board of the Family Law Executive Committee of the Washington State Bar Association. Susan also is a member and sits on the board of the SnoKing Chorale, where she channels her love of music and singing. In her spare time, Susan enjoys spending time with her dog Sophie and her family, as well as writing, gardening, and almost anything outdoors.
Susan was recognized by her peers in the highly prestigious Best Lawyers in America ® 2026 awards for her exemplary work in Family Law.
Experience
The Hemmat Law Group, Seattle, WA
Elise Buie Family Law Group, Seattle, WA
Beresford Booth, Edmonds, WA
Community Law Firm, Bellevue, Washington
O’Toole Law, Greenbank, Washington
Clark Community College, Vancouver, WA
Phelan Webber & Associates, Vancouver, WA
Law Office of E. Susan O’Toole, Portland, OR
Rizzo Mattingly Bosworth, Portland, OR
Stewart Sokol & Gray, LLC, Portland, OR
Sedgwick Detert Moran & Arnold, LLP, Irvine, CA
Education
Bar Admission
Award
The Best Lawyers in America ® 2026
Languages
Susan is experienced in:
Hemmat Law hosts a popular legal education Youtube Channel: Further Study
The Hemmat Law Group is committed to making the law a little less intimidating.
Further Study – hosted by John Avi Socha, COO at Hemmat Law, featuring accessible videos designed to improve legal literacy and provide free education on family law and jurisprudence.
