Amy Carei

Amy Carei

Google Rating

4.4(166 reviews)

  • 1201 Pacific Ave Tacoma, WA 98402
  • +1-253-256-1265
  • legalcareers@mckinleyirvin.com
Victims’ Rights, Criminal Law, Family Law

About:

Amy Carei is a family law attorney driven by service and shaped by her own journey as the first person in her extended family to attend college and law school. Raised by a single mother, she brings a deep appreciation for both family and financial responsibility to every case. Amy’s practice is built on genuine collaboration: she serves as the navigator while her clients remain the pilots of their own lives. Known for translating complex legal concepts into plain English, she ensures her clients understand each step of the process and feel empowered to participate in decisions that affect them. Before entering private practice, Amy supported survivors of domestic violence through a dedicated social services agency. That experience informs her compassionate advocacy and unwavering commitment to helping families build safer, more stable futures. A fifth-generation Washingtonian, Amy lives in Tacoma with her spouse, three children, and two dogs, Huxley and Ellie. When she’s not practicing law, she enjoys hiking, gardening, playing the violin, remodeling her 1890’s Craftsman home, and restoring vintage Toyota hatchbacks.

Jurisdiction:Washington

Practice Area

Victims’ Rights

Explains survivor rights in criminal cases, including notices, attendance, restitution, privacy, protection orders, and input at bail, plea, sentencing, and post-conviction hearings.

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Family Law

Handles divorce, custody, parenting time, and support with DV-informed safety planning, temporary orders, safe exchanges, discovery protections, and long-term financial stability.

Languages

English

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

J.D.
Seattle University School of Law
2013

Awards

Ones to Watch
Best Lawyers
2025
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2024

Associations

Member
Washington State Bar Association
2014 - Present
Member
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Foundation
2017 - Present
Member
Domestic Relations Attorneys of Washington (DRAW)
- Present

Reviews


RATED 5.0

May 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Kris Orlowski

RATED 1.0

May 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Kim Hogan

"I understand that when you enter into a relationship with an attorney it will be expensive but the trade off is you feel protected. Regrettably McKinley Irvin failed in delivering this peace of mind to me as a client."

RATED 5.0

Apr 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Liz Roth

"The McKinley Irvin Family Law firm delivered advocacy with the utmost integrity and compassion at a time when I most needed it. I had no question that my attorney and her staff were acting on my behalf as they demonstrated knowledge of the laws and legal standards applicable to my case. They delivered with compassion and understanding for my circumstances and, I am extremely grateful to my attorney for restoring my belief in justice and protecting me from adversarial behavior during contentious court proceedings. Thank you McKinley Irvin and Lindsey Noel for the fine representation. I highly recommend this Law firm for all family law matters."

RATED 5.0

Apr 10, 2025Googlevia Google

Nemy James

"Atty Hillary was the best cheerleader. She’s very compassionate, knowledgeable and very easy to work with. She and Ryan handled everything. I survived a very difficult phase of my life because of Atty Hillary and Ryan."

RATED 1.0

Mar 10, 2025Googlevia Google

John Doe

"I deeply regret hiring McKinley Irvin for my divorce. Not because of a lack of legal expertise, which was adequate, but because of their egregious overcharging. Even the smallest task is broken down so that they can bill the highest possible fee. I know that lawyers are expensive, but this is beyond all reason. My advice to anyone seeking a lawyer: do some research, and ask how bills are calculated, which is more meaningful than the hourly rate. Don’t rely on their estimates. I’m sure that my case cost at least $30k more than it should have. Divorce is upsetting, but their exorbitant fees made it a financial disaster for me. I should have read the negative reviews before hiring this firm. (I was forced by Google to give 1 star, in order to post this review.)"