“In criminal defense, there is no average case or typical client. Every person who walks through the door is facing perhaps the biggest challenge of their lives – I’m here to ensure your case doesn’t get railroaded through the system. We will explore every available option. Even if there is a stack of evidence against you – that stack represents their case. I’ll build your case.”
Emma C. Scanlan
Emma is a highly respected criminal defense attorney, known nationally for bringing experience, dedication, and compassion to mount thorough, strategic, and tireless client defenses in state and federal courts. Scanlan Law is a boutique criminal defense practice. Here, you will work directly with Emma and not some junior team assigned to your case.
As a former prosecutor, Emma excels in negotiating dismissals and successful resolutions. Her tenacity and knowledge of the criminal courts system has led to an impressive record of best possible verdicts in criminal trials. She has obtained pretrial dismissals and very favorable plea deals in many criminal cases without the need for a trial.
For some attorneys, “bulldog” is their brand as they steamroll over clients and call all the shots. Emma’s success comes without the theatrics; she’s calculated, steady, and highly strategic, employing proven strategies in both how and where to successfully guide a case. Emma’s approach calms nerves, clarifies memories, and opens the gateway to ensure justice is served on her client’s behalf.
Thanks to her sterling reputation in the legal community, Emma was hand-picked to be the Assigned Council Expert Master for the King County Department of Defense. In this role, she was delegated the authority of the courts to rule on public defender requests for expert services in their cases. She left the role in 2020 to bring full focus to her own clients.
Admissions
Washington State Bar (2006)
United States Federal Court, Western Division
United States Federal Court, Eastern Division
Education
J.D., University of Washington School of Law (2006)
B.A., University of Washington
Professional Memberships
Washington State Bar Association
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers – Continuing Learning Education Committee
Awards
Washington Rising Stars, *Super Lawyers* Magazine 2010
“Emma was great from our first meeting. She gathered all the details of my case without being judgmental and was real honest about my options. She worked hard at negotiating the best outcome for me while still being realistic about the circumstances of my case. Her knowledge of the system and the respect she has earned from people within the system certainly helped my cause.”