Biography
Sarah Jo Kirchner is a tenacious advocate dedicated to empowering her clients, helping them navigate challenging family law proceedings with kindness, expertise, and an unwavering commitment to reaching a safe, equitable outcome.
Through her previous career in the arts, Sarah Jo was fortunate to volunteer with several community organizations serving survivors of domestic violence in Seattle, WA. Inspired to obtain her law degree, Sarah Jo attended Tulane University School of Law and served as a Rule XX student attorney with the Domestic Violence Clinic and Women’s Prison Project, in addition to completing over 400 hours of pro-bono service with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services. She also obtained certificates in Negotiation, Mediation, and International Arbitration through her studies at Humboldt University of Berlin.
Sarah Jo was honored to serve as judicial intern to Honorable Judge Bernadette D’Souza during her tenure as President of the National Association of Women Judges and spent her first years of practice as a Staff Attorney with Southeast Louisiana Legal Services in the family law unit. At SLLS, Sarah Jo assisted clients with Domestic Violence Protection Orders, custody, and divorce proceedings in New Orleans.
Returning to Washington State in 2023, Sarah Jo first worked as an Assistant Attorney General in the Juvenile Litigation section of the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, gaining valuable insight and experience in child welfare. Ultimately, her desire to return to direct client service led her to private practice in family law, where her combination of professional skill and uncommon compassion can truly shine.
In her free time, Sarah Jo enjoys gardening, crocheting, and painting. She also loves taking road trips with her husband, with the goal of hitting every vintage diner on the West Coast.
Practice Focus Areas
- Divorce
- Child Custody
- Dependency
- Child Support
- Minor Guardianships
- Mediation
- Committed Intimate Relationships (CIR)
- Paternity
- LGBTQ+ Family Law
- Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- Prenuptial Agreements
- Post-Dissolution
Education
- Tulane University School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana
- J.D. – 2021
- Humboldt University of Berlin, Berlin, Germany
- Professional Certificate – 2019
- Willamette University, Salem, Oregon
- B.A. – 2009
Bar / Professional Associations
- Washington State Bar Association (#60978)
- Louisiana State Bar Association, 2021–2023
Pro-Bono Activities
- Pro Bono Krewe
- Domestic Violence Clinic
- Women’s Prison Project
Awards
- Dean’s Medal Recipient, Tulane University School of Law
- Brian McSherry Community Service Award, Tulane University School of Law
