Talis Abolins

Talis graduated with his B.A. from the University of Washington (the third of four generations of Husky grads!) and earned his law degree at Seattle University School of Law. A guiding principle in Talis’ personal and professional life has been the pursuit of justice for those harmed by neglect or the abuse of power by corporations, the government, or individuals.

Talis is senior counsel for mctlaw’s kratom litigation practice, representing families in multiple states whose loved ones have been killed by a dangerous botanical product that is improperly sold over-the-counter as a supplement. Talis led the trial team that achieved the first jury verdict in the nation for a wrongful death caused by kratom. In addition, Talis represents people across the state in high profile lawsuits against orthopedic companies like Zimmer Biomet and Johnson & Johnson. He is actively involved in litigating and negotiating settlements for people who’ve experienced metal poisoning and other side effects from Biomet M2a Magnum metal hips and Pinnacle metal hips.

Talis began his legal career in the Washington State Attorney General’s office and served as Assistant Attorney General for the State for 14 years. As an AAG, Talis’ work included authoring multiple briefs involving civil rights before the United States Supreme Court, including a successful petition for certiorari and an amicus brief that was joined by 16 other states.

Over the years, Talis has successfully helped many Washington families find peace after tragedy. He represents survivors struggling with the wrongful death of a loved one, and he works tirelessly to get his personal injury clients justice and accountability from those who have wronged them. In their spare time, Talis and Marla enjoy time with family, and adventuring on the mountains and waters of the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

• Washington
• U.S. Supreme Court
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
• U.S. Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
• U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

• Seattle University School of Law, Juris Doctor
• University of Washington, Bachelor’s degree

• Washington State Bar Association
• Civil Rights Committee and Corrections Committee (previously served as member)
• Washington State Association of Justice
• WSAJ Trial News, Board of Directors (2014 – 2017 and 2021 to present)
• King County Bar Association
• Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
• Continuing Legal Education Committee (previously served as member)

• Mount Baker Hub Alliance, Founding Member and Executive Board, 2015-2018
• Friends of Mount Baker Town Center, Founder and Steering Committee Chair, 2014–2021
• Good Samaritan Professional Activities Committee, 2007–2013
• Puyallup Main Street Association, Executive Board, 2006–2012
• Multicare Good Samaritan Foundation, Board of Directors, 2005–2008
• Valley Football and Cheer Association, Board of Directors, 2005-2006
• Tacoma Mountain Rescue, 1998–2005
• Northwest Trek Advisory Council, 1994–1999

• Top Personal Injury Attorney, as rated by AVVO
• Client Distinction Award, 2013
• Client’s Choice Personal Injury Attorney, 2012

• Advanced Personal Injury, Presenter, 2012
• Appellate Practice Made Perfect, Coordinator, 2006
  Employment Law, Coordinator, 2005
• Legal Writing By The Numbers CLE, 2004
• IPE Paralegal Education Seminar, 2004
• Federal Practice Made Perfect, 1995
• National Association of Attorneys General – Corrections Seminar, 1995

“Knowledgeable, Honest and Dedicated. We would highly recommend Talis Abolins’ services. Talis is a hard-working, honest, dedicated attorney who went to great lengths to get the best possible settlement for our daughter. Talis quickly answered any questions we had during the process and took time to explain each step and every option we had available to us. Talis is very professional, knowledgeable, and trustworthy. Talis takes a personal interest in his clients which is shown through his commitment to each case.”
— Tanja, mother of a personal injury client, 2015

“Talis Abolins … took on my case, which was extremely complex. Talis and his staff were so professional and seemed to handle my case on a personal level. Anyone can put 100% trust in Talis. He expertly negotiated on my behalf and I received a settlement at or above what cases of my type are normally settled. Thank you Talis, so very much!”
— Kelly, personal injury client 2013

“Quick, efficient, and common sense. Talis Abolins helped put me at ease with a difficult contract/agreement situation. He took the information I had and did an amazing job of ensuring the security of my future and ability to provide for my family. I can’t thank him enough.”
— Michael, a Contract Client 2012

“I would highly recommend this attorney. Very trustworthy and honest. Our case involved unpaid wages, and Talis Abolins did a wonderful job representing us and being very honest on what we can expect. We would use him again if needed, and we highly recommend Talis for any legal matters. Talis also has a lot of integrity.”
— John, an employment client 2011