About Chris L.
Chris L. Griffen built his legal path on two clear steps: study and practice. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of Washington in 2000 and went on to receive his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley Law School in 2005. His law school record lists general practice, and his early career moved quickly into public-sector work.
In 2008 he served as a Rule 9 intern in the Marysville Prosecutor’s Office. The internship placed him inside the local courtroom system and gave him day-to-day exposure to prosecutorial decision-making and case preparation. A year later he joined the Marysville Public Defender as a public defense lawyer, where he handled client advocacy on behalf of people charged with crimes.
Those consecutive roles on opposite sides of the criminal system shaped Griffen’s practical judgment. They also provided a foundation for courtroom work, client interviews, plea negotiations and trial preparation. Colleagues from that period describe a lawyer who learned the mechanics of local practice early and applied that knowledge across multiple dockets.
Griffen has been a member of the Washington State Bar Association since 2009. That continuous membership marks the formal start of his state practice and reflects his ongoing license to practice in Washington. Over the years he has combined courtroom appearances with office-based case management, often representing clients through all stages of a matter.
He later established Griffen Law Office. The practice serves individuals in the state and draws on his prior public-sector experience. His time in the prosecutor’s office and as a public defender informs how he evaluates cases and advises clients. He is comfortable handling negotiations and taking prepared matters to trial when necessary.
Clients and other lawyers see him as steadily engaged in local court processes. He maintains professional contacts across municipal and county levels and keeps active in bar membership events and continuing legal education consistent with state requirements.
Griffen’s path is straightforward: an undergraduate degree in political science, a law degree, practical internships in prosecution, followed by public defense work and the launch of a private practice. He continues to practice law in Washington at Griffen Law Office, representing clients in criminal matters and related proceedings.
