About Christopher
Christopher Carlisle took a conventional route into law but followed it on his own terms. He earned a B.A. in political science from Seattle University in 2002 and went on to receive his J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2007. Those years set the stage for an early move into private practice in Washington state.
He began his legal career as an associate at Stiley & Cikutovich, PLLC in 2008. The position gave him day-to-day courtroom exposure and steady trial experience. After five years in practice he helped found Carlisle & Byers, PLLC and became a partner in 2013. As a partner he has taken on management duties alongside case work. He remains based in Washington and has maintained a steady presence in the local bar community.
Carlisle’s professional affiliations track the kinds of matters he handles. He joined the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in 2010 and has been listed as a member since then. In 2011 he became a member of the Washington State Association for Justice, and that membership is also current. Those associations reflect involvement in criminal-defense matters and plaintiff-side litigation. He has used those networks to stay current on trial practice and procedural developments in state courts.
Colleagues describe him as practical and focused in court. He prefers straightforward preparation and clear presentation. He has worked a range of cases that demanded both courtroom strategy and client counseling. His work has required frequent interaction with prosecutors, opposing counsel and court staff. He also handles the administrative and supervisory responsibilities that come with partnership at a small firm.
Outside the courtroom, Carlisle’s background in political science and his legal training intersect in how he approaches litigation. He pays attention to statutory detail and to the narratives that matter to juries and judges. He has balanced trial work with the operational needs of running a practice and mentoring younger lawyers in the office.
He currently practices at Carlisle & Byers, PLLC in Washington, where his work involves criminal defense and plaintiff-side litigation.
