About Leslie Jean
Leslie Jean Garrison is an attorney based in Bellingham, Washington, with over 37 years of experience in the legal field. As a founding partner at The Schwarz-Garrison Law Office, PLLC, she specializes in family law, focusing on collaborative divorce, mediation, and the drafting of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements. Her extensive practice also includes business law, criminal defense, appeals, and intellectual property matters. Admitted to the Washington State Bar in 1988, Ms. Garrison has maintained good standing and has been an active member of the Washington State Bar Association since her admission. Throughout her career, Ms. Garrison has shown a strong commitment to alternative dispute resolution methods.
In 2007, she developed a specific focus on mediation and collaborative law, aiming to help clients resolve conflicts outside the courtroom. This approach aligns with her belief in minimizing the emotional and financial toll that litigation can impose on families. Her dedication to these methods has made her a sought-after attorney for clients looking for amicable solutions to their legal issues. Before co-founding The Schwarz-Garrison Law Office in 2011, Ms. Garrison served as a public defender in King County. During her tenure, she handled a diverse caseload that included both criminal and civil cases. This extensive trial experience provided her with a understanding of the legal system, which she now applies to her family law practice.
Her background in public defense gave her the skills necessary to navigate complex legal challenges and advocate for her clients. Ms. Garrison is actively involved in several professional organizations that reflect her commitment to collaborative law and alternative dispute resolution. She serves as an Executive Board Member of the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals and has held leadership roles in the Collaborative Professionals of Washington, including past president and executive board member. Additionally, she is a board member of Whatcom Collaborative Law. Her professional affiliations extend to her admission to practice before the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington and the United States Supreme Court, further underscoring her legal expertise.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Ms. Garrison enjoys spending quality time with her family — She finds joy in hiking, biking, and learning to paddleboard with her dog. These activities allow her to maintain a balanced lifestyle while staying connected to her community. Furthermore, she is a member of the King County Bar Association and the Washington State Bar Association's family law and alternative dispute resolution sections, reflecting her ongoing commitment to her profession and the communities she serves.
