Jennifer Payseno

About Jennifer Payseno

Behind Jennifer Payseno’s calm and deliberate demeanor are the intellect and ability of one of Seattle’s finest family law attorneys. Affiliated with McKinley Irvin since 1999, Jennifer is highly regarded throughout the legal community for her integrity, courtroom skills, and unwavering commitment to every family she serves.

This veteran professional maintains that the primary keys to a successful family law practice are painstaking preparedness, in-depth legal knowledge, genuine respect for every client, and an ability to identify with each individual’s special and specific concerns.

"For me, it comes down to listening and understanding. My clients come to me during an exceedingly difficult time in their lives. Divorce is a life-altering experience. It’s real and it’s personal. My capacity to appreciate the uniqueness of every case and every client is an important skill I bring to the table."

Indeed, one of the most appealing aspects of the practice, says Jennifer, is its exceptional variety.

"Every case is different,” notes the outdoor enthusiast who enjoys weekend hikes with her husband and their two dogs. “On any given day, I might be dealing with complex business interests, real estate investments, stock options, parenting plans, or complicated tax issues."

"What never changes, however, are several principles on which I have built my practice: Provide a safe haven for my clients to vent their fears and frustrations and hopes for the future; consistently put the interests of my clients first; and always—always—negotiate from a position of strength."

McKinley Irvin founding partner Sands McKinley is an unabashed admirer of his colleague’s skill and savvy.

“We met Jennifer years ago when she was the opposing attorney in a case,” he recalls. “She was an extremely tough opponent, exceptionally well prepared, well-respected by the court, and a steadfast client advocate. She understood how to develop case strategy and execute it effectively. In sum, she was—and is—a real pro.

We knew she belonged at McKinley Irvin, and we had the good fortune of persuading her to join us.”

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Affiliations

Appointments

President, King County Bar Association, 2019-2020
First Vice President, King County Bar Association, 2018-2019
Second Vice President, King County Bar Association, 2017-2018
Member, King County Judicial Screening Committe
Treasurer, King County Bar Association, 2013-2014
Chair, King County Judicial Screening Committee, 2009-2010
Trustee, King County Bar Association, 2000-2003
President, South King County Bar Association 1998-1999

Memberships

Member, Washington State Bar Association
Member, King County Bar Association, Family Law Section

Community Activities

Board of Directors, King County Boys & Girls Clubs
Volunteer, King County Legal Clinic 1998-2006
Former Coordinator, South King County Legal Clinic

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Education

J.D., Seattle University School of Law
B.A., Georgia Southern University

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Publications & Presentations

Publications

Author, “Looking to the Future,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, June 2020
Author, “Safety and Security Issues at the King County Courthouse,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, May 2020
Author, “Serving Justice from Home: Working Remotely During the COVID-19 Crisis,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, April 2020
Author, “Seeking New Members for Judicial Candidate Evaluation and Judicial Conferencing,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, February 2020
Author, “Our Incredible Neighborhood Legal Clinics Need Your Help,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, January 2020
Author, “Preparing for the Future of the Legal Profession,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, December 2020
Author, “The Inevitable Evolution of Legal Services in Washington,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, November 2020
Author, “How Can We Help with the Immigration Detention Crisis?” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, October 2020
Author, “The Family Law Mentor Program and Call for Assistance,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, September 2020
Author, “Sheryl J. Willert: A Trailblazer in the Legal Profession,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, August 2020
Author, “Lawyers Doing Good,” King County Bar Bulletin President’s Page, July 2020
Contributor, "Business Law's Frequently Asked Questions," 425 Business Magazine, August 2016
Contributor, “Is Divorce in Your Retirement Plan?,” 425 Business Magazine, January 2015
Author, “Trends and considerations in gray divorce,” Avvo Stories, March 2015
Author, Own A Business? What You Should Consider Before Saying, "I Do." Seattle Business Magazine, 2014
Contributor, “What You Should Know About Gray Divorce,” 425 Business Magazine, October 2014
Author, "Divorce and Economic Recession," King County Bar Association Bar Bulletin, January 2009

Presentations

Presenter, "Marital Agreements: Pre and Post Enforcement and Requirements," Washington Bar Association Community Property CLE, April 2011
Jennifer Payseno talks about pre-nups on Good in Your Neighborhood on KMPS radio , November 23, 2008
Presenter, "Advanced Family Law Ethics," Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association CLE, October 2007
Presenter, "Ethical Considerations," Relationship Agreements Seminar, Seattle, October 2007