Sarah Hovland

About Sarah Hovland

Sarah began her legal career with an eye toward international human rights and development law, earning her Master of Law degree in England before returning to the U.S. in 2008. As the legal job market shifted, she found herself working in family law and quickly discovered that this was where she was meant to be.

"Family law is boots on the ground, helping one family at a time. I realized that making a tangible difference in people’s lives, especially survivors of domestic violence, was the most fulfilling work I could do."

For over a decade, Sarah has focused on child custody, parenting plans, child support, and domestic violence protection orders. She is passionate about helping clients navigate difficult transitions with clarity and purpose, ensuring they have the legal support they need to move forward. With a frank and practical approach, she believes in setting realistic expectations from the outset.

Her dedication to the legal community extends beyond her clients. She serves as a Pro Tempore Commissioner in King County, presiding over civil protection order and family law motion calendars. This judicial experience has strengthened her litigation skills by giving her a deeper understanding of how courts evaluate cases and improving her ability to advocate effectively.

"Credibility is everything in family law. Understanding both sides of a case makes me a better attorney and helps me guide my clients toward the best possible outcomes."

One of the most rewarding moments of her career came early on when she represented a survivor of extreme domestic violence in a relocation case. After securing custody and a 10-year protection order for her client, she later learned that her client had started a nonprofit to help other DV survivors.

"Knowing that I played a small part in helping her reclaim her power and, in turn, help others is what this work is all about."

Outside of the office, Sarah stays active with yoga, weightlifting, and hiking with her dog, Kylo, a Rat Terrier-Basenji mix. Despite Kylo’s city roots, he happily joins her on the trails where he has an unfortunate habit of eating anything he finds. She also enjoys paddle boarding and traveling, with past adventures taking her to the Galápagos Islands and beyond.