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Keller Rohrback L.L.P.Partner
Paul Arthur Tonella
Pro

Paul Arthur Tonella

4.4
1 review

1201 Third Avenue, Suite 3400, Seattle, WA 98101

Business Law, Estate Trust & Probate and Real Estate

About Paul Arthur Tonella

Paul practices in Keller Rohrback’s business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families and companies in corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, real property transactions, and estate planning.

Paul began his over thirty year legal career as a tax litigator where he combined his law background and accounting degree to defend his clients before the IRS and Washington Department of Revenue. Gradually, his practice evolved to include tax planning, and business and real estate transactions. He has spoken to numerous professional organizations on the legal issues facing today’s business owner and family.

Paul represents a wide range of practice professionals (dentists, accountants, engineers), contractors, manufacturers, distributors, and real estate developers in their legal needs. He has served and advised boards of directors of non-profit, charitable and for-profit companies. Whether it is a specific transaction, or long range planning, Paul brings his energy, knowledge, and experience to his clients, to meet and exceed their expectations.

When he is not practicing law, Paul is an avid outdoorsman, and can be found hiking, skiing and kayaking throughout Washington’s wilderness and waters.

Articles & Presentations

•Construction Taxes, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2008).
•Choice of Entity and Other Business Start-up Issues, Washington State Bar Association (1998, 2002, 2007).
•Buying and Selling the Mom and Pop Business in Washington, NBI (2004, 2006).
•Joining Forces - Joint Ventures, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2005).
•Estate Planning, OMRB Construction and Public Contract Law Seminar (2004).
•Asset Protection Planning, National Business Institute (NBI) (2002).
•Limited Liability Companies, the Entity of Choice in Washington, National Business Institute (NBI) (1999).
•Buying and Selling a Business, CPA Law Forum (1999).
•Buying and Selling a Business, Washington State Society of CPAs (1999).
•Bankruptcy Primer: Discharging Tax Liability, Washington State Society of CPAs (1998).
•Basic Corporate Law, National Business Institute (NBI) (1997).

Recognitions

Honors & Awards

•Best Lawyers in America, Seattle, Washington, 2026 (Recognized since 2024)
•Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law
•Litigation - Trusts and Estates
•Trusts and Estates
•Selected to Super Lawyers list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2023-2025
•Selected to Rising Stars list in Super Lawyers - Washington, 2001-2002

 

Paul Arthur Tonella (Seattle, Washington) View website

Awards

Distinguished Peer Rated
This award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 3.0 to 4.4.
Martindale-Hubbell Peer BV

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

Paul Arthur Tonella got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

Reviews for Paul

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Services

Areas of Law

  • Business Law
  • Real Estate
  • Other 1
    • Estate Trust & Probate

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1989, Washington
    1990, U.S. Tax Court
    U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington
    Memberships

    Professional and Civic Involvement

    Washington State Bar Association, Member, Real Property and Probate Trust Section, Business Section

    Construction Financial Managers Association (CFMA), Board Member

    Sigma Alpha Epsilon Alumni Association, Past Board Member

    Explorer West Middle School, Past Board Member
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Washington
    Class of 1989
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Washington
    Class of 1985
    B.A.
    Business Administration (Accounting, Quantitative Methods)

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Paul Arthur Tonella was admitted in 1989 to the State of Washington.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    Paul Arthur Tonella is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington and United States Tax Court.
  • How many attorneys are in this law firm?
    Keller Rohrback L.L.P. has 73 attorneys at this location.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Paul Arthur Tonella attended University of Washington.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Keller Rohrback L.L.P. was established in 1919.

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