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Tario & Associates, P.S.Member
Michael John Tario
Pro

Michael John Tario

4.9
41 reviews

119 N. Commercial Street, #1000, Bellingham, WA 98225 + 1 location

Personal Injury, Maritime Accidents, Automobile Accidents and 11 more

About Michael John Tario

Michael J. Tario founded his prominent law firm in 1979. Over the last 40+ years, Michael and his legal team have helped over 6,000 people successfully resolve their personal injury cases, recovering more than $600 million in damages on their behalf.

Michael John Tario is one of the most highly respected and experienced practicing personal injury attorneys in Washington State. He has earned the respect of his peers and the industry as exemplified by his many awards and high ratings with Martindale-Hubbell and other law businesses as well as Google reviews. Throughout his career, Mr. Tario has practiced plaintiff personal injury law, representing injured people in a wide range of personal injury claims against the interests of insurance companies who are only interested in protecting their bottom line. He has successfully represented thousands of clients and negotiated favorable out-of-court settlements in most cases. Where settlement has not been possible, he has taken hundreds of cases to trial, fighting hard to protect the rights and interests of his clients. While no attorney can win every case they handle, Mr. Tario’s win/loss record speaks for itself. His advertised claim of “proven record of success” is based upon the results obtained in and out of court in over 40 years in practice. He is truly #1 in Whatcom and Skagit County for experience and proven client satisfaction.

 

Michael John Tario (Bellingham, Washington) View website

Awards

Gold Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 6 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.2 or higher.
Champion Badge Gold
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
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

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.

Michael John Tario got this award in 2021

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.

Michael John Tario 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.

Michael John Tario got this award in 2021

Reviews for Michael John Tario

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Overall Rating
4.9
See All Reviews
41
4.7
Lawyers.com
8
Martindale
Not yet reviewed
5.0
Avvo
33
Showing 1-8 of 8 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
88%
4 stars
0%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
13%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.9
Quality of Service
4.8
Responsiveness
4.6
Value for Money
4.6
Personal Injury
Posted by rose
January 26, 2026
Hired Attorney

Mr. Tario did an exceptional job he was definitely the right choice. He fought hard for what he thought was best for my case. I would highly recommend him. And if need be, use him again. Thank you and your staff.

Automobile Accidents
Posted by Marcus
January 15, 2025
Hired Attorney

Mr. Tario was a compassionate and professional attorney that fought for years for my rightful compensation. After three years he won a fair settlement for me and has no issue bringing your case to court if opposing insurance companies refuse to settle for reasonable amount.

Medical Malpractice
Posted by Pamela
May 03, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr. Tario did an exceptional job for me on a very tough case. I am so grateful to have had his expertise at bringing my sister's wrongful death case to the rightful conclusion of finding negligence. The individual who caused her death deserves to have this against their record. I thank him for giving me relief of some of the pain losing her has caused.

 
Personal Injury
Posted by Gerrie-Anne
April 12, 2023
Hired Attorney

Mr Tario and his staff gave excellent service. They made everything go smoothly and I was informed of everything that was happening. I would definitely refer Mr Tario to anyone that would need his exceptional service.

Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
April 01, 2014
Hired Attorney

He was very helpful & knowledgeable of laws pertaining to my case. I appreciated his candor & honesty in helping me with the court proceedings & just being able to stand & face the judge & explain the circumstances for the accident when I was so nervous. I was able to get the ticket reduced.

Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
December 19, 2013
Hired Attorney

The best attorney I have ever dealt with!

Personal Injury
Posted by anonymous
July 07, 2010
Hired Attorney

I'm not a fan of lawyers and Michael had all the stereotypical smooth talking, insincere, "I'm your pal" characteristics that drive me crazy. Nothing personal against him, he got me the settlement for what I expected, in about 4 times the amount of time I thought it would take. His office staff was maddeningly unresponsive. Several times, while in his waiting room, I heard paralegals tell the front desk to tell callers that they weren't in. Firm is too busy with too many cases.

 
Administrative Law
Posted by anonymous
December 04, 2010
Hired Attorney
From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Personal Injury 7
    • Automobile Accidents
    • Boating Accidents
    • Sexual Abuse
    • Slip and Fall
    • Trucking Accidents
    • Motorcycle Accidents
    • Wrongful Death
  • Admiralty and Maritime Law 1
    • Jones Act
  • Other 5
    • Maritime Accidents
    • Bicycle Accidents
    • Product Defects
    • Nursing Home Abuse and Neglect
    • Traumatic Brain Injury

Practice Details

  • Languages
    English
    French
  • Payment Information
    Payment & Cost Features
    Free initial consultation
    Accepted Credit Cards
    American Express
    MasterCard
    Visa
  • Firm Information
    Position
    Member
    Firm Name
    Tario & Associates, P.S.
  • Additional Links
    https://www.tariolaw.com/

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1980, Washington
    1980, U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
    1980, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit
    1985, U.S. Supreme Court
    1987, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
    Memberships
    Washington State, Federal (Member, Criminal Law Section) and American Bar Associations
    National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
    National Lawyers Guild
    American Trial Lawyers Association
    Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
    National Defender Association.
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Puget Sound
    Class of 1979
    J.D.
    Other Education
    University of Minnesota
    Class of 1975
    B.A.
    cum laude

    University of Wisconsin
    Class of 1976
    M.A.
    cum laude
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1952
    Virginia, Minnesota, September 25, 1952
    Hobbies & Interests
    Michael is an avid sportsman, seaplane pilot, and sailor, who enjoys camping, fishing, hunting, hiking, and sailing and exploring with his friends and family. Private Pilot's Certificate, Washington, 1974.

Contact Michael John Tario

Member at Tario & Associates, P.S.
4.9
41 reviews

Bellingham Towers, 119 N. Commercial Street, #1000Bellingham, WA 98225U.S.A.

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414 Pine StMount Vernon, WA 98273U.S.A.

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Office Hours:
  • Monday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Tuesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Wednesday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Thursday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
  • Friday 08:30 AM - 05:00 PM
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Other Office Location

Mount Vernon, WA

414 Pine StMount Vernon, WA 98273U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    Michael John Tario speaks French.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review rated?
    Yes, Michael John Tario has a 4.4 Peer Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Michael John Tario has a 4.7 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • Does this attorney maintain a practice in more than one location?
    Yes, Michael John Tario has a presence in Mount Vernon, WA.
  • What year was this attorney's law firm established?
    Tario & Associates, P.S. was established in 1979.

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• 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.

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

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