When I was in law school my colleagues and professors kept suggesting that I practice family law. I had no interest in family law – it sounded depressing, to tell the truth. Prior to law school, I spent a decade working in the non-profit sector helping families and children. I also had experience in international relations, living abroad, and working with international government agencies. I wanted to bring those experiences to my law practice and was primarily interested in immigration law, initially.
Then I found this amazing little law firm in Fremont that has a completely different view of family law than the one I had in my head. Here, we look at divorce and other family transitions as the beginning, not the end. I met with clients who were at the darkest moments in their lives and then helped them to attain a new and better life for themselves and their children. It turns out that practicing family law is inspiring, positive, and deeply meaningful work. Because of my interest in international studies, I expanded my family law practice to include cases that involve parents that are foreign born, live overseas, or have interstate and international custody issues. I developed my pro bono work around helping children who arrive in the U.S. unaccompanied (without a parent) and need to be cared for by a relative. In short, it turns out my colleagues and professors were right when they pointed me in the direction of family law -15 years ago in law school.
I am passionate about decreasing the negative impact that divorce can have on children. I also believe that kids need loving caregivers in their lives and they need protection when a caregiver is a risk to a child. My father was the first man in his home state to win full custody of his children. I know firsthand the effect that divorce can have on the lives of children and parents. I also recognize that life transitions can be positive when supported by the guidance of a caring professional.
I am an experienced litigator and have significant courtroom experience. At the same time, most family law cases are resolved through mediation and I am committed to de-escalating cases that don’t need to go to court.
I aspire to reach my client’s goals by listening, analyzing, and advocating. I enjoy complex analysis and problem solving. I have experience as a litigator in criminal court, immigration court, and family court. I analyze complex family law issues including interstate and international custody, parental kidnapping, and non-parental custody actions, relative visitation, among many other issues related to family law. My analyses have been included in amicus briefings to the Washington Supreme Court and in briefs to the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th District. I am a member of the Washington State Bar Association and member of the family law section. I was recognized in Super Lawyer Magazine and Seattle Met Magazine as a “Rising Star” and “Outstanding Young Lawyer.” Only 2.5% of Washington attorneys are selected for this honor.
When not working, my husband and I are just trying to keep up with our two busy sons. We love weekend getaways, Seahawks games, and volunteering in our community. I enjoy traveling, including to my ancestral country, Peru.
Areas of Practice
- Family Law
Bar Admissions
- Washington, 2007
Education
- Seattle University, School of Law, Seattle, Washington
- J.D. cum laude 2006
- Marietta College, Marietta, Ohio
- B.A. cum laude 1995
- Major: Political Science
- Community Service Award
Classes and Seminars
- Presenter, Continuing Legal Education: Determining Jurisdiction for Interstate and International Families
- Presenter, Continuing Legal Education: Enforcement and Jurisdiction of Custody Orders under the UCCJEA and Hague Convention on International Kidnapping
- Presenter, Continuing Legal Education: Protecting Immigrant Children Through Family Law Action and Special Immigrant Juvenile Status
- Presenter, Continuing Legal Education: What to do when Criminal Issues arise in Family Law
Community Activities
- Volunteer Attorney, Latino/a Bar Association
- Volunteer Attorney, El Centro de la Raza
- Volunteer Attorney, Kids In Need of Defense (KIND)
- Co-Founder, Reel Grrls
- President of Board, Reel Grrls (past)
- Board President, Baden Powell Service Association – Traditional Scouting for Everyone
- Facilitator, Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS) (past)
- Member/Parent, Seattle Public Schools PTSA
- Volunteer, March for Our Lives
- Board Member, Power of Hope (past)
- Volunteer Attorney, NWIRP (past)
Professional Associations
- Washington State Bar Association, Member
- King County Bar Association, Member
- Latino/a Bar Association, Member
Honors and Awards
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars: 2014
Client Reviews
“I really appreciate all of the positive reviews from my clients. So rewarding to know that I helped turn their difficult family situation into a positive one.”
Note: These testimonials or endorsements do not constitute a guarantee, warranty, or prediction regarding the outcome of your legal matter.
We came to DuBois Cary in search of a qualified attorney with experience in 3rd party custody when we were seeking emergency custody of our 18 month old grandchild. After having an in depth consult with Lucia (Levias) we knew she was the one who could help us. She was compassionate, knowledgeable and very straightforward with this very delicate,serious matter. Everything was presented to us in a professional, clear manner with excellent help by the paralegals. In a only a few months we had full legal permanent custody of our grandchild, giving us comfort and peace of mind. ~K. Allen
Not enough stars to give this place! My review is for Lucia and Tanya. I’m a single father who was fighting for custody of my son. The time and work that Lucia and Tanya put into my case was extensive. I think,we were in and out of,court for about a year. As you May know,it’s not easy for a father to get custody here in Washington but Lucia is great. I can’t say enough great things about her and Tanya and although it is on the expensive side, who can name a price for the custody of their child? I’ll be paying them the rest of my,life but,I’ll also have my son for the rest of my,life too. Don’t look anywhere else for an attorney, this is where your suppose to go. ~Happy Client, Seattle
Lucia Levias and Tania Selden were tremendously helpful and extremely patient with me. The divorce went on for a year and a half. I was emotionally and financially drained. Lucia and Tania felt like a friend during the most trying times of my life and yet very professional in negotiating and fighting for me. I highly recommend Lucia and Tania. They are an excellent team. You will be in great hands. ~Lilian D.
I Highly recommend Dubois Cary Law group to anyone that needs a competent and professional attorney. Specially Lucia Levias who was able to help me through an extremely complicated international custody battle. I would recommend her with no hesitation, she was compassionate, knowledgeable and professional. She led me through a very difficult situation and I will always be grateful to her and her team. ~Linda D.
I highly recommend DuBois Cary after going through a very complicated divorce with complex custody issues. Lucia Levias and the team were extremely diligent and thoughtful in going through the numerous complications and giving good sound direction. ~John C.
I retained DuBois Cary law firm to assist in my divorce. I worked with Lucias Levias and I found her to be smart, empathetic, level-headed and able to answer all my questions as well as guide me through the process. My ex-spouse and I settled before our court date and Lucias and her paralegal were able to integrate input from both of us to help us reach a satisfactory conclusion. ~Kyle
Nothing but praise for the dedication and ability of Lucia and her team. Lucia proved herself a very intelligent and capable jurist in her superior handling of my very difficult and highly contentious case. She very clearly explained to me the legal procedures to keep me fully informed throughout the case. It was a major case for me and I was very nervous, but Lucia was always available by phone. She was very empathetic to the anxieties the case was building in me. I would, without hesitation, recommend her to anyone. ~Family Law Client
I spent several weeks researching law firms who are experienced in GLBT family matters. After much consideration and calling around, I opted to use the team at DuBois Cary in divorcing from my partner. Lucia Levias is one of the most professional, thorough, and intelligent attorneys I have worked with in a long time. It was difficult finding an attorney who practices in Pierce County and is familiar with the complexities of GLBT family law. She and the team at DuBois Cary were professional, prompt, and helpful in addressing any questions or concerns I had. A huge thank you to them for shepherding me through this process.~Happy Client, Seattle
The team at DuBois Cary was amazing when I need assistance in creating a separation from my partner. I needed support fast and furious. Lucia Levias was not only professional in helping me on the legal part but she has a huge heart and I felt like she truly cared about my well being. This is a firm that I would recommend any day of the week to any couple, same-sex or heterosexual, to contact for support in a separation.~Happy Client, Seattle
Compassionate legal care at a trying time. I heartily recommend Lucia and HAVE referred friends and colleagues in the past knowing that she will provide them with the best service and advice. Lucia was able to help me through my tricky interstate custody and child support battle. I am thankful I could rely on Lucia at what was an extremely emotionally exhausting time for me and get the best result for my children. No problem was to much for her!~Wendy on Avvo
Excellent Lawyer. Working with Lucia took a lot of stress and confusion out of the divorce process. She and her team were very responsive, compassionate, calming and knowledgeable. She worked incredibly well with everyone involved, while strongly representing my and my son’s interests. I would highly recommend Lucia to anyone who needs an advocate in family law. ~Emily on Avvo
Caring and competent attorney. Lucia provided me with thoughtful legal advice which helped me greatly. She led me through a very difficult situation which ended in the best case scenario for me and my family. ~Chris on Avvo