Robin Schmahl
About
Practicing in Family Law Litigation, Uncontested Divorce, Estate Planning, Probate, and Guardianship
Robin Schmahl focuses her practice on family law, divorce, estate planning, and probate. Prior to becoming a lawyer, Robin proudly served in the U.S. Army, worked as a ranch hand training horses, designed and wrote software systems, managed a bed & breakfast, tracked government grants for scientists at Berkeley, and taught puppetry in Borneo. This diverse background exposed her to people from all walks of life and many different industries, but Robin found her true calling as an attorney.
Robin received her undergraduate degree from U.C. Berkeley (cum laude) in 1993 and received her law degree from Emory University School of Law (with honors) in 1996. After graduating from law school, she joined the Atlanta office of one of the world’s largest law firms as a tort defense attorney, representing Fortune 500 clients in high-stakes litigation. Robin says: “I thoroughly enjoyed my 15-year tenure with my Atlanta firm — the intellectual challenge, friendship, mentorship, and culture of integrity gave me a great sense of satisfaction. However, I missed my family in Washington, and wanted the chance to help regular people with their legal problems. What drew me to Allen|Fischer Law was the firm’s reputation for being tough but ethical, as well as the firm’s commitment to client service, professional courtesy, and collegiality. These are all values that are paramount to me.”
“Going through a divorce, disagreements over child custody, or settling the affairs of a loved one who has passed away can be the most difficult chapter in a person’s life, when reason sometimes takes a back seat to overwrought emotions. An attorney who throws gasoline on the fire is not serving his or her clients’ best interests. In my view, an attorney should truly be a “counselor at law”, who is a combination of zealous advocate, sleuth, and the voice of reason when emotions run high. Although I am a no-nonsense litigator, I encourage clients to use settlement and mediation to resolve disputes, whenever feasible. Strategically using alternative dispute resolution can significantly reduce the financial and emotional toll of litigation.”
Robin considers the relationship between herself and the clients she serves as a partnership, in which she honors each person’s unique perspective, goals, and concerns. “There is no one-size-fits-all solution for legal problems, especially in the arena of family law. I witnessed first-hand the utter frustration of a close family member whose divorce dragged on for five years because her attorneys would not return phone calls for weeks at a time, and seemingly wanted to substitute their own values for what she wanted. I welcome open and honest conversations, where we can explore what is most important, so that I have a clear understanding of what my clients’ goals and priorities really are. A partnership-oriented relationship is the foundation of my commitment to client service.”
Client Testimonials
At Allen | Fischer, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.
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"Outstanding job"Robin Schmal did an outstanding job with my child custody case. She was very quick at getting our case completed with the courts. Prepared all of our documents in a timely manner. Kept us informed on what was happening. Explained everything we had questions about. Gave us great recommendations on how to proceed. I recommend her hands down and would gladly bring her on again! She truly went above and beyond any of the other Spokane attorneys I have worked with.- Katie M.
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"One of the best lawyers"Hands down this is one of the best lawyers i have ever dealt with. I am prior law enforcement and family court was terrifying to think about. Robin Schmahl has been a life saver for us. My husband's ex is very abusive and we had multiple issues with cps and mental health issues with mom. Robin was able to deal with everything including communicating with the mother for us! It's not common for a father to get full custody but Robin helped us show that his ex is mentally ill. It's been five years since the court said she had to get a mental health evaluation or lose the kids. She still has not gotten the evaluation but constantly threatens us. Robin is always there to help! We do not know what we would do without her!- Toni B.
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"Expert guidance with compassion"Robin Schmahl is amazing. She thoroughly understands the legal aspects, as well as understanding how to guide you, the parent, through the process. Knowledgeable of the law, detail oriented, with a warm personality to guide you, what else could you ask for? If you want peace of mind, choose Robin.- Cecily M.
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"Phenomenal parenting plan support"A friend recommended Robin Schmal and it sure was an excellent recommendation. She has been phenomenal throughout the entire process of my parenting plan and child support order. I would, and already have, recommend her.- Jeff M.