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James Whittingham Spencer

Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. β€’ Seattle, WA
Estate Planning

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Contact

Email
Phone
(206) 207-3397
Address
936 N 34th St, Seattle, WA, 98103, US

Professional

About

James Whittingham Spencer is an esteemed attorney at Brothers Henderson Durkin, P.S. in Seattle, Washington, where he specializes in trust and estate litigation, community property issues, and vulnerable adult protection. Since joining the firm in 2016, James has brought a wealth of experience from his previous roles as a Founding Partner of Spencer Anderson & Buhr, PLLC, and Principal at both The Spencer Law Group PS and Spectra Law PS. A dedicated advocate for nonprofit service, James has served as secretary of the board of directors for Three Dollar Bill Cinema and chaired the board of the Washington Association of Future Business Leaders of America. His commitment to community service is further evidenced by his past roles on the boards of the QLaw Foundation and the Tacoma Rainbow Center, as well as his participation in the Washington State Bar Association Professionalism Committee. In addition to his legal practice, James has imparted his knowledge as an educator, teaching Community Property and Trusts and Estates courses as an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University School of Law for twelve years. He has also contributed to the Paralegal Studies program at Edmonds College. Outside of his professional commitments, James enjoys hiking and backpacking with his husband and their dog, Brandy, as well as collecting vintage vinyl records and traveling.

About Estate Planning Law

Estate planning attorneys help individuals plan for the distribution of their assets and care during incapacity. They create wills, trusts, and other documents to protect families and minimize taxes. Common matters include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, healthcare directives.

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Credentials

Education
2005 Seattle University School of Law JD - Juris Doctor 1995 Evergreen State College BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English

Recognition & Involvement

Awards
2015 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association 2014 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association 2013 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association 2013 Nomination - Faculty Graduation Speaker, Seattle University School of Law 2012 Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association
Publications
2011 Legal Voice Basic Estate Planning for Unmarried Couples 2005 Unpublished The Survey on Legal Pedagogy and Sexual Minority Law Students
Associations
2009 - Present United States District Court for the Western District of Washington Member 2006 - Present Greater Seattle Business Association Member 2005 - Present Washington State Bar Association Member 2005 - Present WSBA Real Property, Probate and Trust Section Member 2015 - 2016 Washington Future Business Leaders of America Board of Directors
Speaking
2016 Just Enough to Be Dangerous: Bridging the Gaps between Trust & Estate Clients, Practitioners, and Practice The Dialog Gap: Helping Clients Understand the Creative Process that is Estate Planning 2015 Personal Estate Planning for the 99% Estate Planning for Blended Families 2015 Advanced Guardianship Issues: New Paradigms for Your Guardianship Practice Community Property Considerations in Guardianship 2014 Admission to Practice Rule 8(g) Training Program Legal Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Servicemembers 2013 Admission to Practice Rule 8(g) Training Program Legal Considerations for Gay and Lesbian Servicemembers
Updated: Mar 25, 2026