Speak with one of our attorneys today: 509-392-8252
Our Focus Is Family Law
Our attorneys have devoted their careers to achieving
excellence in the area of family law.
Our attorneys have devoted their careers to achieving excellence in the area of family law.

Patricia Joan Chvatal

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  • Managing Partner

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509-943-5620

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Pat Chvatal is a graduate of Carroll College, Helena, Montana and Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington. She has been practicing law in Richland, Washington since 1976. At that time, she was one of the first women to practice law in the Tri -City area. Her practice area for the last thirty-six years has been in the area of family law dealing with child custody, litigation, complex property issues, and all other areas associated with family law.

Pat has served on numerous Washington State Bar Association committees including serving on the State Executive Board Family law Committee for six years. She has served as President and Vice President of the Benton Franklin County Bar Association and was a recipient of the Al Yencopal Award in December 2008 in recognition of Outstanding Volunteer Legal Services for the Tri-City community.

Pat has also been very active in civic activities serving in part as the school commissioner for Christ the King School, State President of the Business Professional Women, has served on the Board of Directors of the Girl Scouts of Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho and presently on the Board of Directors for Tri-City Prep and Board of Trustees for Carroll College. Pat has "farm roots" in the Walla Walla Valley and is a proud member of the Walla Walla County Cattlemen's Association and the Washington Cattlemen's Association.

Areas of Practice

  • Family Law 100%

Litigation

  • 80%

Bar Admissions

  • Washington, 1977
  • U.S. Federal Courts, 1980

Education

  • Gonzaga University School of Law, Spokane, Washington
    • J.D. - 1976
  • Carroll College, Helena, Montana
    • B.A. - 1972
    • Honors: magna cum laude
    • Major: History

Classes / Seminars

  • Street Law, Tri-Cities Prep High School, 2014 to 2015

Honors and Awards

  • Tri-City Herald People's Choice Award, Attorney of the Year 2021, Patricia J. Chvatal
  • Benton Franklin Legal Aid Society Albert J. Yencopal Award, 2008
  • Washington State Bar Association Local Hero Award, July of 2019
  • Tri-Cities Prep Founders' Award, May 2018
  • ALbert J Yencopal Award recognition of outstanding legal services for the Tri-Cities' community, December of 2008

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • American Bar Association, 1977 to Present
  • Washington State Bar Association, 1977 to Present
  • Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association, 1977 to Present
  • Washington State Business and Professional Women
  • Washington State and Walla Walla County Cattleman’s Association
  • Washington State and Walla Walla County Farm Bureau
  • Board of Directors Tri-Cities Prep High School, 2014 to Present
  • Board of Trustees Carroll College, 2015 to Present

Past Employment Positions

  • Bennett and Carroll, Associate Attorney, 1976 to 1979
  • Bennett, Carroll, and Chvatal, Partner, 1979 to 1980
  • Carroll, Chvatal, and Heye, Partner, 1980 to 1985
  • Heye and Chvatal, Partner, 1985 to 1990
  • Chvatal Law, 1990 to 2018
  • Chvatal King Law 2018-Present

Pro Bono Activities

  • Judge Pro Tem for Benton and Franklin Counties, 2000 to Present

Languages

  • English