The Marshall Defense Firm

Bios

• 

  David S. Marshall

  President

  David Marshall defends persons accused of sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence. He does this in criminal cases, civil claims for compensation, Title IX disciplinary proceedings on college campuses, administrative hearings, and dependency cases—actually, in any kind of case except family law. Defense of those accused of these kinds of misconduct has been David’s focus since 1997. In his pro bono publico work, David represented for eight years three prisoners at Guantanamo Bay. David has taught trial advocacy to both law students and practicing lawyers. In April 2018, he taught it to trial lawyers in Botswana.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: David S. Marshall

• 

  Kristina L. Selset

  Attorney|Of Counsel

  Kristina Selset has fought for the accused for 25 years, winning many acquittals from juries and securing favorable judgments outside of trial. Early in her career, Kristina was selected as a "Rising Star" in a poll of Washington lawyers. She has served as a Governor of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, representing that organization to the Washington State Bar Association. An honors graduate in English at the University of Washington, Kristina is also a powerful writer. She has crafted many compelling arguments for courts from the trial level to the Washington Supreme Court. Kristina recognizes that a strong attorney-client relationship is the foundation on which the most powerful advocacy is built. She excels at building those relationships and believes that one of the most valuable aspects of this work is the connection forged with each client. Many people who find themselves caught up in the criminal justice system arrive there due to personal situations that have gone awry or because of family relationships plagued by difficulties. To be the most effective and strong advocate on behalf of her clients, Kristina takes seriously her role as a professional who listens to, counsels, and then fights for her clients. Outside of the office, Kristina serves as a lay leader in her church and is an avid soccer fan and cinephile.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: Kristina L. Selset

• 

  Tracey McDonald

  Paralegal

  Tracey McDonald is our legal assistant. She has worked with David Marshall for more than 25 years. A new caller may first tell Tracey McDonald what he or she needs. Tracey then writes David a memo describing the caller’s situation. She highlights for David looming deadlines and anything else that needs quick attention. We rely with confidence on Tracey’s superb organizational skills and coolness under pressure. Her resourcefulness and seasoned judgment also make her a great person to mind the office when our lawyers are in court or in the field.

  Education:

  Link: Tracey McDonald

• 

  Glenn MacGilvra

  Legal Researcher

  Glenn MacGilvra is the man behind the curtain at The Marshall Defense Firm. Glenn researches the law and writes legal briefs and other papers for our clients. And he does it superbly. Glenn has opened paths for the accused that had seemed closed until he went to work. Glenn’s background is the kind you might expect in a keen thinker and persuasive legal writer—history degree from Princeton University; law degree from Boalt Hall at the University of California at Berkeley; and prestigious law clerkships at the Minnesota Supreme Court, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in San Francisco, and for the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Glenn has also taught legal research, analysis, and writing at Boalt Hall. Most of our clients never meet Glenn MacGilvra. But their cases are stronger because of his work.

  Education:

  Certifications:

  Link: Glenn MacGilvra