Cynthia B. Whitaker

Cynthia B. Whitaker is the founding partner of Whitaker Kent Ordell PLLC in Seattle. She established the practice in 1984 and focuses exclusively on complex family law cases. Her representation includes disputes involving financial interests, businesses, and parenting issues. She brings extensive litigation experience to matters in which legal questions intersect with family relationships and significant assets, helping clients address sensitive disputes through careful preparation and legal advocacy.

Cynthia earned a B.A. from the University of Washington in 1973 and a J.D. from the University of Washington School of Law in 1976. She served on the law review during her legal studies. Her education provided a foundation for legal writing and analysis that has informed decades of trial practice. She later expanded that experience through judicial service as a pro tem family law court commissioner.

From 1988 through 2013, Cynthia served as a pro tem Family Law Court Commissioner in King County Superior Court. She has also acted as trial counsel in cases contributing to Washington family law precedent. Her practice covers difficult financial, business, and parenting disputes. These matters require evaluating detailed circumstances, preparing legal arguments, and explaining how decisions about family assets or children may affect clients over time.

Cynthia B. Whitaker has been named a Washington Super Lawyer repeatedly since 2002. She has chaired continuing legal education programs, including Hot Topics in Family Law, and previously edited the Seattle King County Bar Bulletin and a Washington Women Lawyers newsletter. Her professional service reflects a commitment to family law education and legal writing. She continues to represent clients in complex matters that demand experienced judgment.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Partner, Whitaker Kent Ordell PLLC
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Pro Tem Family Law Court Commissioner, King County Superior Court (1988-2013)
• Editor in Chief, Seattle King County Bar Bulletin
• Editor, Washington Women Lawyers Newsletter (1979)

Licensed State

• Washington

Education

• University of Washington School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Washington
  Bachelor’s degree

Awards & Badges