Elisa J. Coates

Elisa J. Coates is a Seattle criminal defense lawyer at Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC, who represents people accused of crimes and focuses on understanding both the allegations and each client’s circumstances. She handles matters involving shoplifting, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, DUI, trespassing, theft, and other criminal charges. She draws on public defense experience to analyze evidence, identify important context, and pursue outcomes grounded in the facts and individual circumstances of each case in Washington.

Elisa earned her J.D. from the University of Manitoba in 2018 and her LL.M. from the University of Washington in 2022. She earned her H.B.A. from Lakehead University in 2013 with First Class Standing. During law school, she focused on constitutional protections and completed a year-long criminal law clinic. She managed real cases involving DUI, assault, trespassing, and theft while developing practical trial and client advocacy skills in criminal court.

Elisa previously practiced criminal defense in Ontario, Canada, primarily handling public defense matters ranging from shoplifting and domestic violence to drug trafficking and murder. She also interned with Legal Aid Ontario, working on access to justice for recently charged individuals. Before law school, she directed an inner-city youth center serving Indigenous youth. She applies that background when evaluating how personal circumstances intersect with criminal accusations and legal strategy for clients.

Elisa J. Coates is admitted through the Washington State Bar Association and the Law Society of Ontario. She belongs to the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association, and Christian Legal Society. She emphasizes the presumption of innocence for accused people and supports rehabilitation and restoration after conviction. She combines critical analysis, attentive listening, and compassion when helping clients navigate criminal proceedings and pursue fair, just outcomes.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association
• Member, Christian Legal Society

Licensed State

• Washington

Education

• University of Washington
  Master of Law (LLM)
• University of Manitoba
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Lakehead University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges