Phillip Tavel Testimony
Originally published June 18, 2018 by Phillip Tavel Attorney at Law, WSBA#36362
I, Phillip Tavel, do hereby certify, under penalty of perjury for the laws of the State of Washington, that the following is true and correct...
I am an attorney, licensed to practice in the State of Washington, Bar certified since 2005, I have been primarily a public defender during my 13 years as an attorney. I met John Taylor Hicks in 2007 while serving as his second chair for a series of high-profile criminal trials involving the defendant Curtis Shane Thompson. During the first year I met John, I worked on three trials with him, which lasted close to 3 months of in court, trial time. Also, during that period I spent close to two more entire months prepping those trials with him. Since then, I have worked with John as second or first chair in four other trials and on several other cases that did not go to trial. Over the past 11 years, I have spent a great deal of time working with and close to John.
John Taylor Hicks is quite simply the best criminal defense attorney that I have ever met or worked with. His trial skills are outstanding, his preparation is meticulous, he carries himself with humility, authority, and compassion, and he is one of the sharpest legal minds that I have ever met. His friendship and his professional support are two things that I could not even place a value on. His constant availability to be support for me and for many other attorneys is tremendous. He is always there to help, and there seemingly isn't a trial situation that he hasn't seen before, experienced or worked his way through; and he is always willing to share his knowledge and experience.
I have seen John represent a myriad of criminal defense clients, and regardless of their attitude towards him (including open and violent hostility), the court, law enforcement, or the prosecutor he stands unwaveringly by their side, and always defends them to the best of his ability.
One of the things that make John a truly incredible lawyer is that he is capable of handling tremendously complex cases all on his own. He is always willing to ask for help when, and if he needs it, but the truly amazing thing is how often he succeeds on his own sheer force of will, his incomparable work ethic, his vast experience, and his impressive innate abilities.
John Taylor Hicks is the consummate defense attorney. He is cut from the same cloth as fictional characters like Perry Mason and Atticus Finch (and yet he is real). He is that rare combination of a good man and an even better lawyer. I tell every client of his that I have ever met that they are truly lucky to have him representing them.
Sincerely,
Phillip Tavel
Phillip Tavel, Attorney at Law,
WSBA#36362
Dated: June 18th, 2018
Aaron M. Lukoff Testimonial
John Hicks is an old school attorney. He is a lawyer's lawyer. His understanding of evidence rules and how juries think is beyond compare. His ability to relate to the concerns of jurors is always devastating to his opponents. John has been practicing law for decades. I am proud to be able to call him a friend and a colleague.
John and I have worked on sex crime cases, drive by shooting cases and other serious criminal cases together. I always learn something new when working on cases with John. John's clients are lucky to have such a tenacious lawyer looking out for them. If you don't hire John Hicks, in my learned opinion, you are a fool. You won't get better advice from any attorney in the state.
Aaron M. Lukoff
Attorney at Law
