About

Donna Person Smith

Donna Person Smith is the owner of Sterling Law. Ms. Person Smith has over 20 years experience as a criminal defense attorney. Ms. Person-Smith has been in private practice in the State of Washington since 1994 and has personally handled thousands of criminal cases. She previously served as the Auburn Public Defender for a period of seven (7) years from January 1st, 1999, until December 31st, 2005. Ms. Person Smith graduated cum laude from Tulane Law School. As the owner and senior attorney, she manages all staff in their duties. Ms. Person Smith has argued before the Washington State Court of Appeals, and appears regularly in Washington State Superior Courts, District Courts and Municipal Courts.

Sterling Law takes pride in being knowledgeable about the law and any possible defenses (either factual or technical). At Sterling Law, we provide you with Your Best Defense!

Professional & Bar Association Memberships

• Member of the Washington State Bar Association
• Member of the Louisiana State Bar Association (Inactive)
• Member of the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
• Member Washington Defender Association
• Member Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member of the American Bar Association

Chelsea Scott

After graduating from Washington State University with a B.A. in International Business, Chelsea received her Juris Doctorate from Willamette University College of Law where she graduated in the top 20% of her class.

While in law school, Chelsea balanced her studies with working at the Marion County District Attorney’s Office as a Certified Law Clerk. There, Chelsea represented the State in all aspects of criminal cases from intake to trial, prosecuting all levels of criminal offenses. This experience led Chelsea to obtain valuable litigation skills that she is still able to utilize today.

After graduation, Chelsea discovered she would rather help individuals through difficult times, rather than prosecute them. Chelsea has striven to advocate for all her clients aggressively and compassionately. Chelsea prides herself in providing thorough and effective legal counsel that yields a satisfactory result for her clients. As a mother of two young children, Chelsea is able to relate to her clients and understands the importance of family.

Chelsea also sits as a Pro Tem Commissioner in Pierce County, which has resulted in Chelsea obtaining experience on how judicial officers rule on matters – giving Chelsea’s client’s a unique perspective on how the court may rule.

Membership and Accomplishments:

• Member of the Washington State Bar Association
• Member of the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association
• Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Family Law Section, Trustee, 2023 to present.
• Washington Super Lawyer Rising Star
• Recognized by Puget Sound Business Journal as “Next Generation in Law, 2022