When Collin McKean and Annelisa Smith, owners of McKean Smith, LLC, first started the law firm back in 2015, it was because the two co-owners wanted to have a firm where the attorneys decided how they wanted to practice, in order to serve their clients in the best way possible.
The client-service driven law firm specializes in family law, as well as business and employment law. What started out as a firm with McKean, Smith, a paralegal and an administrator has since grown into a 20-plus employee operation, expanding offices into both Vancouver and Portland.
“In Vancouver and greater Southwest Washington, McKean Smith is proud to be represented by distinguished attorneys, including Deanna Rusch, Jeffrey Ott, Richard Francisco, as well as Collin McKean and Annelisa Smith,” McKean said. “In 2019, McKean Smith was honored as the Portland Business Journal 13th Fastest-Growing Company in the Portland Metro and Vancouver area.”
Having both grown up in the Pacific Northwest – Smith in Oregon and McKean in Washington – the two felt it was important to have the ability to serve the communities of both Southwest Washington and Oregon inclusively.
“Having the ability to practice law in Clark County is another way to be able to serve the community of Southwest Washington,” McKean said.
Those at McKean Smith are especially happy with their choice of office location in Vancouver. With the help of Colliers International, the firm was able to secure a space in the Murdock Building within the new Vancouver Waterfront Development.
McKean said something that sets McKean Smith apart is that clients feel heard and supported as soon as they hire the McKean Smith team. He said each member has a unique and special toolset that they bring to bear for the client.
“Some client matters require an understanding of business law and accounting matters, while other matters can only be resolved through the strong advocacy of an attorney experienced in child development matters,” McKean said. “McKean Smith is known for our family law practice primarily, but our clients also include small- to mid-sized businesses.”
Specifically in the Clark County community, McKean said the firm’s senior attorney in Vancouver, Deanna Rusch, is highly revered and involved in the community. Rusch has served on the Camas City Council and organizes the 100 Women Who Care Clark County, a group of women dedicated to contributing to the growth and health of Southwest Washington.
“Our attorneys practicing in Clark County gives so much of themselves to Southwest Washington because they are passionate about serving their community,” McKean said.
As for the future of McKean Smith, McKean said priority number one will always be developing their existing talent base.
“We have a fantastic team of attorneys, paralegals, business professionals and office support staff,” he said. “We believe striving for excellence in our legal services will not only set us apart as legal professionals but is also an investment in supporting and making our community a better place for families and businesses to thrive.”
McKean Smith’s Vancouver office is located at 655 W. Columbia Way, Suite 504, in Vancouver.
