What does Schwab Law actually do?
Schwab Law, P.L.L.C. focuses on four practice areas:
- Criminal defense and DUI/DWI
- Family law (divorce, custody, and related matters)
- Probate and estate planning
- Bankruptcy
If your legal matter falls outside these areas — a personal injury claim, a business dispute, an immigration issue — you would need to look elsewhere, and a candid firm will tell you that upfront.
Who are the attorneys?
The firm has four attorneys, all licensed by the Washington State Bar Association. You can verify any of the details below at wsba.org using the WSBA numbers listed.
Jonathan Schwab — Founding Attorney
Jonathan Schwab founded the firm and handles, dui, criminal defense and bankruptcy matters. He was admitted to the Washington bar in 2018 (WSBA #53759) and is also admitted in Arizona. He earned his law degree from Phoenix School of Law. Full profile →
Taylor Schaefer — Family Law Attorney
Taylor Schaefer handles family law matters. He was admitted to the Washington bar in 2020 (WSBA #56719) and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Full profile →
Isaac Smith — Estate Planning Attorney
Isaac Smith handles estate planning matters. He was admitted to the Washington bar in 2021 (WSBA #57524) and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Full profile →
Jason Chenette Jr. — Criminal Defense Attorney
Jason Chenette Jr. handles criminal defense and DUI/DWI matters. He was admitted to the Washington bar in 2020 (WSBA #56971) and earned his law degree from Gonzaga University School of Law. Full profile →
Where does the firm serve clients?
Schwab Law serves clients in Spokane, Spokane Valley, Airway Heights, Cheney, Deer Park, Fairfield, Latah, Liberty Lake, Medical Lake, Millwood, Rockford, Spangle, Waverly, and the surrounding Eastern Washington region. The office is located at 1402 W. Broadway Ave., Spokane, WA 99201.
How should I evaluate any law firm — including this one?
No law firm, including this one, should ask you to take their word for it. Here are concrete steps you can take before hiring anyone:
- Check WSBA standing. Look up every attorney at wsba.org to confirm they are currently licensed and in good standing with no public disciplinary history.
- Match the attorney to your problem. Ask specifically which attorney would handle your matter and confirm that person focuses on your practice area. At Schwab Law, each attorney is assigned to a defined area rather than the whole firm handling everything.
- Ask about fees upfront. Find out whether the firm charges a flat fee, an hourly rate, or a retainer, and get the fee structure in writing before signing anything.
- Use the consultation. A consultation is your chance to ask direct questions: How do you communicate with clients? What is the likely timeline? What do you need from me? The quality of those answers tells you a lot.
- Check independent public sources. The firm’s Google Business Profile, if it exists, will show reviews left by actual clients. Read critically and look for patterns, not just star counts.
How does Schwab Law compare to hiring a public defender?
If you are facing criminal charges and cannot afford a private attorney, you have a constitutional right to a public defender. Public defenders are licensed attorneys — many are skilled and experienced — and the main practical difference is caseload: public defenders often carry very heavy dockets, which can limit the time they have for any individual client. A private criminal defense attorney like Jason Chenette Jr. at Schwab Law may have more time to dedicate to your case, but that comes at a cost you will need to weigh against your budget and circumstances. Neither option is automatically better; the right choice depends on your situation.
How do I get in touch?
You can reach Schwab Law at (509) 795-1894 or through the contact page on their website. The office is at 1402 W. Broadway Ave., Spokane, WA 99201.
Key takeaways
- Schwab Law, P.L.L.C. was founded in 2021 and handles criminal defense and DUI, family law, estate planning, and bankruptcy.
- The firm has four Washington-licensed attorneys; all WSBA numbers are publicly verifiable at wsba.org.
- Three attorneys — Schaefer, Smith, and Chenette — graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law; founding attorney Schwab is also admitted in Arizona.
- The firm serves Spokane and a wide range of Eastern Washington communities from its office at 1402 W. Broadway Ave.
- Evaluating any law firm should involve checking WSBA standing, confirming the right attorney handles your case type, and asking about fees in writing.
Frequently asked questions
How long has Schwab Law been in business?
The firm was founded in 2021 and is located in Spokane, Washington.
Can I verify the attorneys’ licenses independently?
Yes. Search each attorney by name or WSBA number at wsba.org to confirm current licence status and check for any public disciplinary history.
Does Schwab Law handle personal injury or immigration cases?
Based on the firm’s stated practice areas, it focuses on criminal defense and DUI, family law, probate and estate planning, and bankruptcy. For other legal matters, you would need to consult a different firm.
What is the best way to decide if Schwab Law is right for my situation?
Call (509) 795-1894 or use the contact page to set up a consultation, come prepared with your documents and questions, and use that conversation to assess whether the firm’s experience and communication style are a good fit for your needs.
Helpful resources
- Schwab Law attorney profiles
- Schwab Law contact page
- Washington State Bar Association — Find a Lawyer
Have a about schwab law question about your own situation? Learn more about how we can help, or call Schwab Law, P.L.L.C. at (509) 795-1894 for a consultation.
This article is general information about Washington law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different — for advice about your specific circumstances, please consult a licensed Washington attorney.