World-Class Representation for Yakima Families
When Todd Swensen talks about his work, he doesn’t start with the law.
He starts with people.
“Everyone has a story that matters, whether you agree or not,” Todd says. “In representing people as a lawyer, it’s so important to be empathetic about a client’s circumstances and to put yourself in their shoes to see it from their perspective.”
That belief has guided Todd through every stage of his life—from his early years growing up near Moses Lake, Washington, to his service around the world as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Air Force JAG Corps, and now to his role as a family law attorney in Yakima.
Todd knows that behind every case is a person who’s scared, hopeful, or just trying to protect what matters most. His goal isn’t to win at all costs—it’s to help his clients find peace, stability, and a new beginning.
A Life of Faith and Service
Todd’s life of service began long before his legal career. As a young man, he served a mission in Eastern Europe for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not long after the fall of the Soviet Union. Living among families rebuilding their lives after decades of hardship changed the way he saw the world. He saw how laws and leadership could help—or hurt—ordinary people trying to make a better future.
That experience sparked his desire to go to law school and serve his country. After earning his bachelor’s degree in International Relations from Brigham Young University, Todd attended Gonzaga University School of Law, drawn by the school’s focus on ethics and using the law to “advance the greater good.”
Soon after graduating, he joined the United States Air Force JAG Corps, beginning what would become an 18-year (and counting) legal career in service to others.
Global Experience, Grounded Perspective
During his 13 years on active duty, Todd lived and worked around the world—from Texas and Germany to Washington, D.C., and Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. He handled thousands of criminal cases and developed the calm, disciplined leadership that comes only from experience under pressure.
He later served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Yakima, where he handled complex federal prosecutions. Among his career highlights:
- Serving on the prosecution team in United States v. Khalid Sheikh Mohammed et al., the 9/11 terrorism case.
- Securing a conviction in United States v. Tahsheena Sam in 2024, a federal murder case involving a member of the Yakama Nation.
Yet for all his courtroom victories, Todd realized that what meant the most wasn’t winning cases—it was helping people. He wanted to use his experience to guide families through their own battles, not just legal ones.
Bringing Strength and Peace to Family Law
When Todd joined Pacific Northwest Family Law, he brought with him a steady, mission-driven approach to solving family problems. He believes that even in divorce and custody disputes, there’s room for grace.
“Despite the difficult circumstances surrounding divorce or child custody matters, resolution can be done in ways where everyone benefits—and is done in a peaceful manner.”
Clients often describe Todd as calm under pressure, strategic in planning, and fair but firm when it comes to protecting their interests. He doesn’t rush people through painful moments. Instead, he listens, explains, and helps them make smart, confident choices about their future.
As a Yakima family law attorney, Todd serves clients throughout Yakima, Kittitas, Grant, and Klickitat counties, combining local understanding with global perspective. His goal is to help families move forward—not just legally, but emotionally and financially.
Family, Faith, and a Love of the Outdoors
At his core, Todd is a family man. He’s been married for 25 years and is the proud father of five children. When he’s not in the office or the courtroom, you’ll find him working in his yard, exploring Eastern Washington with his family, or trying out a new recipe at home.
He’s also a budding beekeeper, drawn to the quiet order and teamwork of the hive. And as a lifelong history buff, he loves reading about how ordinary people overcame extraordinary challenges—a theme that seems to echo through his own life.
Todd Swensen doesn’t see his clients as cases. He sees them as people standing at a crossroads, trying to rebuild. His years of service have taught him how to stay calm in crisis, how to lead with integrity, and how to find solutions that restore peace.
If you’re looking for a Yakima divorce attorney who brings both strength and compassion to every case, Attorney Todd Swensen is here to help you find your way forward—with clarity, courage, and care.