Associate Attorney — Melvin & Torrone, PLLP
Chad Bradshaw
Chad Bradshaw began his career as a public defender, representing people during some of the hardest weeks of their lives — usually with little time and no margin for error. That work taught him to stay calm under pressure, move quickly, and actually listen, and it still defines how he handles a case today.
He represents clients in both family law and criminal defense, the two areas that so often collide. A divorce and a criminal charge can land in the same season of someone's life, and Chad practices on both sides of that line so clients don't have to hire two firms and tell their story twice. Whether the matter is custody, a parenting plan, a divorce, or a criminal charge, he brings the same disciplined preparation and client-first judgment to all of it.
Chad is also fluent in Spanish and represents Spanish-speaking clients throughout Pierce County, because understanding exactly what is happening in your case, and what comes next, shouldn't depend on the language you speak.
Free Case Review
Practice Areas
Courtroom Experience
Courtroom-Tested Advocacy
A year as a public defender with Pierce County's Department of Assigned Counsel taught Chad to represent clients when the stakes are highest and the emotions rawest—experience that carries directly into both his family law and criminal defense work.
Strategic, Client-Focused Representation
Custody disputes, divorce, and criminal charges demand more than legal knowledge. Chad pairs strategy with practical, client-first counsel that fits the realities of each case—and each family.
Negotiation Backed by Trial Readiness
Chad's litigation background means he negotiates from a position of strength—and is fully prepared to advocate in court when settlement isn't in the client's best interest.
Education, Admissions & Credentials
Education
Seattle University School of Law — J.D., 2017
Brigham Young University — B.S., Neuroscience, 2014
Admissions
Washington State Courts, 2017
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington, 2020
Associations
Washington State Bar Association
WSBA Family Law Section
Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association
Languages
English
Spanish (fluent)
Prior Experience
Public Defender, Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (2018)
Take the First Step
Schedule Your Confidential Consultation
You don't have to face this alone. Whether you're navigating a painful divorce, fighting for your children, or defending your freedom, Melvin & Torrone, PLLP is here to guide you through.
Get Your Free ConsultationWhat to Bring to Your Consultation
Family Law Consultation
- Marriage certificate or domestic partnership documents
- Existing court orders (custody, support, protection orders)
- Financial documents (tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements)
- Property records (mortgage statements, vehicle titles, retirement accounts)
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Communication records relevant to your case
- CPS correspondence or reports (if applicable)
- A timeline of key events
Criminal Defense Consultation
- Charging documents or citation
- Police reports
- Bail or release conditions
- Names of witnesses
- Photos, videos, or other evidence
- Previous criminal history (if any)
- Communication from prosecutors or investigators
- A written timeline of what happened
Even if you don't have documents, come anyway—time is critical.