Biography
David Gross is the Managing Attorney of Modern Family Law’s Everett office and has been practicing law for more than 30 years. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation for thoughtful advocacy, strategic problem-solving, and helping clients navigate some of life’s most difficult legal challenges.
David represents individuals in a wide range of Washington family law matters, including divorce, child custody, parenting plans, child support, and complex property division. He has particular experience handling high-asset divorces involving closely held businesses, investment portfolios, retirement accounts, and other sophisticated financial issues. He also has extensive experience representing clients in LGBTQ+ divorces and matters involving Committed Intimate Relationships, Washington State’s legal framework for unmarried couples with long-term relationships.
A North Idaho native, David knew from an early age that he wanted to pursue a career in law. He began his legal career as a Prosecuting Attorney in the Seattle area, where he handled some of the region’s most serious criminal cases and conducted more than 100 jury trials. He later shared his knowledge with future attorneys as a law school professor before transitioning his practice to family law.
Although David is a highly experienced trial attorney, he believes that litigation should be a tool—not the starting point. Whenever possible, he works to help clients resolve disputes through practical, cooperative solutions that protect their long-term interests while reducing unnecessary conflict. This approach is especially important in cases involving children, where preserving productive co-parenting relationships can have lasting benefits for the entire family.
As someone who has personally experienced divorce, David understands the uncertainty and emotional challenges clients often face. He is committed to providing compassionate guidance, honest advice, and clear communication so clients feel informed, supported, and confident throughout every stage of the legal process.
“Divorcing families often still have to find ways to co-parent for many years. If we can avoid lengthy and contentious litigation, it can lead to a more civil working relationship between parents. The most aggressive action may not always be the best.”
David believes the best family law representation begins with understanding each client’s unique circumstances, goals, and priorities. While he has spent decades litigating complex legal matters and has extensive courtroom experience, he knows that the strongest outcome isn’t always achieved through conflict. Whenever possible, David works to help clients reach practical, durable resolutions that protect their interests while minimizing unnecessary stress, expense, and emotional hardship.
For families with children, David places a strong emphasis on preserving productive co-parenting relationships whenever appropriate. He understands that the decisions made during a divorce can affect families for years to come and helps clients evaluate both the immediate and long-term impact of every legal decision.
When negotiation is not possible, David is an experienced trial attorney who is prepared to advocate aggressively on behalf of his clients. Having conducted more than 100 jury trials throughout his legal career, he combines strategic litigation experience with thoughtful legal analysis to guide clients through even the most complex family law matters. Throughout every case, David is committed to providing honest advice, clear communication, and compassionate guidance so clients feel informed and confident at every stage of the process.
David earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1994, where he developed the legal foundation that launched more than three decades of practice in litigation and family law.
Following law school, David built an accomplished career in criminal prosecution, private practice, and legal education. He served as a Prosecuting Attorney, conducted more than 100 jury trials, and later taught future attorneys as an adjunct law professor before transitioning his focus to family law. His diverse legal background provides clients with the benefit of decades of courtroom experience, strategic advocacy, and practical legal insight.