team-member

Daniel Kalish

Seattle, WA

Licensed for 19 years

Law Degree

Awards

Primary Practice Area

Employment & Labor

Language

English

About

A graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School, Mr. Kalish is an experienced trial lawyer who has tried more than thirty trials to jury verdict. Mr. Kalish’s practice focuses on complex trial work, and he represents employees and individuals in all aspects of employment litigation. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Kalish was a felony prosecutor at the King County Prosecutor’s Office, where he tried several cases, ranging from identity theft to first degree murder. Prior to that, he clerked for a federal judge and worked at Perkins Coie, the premier defense law firm in the Northwest.  He enjoys helping individuals and respects employees who are willing to fight against inappropriate and unfair actions by their employers.

Practices Areas

Employment and labor

Language

English

Contact

HKM Employment Attorneys LLP600 Stewart StreetSuite 901Seattle, WA, 98101600 Stewart StreetSuite 901Suite 901Seattle, WA, 98101

Office: N/A

Website: N/A

Reviews

anonymous
June 28, 2018

I contacted Daniel to represent me against my employer - he couldn't take on my case, but was still very helpful - he took his time to provide me with referrals to other attorneys who he felt could better assist me considering the specifics of my case. He and his firm also were very professional and considered our initial communication as confidential, which I have discovered not many law firms do - how are you supposed to provide an attorney with the details of your case and the name of the other parties (so they can do a conflicts check) and have it not be confidential? It should be the standard, not the exception. I would definitely refer people to Dan and his firm.

james
February 20, 2015

Dan recently helped me negotiate my employment agreement at a startup that I was joining. In particular, he helped me think about what really mattered to me, and then helped me negotiate for key provisions such as watering down the non-compete, putting in place a severance agreement, and accelerated vesting of my options in the event of a change in control. Dan's particular strength is presenting his client's side in such a way that it appears the obvious and most fair way something should be done, and not like a tough ask or stretch. He's really is looking for the win-win, and not just trying to maximize for his client at all costs in such a way that it might poison the long-term relationship.

anonymous
February 20, 2015

Dan gave me advice about my employment contract. Not only did he have suggestions on the law, he helped me think through the implications of my choices on my current work situation. He was easy to talk to and very clear. I recommend him highly.

anonymous
February 19, 2015

Daniel Kalish of HKM is hands down the best and most insightful employment attorney in Washington State., and perhaps the West Coast. Dan has worked with me through 4 different companies and three acquisitions. Dan has reviewed all my employment agreements, I highly recommend working with Dan.

Matt
February 18, 2015

Dan Kalish has provided me legal counsel on a number of complex employment issues, ranging from non-competes, to employment contracts, severance agreements and claims against my company. Every time he has provided me with extremely valuable counsel. He is responsive, listens carefully, and then explains my options clearly. He is definitive, without being bossy. In explaining options, he weighs the pros and cons, to help ME make a good, informed decision. Dan has a rich background to draw from, including as a litigator, public defender, and experienced employment attorney who has seen it all. It is also amazing to see how quickly and precisely he can parse complex contractual knowledge. For example, in one specific negotiation, Dan was able to comment on a very long draft agreement within hours, and provide edits that were actually in both parties' best interests. In so doing, he helped me, and convinced the other party to change their standard forms. Lastly, Dan is very personable, with a great sense of humor, and who has helped me keep perspective even in the stressful moments.

Tess
October 30, 2014

I couldn’t have had a better attorney. The issues related to my case were well researched as clearly shown from the results of the hearing. Throughout the process, Mr. Kalish always put my interest first and kept me focused on the real issues. Mr. Kalish is a well-spoken attorney who understands the art of persuasion is through civility. Just as importantly, if not more, he was absolutely selfless in his actions. For this I would highly recommend him to anyone. Tess M

Julie
August 4, 2012

I contacted the firm about possibly taking my case. Daniel was kind enough to reply personally. An appt with an intake coordinator was made, after I gave my information the firm decided not to take my case. I wanted a little more clarification as to why and Daniel was kind enough to take the time to respond to my email and explain. Many other attorneys I have contacted about potentially taking my case have not responded even once so I was especially impressed when Daniel did twice and I'm not even a client. (Although my experience does not enable me to rate on trustworthy or knowledgeable it was a requirement so based on my experience I gave high marks in those areas as well. )

Eleanor
May 16, 2012

It would be easy to recommend Dan Kalish based on his academic pedigree alone, but what Dan brings to his practice is far more valuable. Nobody practices law with more enthusiasm and passion. Dan is a tireless advocate with the guts of a warrior and the brains of a genius. I feel very blessed to have him on my side.

Tom Affolter
March 13, 2011

Superb on every front. Impeccable credentials, diverse experience, and most importantly, superb judgment. Dan is a born lawyer. Having worked with him, I can recommend him as a "lawyer's lawyer," he is the person you want to hire--an individual who will be a tireless advocate on your case, but who will also provide you an accurate analysis of the value of your case.

anonymous
May 27, 2017

The old cliche of the immoral lawyer is one I was afraid of before talking to Dan. Truly thought it was an exaggeration, but after seeing him lie to myself and others I'm shocked HKM is still in business. Daniel Kalish isn't to be the employment lawyer to be trusted. Given the details of my case I can't go into specifics. But I can say that what I was told would occur did not, and through repeated delays I eventually determined that I was not being told the whole truth. These delays cost me significantly, both monetarily but in my personal life. You trust a lawyer who's on your side to help you. You don't expect them to cause more harm. This process has taught me so much, but all I can do now is warn others now to think twice.

anonymous
June 28, 2018

I contacted Daniel to represent me against my employer - he couldn't take on my case, but was still very helpful - he took his time to provide me with referrals to other attorneys who he felt could better assist me considering the specifics of my case. He and his firm also were very professional and considered our initial communication as confidential, which I have discovered not many law firms do - how are you supposed to provide an attorney with the details of your case and the name of the other parties (so they can do a conflicts check) and have it not be confidential? It should be the standard, not the exception. I would definitely refer people to Dan and his firm.

james
February 20, 2015

Dan recently helped me negotiate my employment agreement at a startup that I was joining. In particular, he helped me think about what really mattered to me, and then helped me negotiate for key provisions such as watering down the non-compete, putting in place a severance agreement, and accelerated vesting of my options in the event of a change in control. Dan's particular strength is presenting his client's side in such a way that it appears the obvious and most fair way something should be done, and not like a tough ask or stretch. He's really is looking for the win-win, and not just trying to maximize for his client at all costs in such a way that it might poison the long-term relationship.

anonymous
February 20, 2015

Dan gave me advice about my employment contract. Not only did he have suggestions on the law, he helped me think through the implications of my choices on my current work situation. He was easy to talk to and very clear. I recommend him highly.

anonymous
February 19, 2015

Daniel Kalish of HKM is hands down the best and most insightful employment attorney in Washington State., and perhaps the West Coast. Dan has worked with me through 4 different companies and three acquisitions. Dan has reviewed all my employment agreements, I highly recommend working with Dan.

Matt
February 18, 2015

Dan Kalish has provided me legal counsel on a number of complex employment issues, ranging from non-competes, to employment contracts, severance agreements and claims against my company. Every time he has provided me with extremely valuable counsel. He is responsive, listens carefully, and then explains my options clearly. He is definitive, without being bossy. In explaining options, he weighs the pros and cons, to help ME make a good, informed decision. Dan has a rich background to draw from, including as a litigator, public defender, and experienced employment attorney who has seen it all. It is also amazing to see how quickly and precisely he can parse complex contractual knowledge. For example, in one specific negotiation, Dan was able to comment on a very long draft agreement within hours, and provide edits that were actually in both parties' best interests. In so doing, he helped me, and convinced the other party to change their standard forms. Lastly, Dan is very personable, with a great sense of humor, and who has helped me keep perspective even in the stressful moments.

Tess
October 30, 2014

I couldn’t have had a better attorney. The issues related to my case were well researched as clearly shown from the results of the hearing. Throughout the process, Mr. Kalish always put my interest first and kept me focused on the real issues. Mr. Kalish is a well-spoken attorney who understands the art of persuasion is through civility. Just as importantly, if not more, he was absolutely selfless in his actions. For this I would highly recommend him to anyone. Tess M

Julie
August 4, 2012

I contacted the firm about possibly taking my case. Daniel was kind enough to reply personally. An appt with an intake coordinator was made, after I gave my information the firm decided not to take my case. I wanted a little more clarification as to why and Daniel was kind enough to take the time to respond to my email and explain. Many other attorneys I have contacted about potentially taking my case have not responded even once so I was especially impressed when Daniel did twice and I'm not even a client. (Although my experience does not enable me to rate on trustworthy or knowledgeable it was a requirement so based on my experience I gave high marks in those areas as well. )

Eleanor
May 16, 2012

It would be easy to recommend Dan Kalish based on his academic pedigree alone, but what Dan brings to his practice is far more valuable. Nobody practices law with more enthusiasm and passion. Dan is a tireless advocate with the guts of a warrior and the brains of a genius. I feel very blessed to have him on my side.

Tom Affolter
March 13, 2011

Superb on every front. Impeccable credentials, diverse experience, and most importantly, superb judgment. Dan is a born lawyer. Having worked with him, I can recommend him as a "lawyer's lawyer," he is the person you want to hire--an individual who will be a tireless advocate on your case, but who will also provide you an accurate analysis of the value of your case.

anonymous
May 27, 2017

The old cliche of the immoral lawyer is one I was afraid of before talking to Dan. Truly thought it was an exaggeration, but after seeing him lie to myself and others I'm shocked HKM is still in business. Daniel Kalish isn't to be the employment lawyer to be trusted. Given the details of my case I can't go into specifics. But I can say that what I was told would occur did not, and through repeated delays I eventually determined that I was not being told the whole truth. These delays cost me significantly, both monetarily but in my personal life. You trust a lawyer who's on your side to help you. You don't expect them to cause more harm. This process has taught me so much, but all I can do now is warn others now to think twice.

anonymous
June 28, 2018

I contacted Daniel to represent me against my employer - he couldn't take on my case, but was still very helpful - he took his time to provide me with referrals to other attorneys who he felt could better assist me considering the specifics of my case. He and his firm also were very professional and considered our initial communication as confidential, which I have discovered not many law firms do - how are you supposed to provide an attorney with the details of your case and the name of the other parties (so they can do a conflicts check) and have it not be confidential? It should be the standard, not the exception. I would definitely refer people to Dan and his firm.

james
February 20, 2015

Dan recently helped me negotiate my employment agreement at a startup that I was joining. In particular, he helped me think about what really mattered to me, and then helped me negotiate for key provisions such as watering down the non-compete, putting in place a severance agreement, and accelerated vesting of my options in the event of a change in control. Dan's particular strength is presenting his client's side in such a way that it appears the obvious and most fair way something should be done, and not like a tough ask or stretch. He's really is looking for the win-win, and not just trying to maximize for his client at all costs in such a way that it might poison the long-term relationship.

anonymous
February 20, 2015

Dan gave me advice about my employment contract. Not only did he have suggestions on the law, he helped me think through the implications of my choices on my current work situation. He was easy to talk to and very clear. I recommend him highly.

anonymous
February 19, 2015

Daniel Kalish of HKM is hands down the best and most insightful employment attorney in Washington State., and perhaps the West Coast. Dan has worked with me through 4 different companies and three acquisitions. Dan has reviewed all my employment agreements, I highly recommend working with Dan.

Matt
February 18, 2015

Dan Kalish has provided me legal counsel on a number of complex employment issues, ranging from non-competes, to employment contracts, severance agreements and claims against my company. Every time he has provided me with extremely valuable counsel. He is responsive, listens carefully, and then explains my options clearly. He is definitive, without being bossy. In explaining options, he weighs the pros and cons, to help ME make a good, informed decision. Dan has a rich background to draw from, including as a litigator, public defender, and experienced employment attorney who has seen it all. It is also amazing to see how quickly and precisely he can parse complex contractual knowledge. For example, in one specific negotiation, Dan was able to comment on a very long draft agreement within hours, and provide edits that were actually in both parties' best interests. In so doing, he helped me, and convinced the other party to change their standard forms. Lastly, Dan is very personable, with a great sense of humor, and who has helped me keep perspective even in the stressful moments.

Tess
October 30, 2014

I couldn’t have had a better attorney. The issues related to my case were well researched as clearly shown from the results of the hearing. Throughout the process, Mr. Kalish always put my interest first and kept me focused on the real issues. Mr. Kalish is a well-spoken attorney who understands the art of persuasion is through civility. Just as importantly, if not more, he was absolutely selfless in his actions. For this I would highly recommend him to anyone. Tess M

Julie
August 4, 2012

I contacted the firm about possibly taking my case. Daniel was kind enough to reply personally. An appt with an intake coordinator was made, after I gave my information the firm decided not to take my case. I wanted a little more clarification as to why and Daniel was kind enough to take the time to respond to my email and explain. Many other attorneys I have contacted about potentially taking my case have not responded even once so I was especially impressed when Daniel did twice and I'm not even a client. (Although my experience does not enable me to rate on trustworthy or knowledgeable it was a requirement so based on my experience I gave high marks in those areas as well. )

Eleanor
May 16, 2012

It would be easy to recommend Dan Kalish based on his academic pedigree alone, but what Dan brings to his practice is far more valuable. Nobody practices law with more enthusiasm and passion. Dan is a tireless advocate with the guts of a warrior and the brains of a genius. I feel very blessed to have him on my side.

Tom Affolter
March 13, 2011

Superb on every front. Impeccable credentials, diverse experience, and most importantly, superb judgment. Dan is a born lawyer. Having worked with him, I can recommend him as a "lawyer's lawyer," he is the person you want to hire--an individual who will be a tireless advocate on your case, but who will also provide you an accurate analysis of the value of your case.

anonymous
May 27, 2017

The old cliche of the immoral lawyer is one I was afraid of before talking to Dan. Truly thought it was an exaggeration, but after seeing him lie to myself and others I'm shocked HKM is still in business. Daniel Kalish isn't to be the employment lawyer to be trusted. Given the details of my case I can't go into specifics. But I can say that what I was told would occur did not, and through repeated delays I eventually determined that I was not being told the whole truth. These delays cost me significantly, both monetarily but in my personal life. You trust a lawyer who's on your side to help you. You don't expect them to cause more harm. This process has taught me so much, but all I can do now is warn others now to think twice.