Biography
David Crouse is the Founding Partner at Crouse Erickson.He wasn’t always drawn to law—in fact, he was accepted into medical school. However, a local prosecutor encouraged him to think about law school and after he applied to Gonzaga University School of Law, he received the Thomas More Scholarship (a full scholarship). His career path was thus decided. In 1991 he won the Linden Cup competition at the Gonzaga University School of Law as the law school’s best oral advocate. In 1992, he followed that up with the National Moot Court award for best written brief in competition involving every United States law school.
After his graduation from the Gonzaga School of law in 1993 with honors, David’s practice has focused exclusively on family law cases. This was a practice model not generally seen in the region. Crouse Erickson is now Spokane County’s largest law firm focused exclusively on family law. David Crouse has now been able to help thousands of families for over three decades.
David’s favorite part about being a family attorney is meeting with a client to learn about their objectives, and then devising a winning strategy through negotiation or litigation. He is most passionate about the preparation for a hearing or trial, and then seeing that preparation result in a win for his client. David is not satisfied unless his client is very happy with the result.
David is rated as a perfect “10.0 Superb” by AVVO in divorce litigation and has received multiple “Best Attorney” awards. His is annually selected as a Top Attorney” in Spokane for divorce representation by Spokane Coeur d’Alene Magazine. He recently received the prestigious “Top Attorney in North America” award from Who’s Who Directories for divorce and family litigation. He is a frequent lecturer in Washington family law CLE (Continuing Legal Education) courses for other attorneys. David has also served as a Spokane County Superior Court Judge Pro Tem.
In June 2014, Addicus Publishing released the book “Divorce in Washington”, which was authored exclusively by David Crouse. Divorce in Washington is now available at the Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Apple store websites. It’s also available on Kindle, Nook, and I-Books and at the Addicus website, www.addicusbooks.com. A courtesy book is always available to all firm clients. He has been elected to the Order of Barristers for excellence in courtroom advocacy, and has received multiple American Jurisprudence Awards for legal writing and courtroom advocacy. He has been published in the Gonzaga Law Review, Spokane Woman Magazine, Northwest Woman Magazine, Spokane Coeur d’Alene Magazine, and has been featured in articles in the Spokesman Review and in other radio, television and media forums.
An intense client advocate, one of the trademarks of David’s representation is the ability to make a high quality, well-prepared presentation in the courtroom and to deliver written documents of equal quality to the assigned judicial officer. “Truly, the attorney you select will make a difference in the outcome of your case.” David has extensive experience in business valuation and professional practice cases, backed by a team of highly qualified professionals. Few attorneys in the region have similar experience in representation of successful, high net worth, professionals. David’s recent, successful representation includes Eastern Washington-area doctors, dentists, veterinarians, lawyers, judges, accountants, chiropractors, small business owners, and those holding significant corporate interests.
When he is not practicing law or managing the practice, you’ll find him trout fishing, snow skiing or enjoying pheasant hunting with his dog.
CloseAchievements
Order of Barristers for Excellence in Courtroom Advocacy
Best Legal Brief in Nation–National Moot Court
American Jurisprudence Award for Advocacy
Gonzaga University School of Law Linden Cup Winner,
Best Oral Advocate
American Jurisprudence Award for Legal Research and Writing
Best Attorney (Divorce & Family) in Spokane
William O. Douglas Award for Courtroom Advocacy
Top Attorney In North America – Divorce and Family Law
Publications
Divorce in Washington, Addicus Publishing, June 2014
Complex Asset Divorce Cases, National Business Institute, 2013
Business and Professional Practice Valuations,
Spokane County Bar Association, 2013
Discovery in Divorce: Discovering Hidden Assets,
Washington State Bar CLE Publication, 2011
Washington Case Law Update, Spokane County Bar Association, 2008
An Introspective Look Into Family Law, Spokane County Bar Association, 2006
Family Law Skills Institute – Washington State Bar Association,
Family Law Section, 2005