Sara Maleki

Top rated Personal Injury attorney in Spokane, Washington

GLP Attorneys, P.S., Inc.
Sara Maleki
GLP Attorneys, P.S., Inc.

Practice areas: Personal Injury, Animal Law

Licensed in Washington since: 2010

Education: Gonzaga University School of Law

Languages spoken: English, Persian (Farsi)

Selected to Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2025 Selected to Rising Stars: 2017 - 2020
Free Consultation

GLP Attorneys, P.S., Inc.

115 N Washington St
Floor 3
Spokane, WA 99201 Phone: 509-455-3636 Email: Sara Maleki Visit website
Details

Sara Maleki is a Shareholder and personal injury attorney licensed in Washington and Idaho supporting the firm’s Spokane, Tri-Cities, Coeur d’Alene, and Boise offices.

Since joining GLP Attorneys in 2014, Sara Maleki has built a distinguished career as an attorney and Shareholder serving clients across Washington and Idaho. She represents individuals in a wide range of personal injury cases, including car collisions, wrongful death, nursing home neglect, premises liability, and product liability. Known for her compassionate advocacy and exceptional results, Sara has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star from 2017 to 2021 and as a Super Lawyer since 2022—an honor awarded to only the top 5% of attorneys in Washington. She has also been named a Top Lawyer in Spokane by Spokane Coeur d’Alene Living Magazine every year since 2016.

Sara is deeply committed to honoring the individuality and lived experiences of every client she serves. Her approach to advocacy is rooted in empathy, cultural awareness, and respect for diversity in all its forms. She is especially passionate about serving members of the LGBTQ+ community and advancing inclusion throughout the legal profession and her broader community.

Sara has served as Chair of the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ) Diversity Committee and is the Co-Chair and founding member of the GLP Attorneys Diversity Committee. In recognition of her leadership and impact, she received the Carl Maxey Award from WSAJ in 2023 for her outstanding commitment to diversity and equity in law. Beyond her legal work, Sara also serves as Vice Chair of the Spokane Symphony Board of Trustees, where she chairs the Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee.

Sara’s dedication to community extends far beyond her professional endeavors. She serves on the Board of Directors for Planned Parenthood of the Inland Northwest and has been the Associate Director of Satori Camp—a summer camp for gifted and highly capable youth at Eastern Washington University—for more than 20 years. Mentoring students at Satori remains one of the highlights of her year.

Outside of work, Sara finds joy in creativity and connection. She sings with the Spokane Symphony Chorale, enjoys cooking vegan food, traveling with her spouse, and spending time with family and her beloved pets—two cats, Maui and Moana; a parrot, Leilani; and a goldfish named Barbara.

First Admitted: 2010, Washington

Professional Webpage: http://www.glpattorneys.com/attorneys/sara-maleki/

Bar / Professional Activity

  • Board Member, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho, 2025
  • EIB Committee Chair, Spokane Symphony, 2024
  • Member, Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2024
  • Member, Million Dollar Advocates Forum, 2024
  • Member, Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, 2024
  • Satori Camp, Associate Director, 1998 – Present, 2024
  • Spokane Symphony Board of Trustees, Vice President, 2020 - Present, 2024
  • Spokane County Bar Association – Diversity Section, 2006 – Present, 2024
  • GLP Attorneys EIB Committee, Co-Chair, 2024
  • Gonzaga Law School, 1L Mentor, 2011 – Present, 2024
  • Spokane County Bar Association, Member, 2010 – Present, 2024
  • Benton/Franklin County Bar Association, Member, 2016 – Present, 2024
  • Member of Women of WSAJ, 2024
  • Spokane Symphony Chorale, Member, 2016 – Present, 2024
  • Washington State Association for Justice (WSAJ), Eagle Member, 2014-current, 2024
  • Diversity Committee, Co-Chair, Washington State Association for Justice, 2021
  • Secretary/Treasurer of Animal Law Section Committee for Washington State Bar Association
  • At Large Committee Member of the Executive Committee of Animal Law Section Committee for Washington State Bar Association
  • Executive Committee member for WSAJ LGBTQ Section, 2017
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, Admitted to Practice, 2016
  • United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, Admitted to Practice, 2015
  • U.S. District and Bankruptcy Courts for the District of Idaho, 2015
  • Idaho State Bar Association, Admitted to Practice, 2015
  • Washington State Bar Association, Admitted to Practice, 2010

Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)

  • $225,000 settlement for a pedestrian struck by a car., 2025
  • $200,000 recovery for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $185,000 recovery for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $174,000 settlement for a client injured in a head-on collision., 2025
  • $166,000 recovery for an Arizona pedestrian client injured when hit by a car., 2025
  • $155,000 settlement for a pedestiran client injured when struck by a car., 2025
  • $150,000 settlement for a client injured in a t-bone collision., 2025
  • $150,000 recovery for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $130,000 recovery for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $125,000 recovery for a client injured in a t-bone collision., 2025
  • $125,000 recovery for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $120,000 settlement for a client injured in a rear-end collision., 2025
  • $110,000 recovery for a client injured in a t-bone collision., 2025
  • $105,000 settlement for a client injured in a car crash., 2025
  • $100,000 settlement for a client injured when hit by a car while riding a bicycle., 2025
  • $1.56 Million settlement for a client T-boned by a driver who failed to yield suffering from rib pain, concussion, and total hearing loss in his left ear., 2024
  • $310,000 settlement for an individual who suffered a gunshot wound.  , 2023
  • $502,000 settlement for an individual injured in a road rage assault., 2023
  • $1,060,000 settlement for an individual who was injured in a rear-end motor vehicle collision., 2023
  • $350,000 settlement for a client who was injured when a vehicle crashed into a building. She suffered injuries to her hips, shoulder, and elbow, all which required surgery.
  • $350,000 settlement for a client who was knocked to the ground by a golf cart, suffered injuries to her neck and back, and was forced to undergo low back surgery.
  • $340,000 settlement for a client who was injured as a pedestrian. As a result, he underwent low back surgery and missed time at work. 
  • $300,000 settlement for a client with pre-existing low back pain suffered from aggravation of a prior injury in a very low-speed, low property damage collision.
  • $275,000 settlement for a client who was was injured in a low property damage collision and suffered a mild traumatic brain injury. 
  • $205,000 settlement for a client who was injured in a low speed collision and suffered a shoulder injury, which required surgery and caused her to miss time at work.

Videos

  • Gary Galstad was a diver working on an underwater bridge anchor project, when a heavy 8-foot-tall spool of anchor chain fell off of the pontoon and snagged his diving hose, yanking him violently backward, resulting in severe and lasting injuries. While surgery was successful in alleviating the pain and regaining mobility, the spinal cord stimulator implanted could not be submerged below 10 feet, ending Gary’s diving career. At the beginning of the case, the companies AUS and KGM offered no money. Fighting hard for Gary, Sara and Jim were able to win him a $2,850,000 dollar settlement from KGM and a $150,000 settlement from AUS., Journey to Justice: The Case of Gary Galstad, Maritime, 2024

Honors

  • Washington Super Lawyers List 2022-2025, Washington Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyers, 2025
  • The annual Best Places to Work Inland Northwest survey, hosted by the Spokane Journal of Business and supported by Greater Spokane Inc., celebrates employers in the Inland Northwest region—especially around Spokane—who distinguish themselves through outstanding workplace culture, employee engagement and community connection. Organizations participate by completing anonymous team assessments, and winners are honored for practices such as meaningful recognition, inclusive leadership, work-life balance, and active community roles. In short, it’s a valuable local marker of companies that make Spokane not just a place to work, but a place where people genuinely want to build careers and stay., Best Places to Work Inland NW, Spokane Business Journal, 2025
  • Highest rating on Avvo.com, 10.0 Rating, www.Avvo.com, 2024
  • This award is given to a WSAJ member who has demonstrated a sustained commitment to diversity in the legal profession., Carl Maxey Award, Washington State Association for Justice, 2023
  • Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Top Lawyer, 2016-2023, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living, 2023
  • Recognized by TopVerdict.com for obtaining one of the Top 100 Personal Injury Settlements in the United States (Galstad v. Kiewit/General/Manson), 2021, Galstad v. Kiewit/General/Manson, TopVerdict.com , 2021
  • Nominated as Rising Star 2017-2021, Rising Star, SuperLawyers, 2021
  • Avvo Client’s Choice Award, Avvo Client’s Choice Award, Avvo.com, 2019
  • Recipient, Avvo Client’s Choice Award, Avvo Client’s Choice Award, Avvo.com, 2014

Educational Background

  • Gonzaga University School of Law, J.D., 2009
  • Eastern Washington University, B.A., in Business Management Information Systems, 2002

Scholarly Lectures / Writings

  • This session explored practical strategies for advancing equity and fostering inclusivity within the legal profession. Grounded in real-world examples and ethical considerations, attendees examined the impact of language, bias, and systemic barriers on client experiences and case outcomes. The program emphasized culturally responsive communication, inclusive leadership, and client-centered advocacy. Participants left with tools to recognize implicit bias, engage with diverse communities respectfully, and implement inclusive practices that enhance both legal service delivery and workplace culture., Presenter, Equity in Practice: Leading with Inclusivity in Law, Washington State Association for Justice Women of WSAJ Conference, Legal, 2025
  • There is a lot more in achieving a positive outcome in a trial than what you see on television. This presentation will break down the parts of a trial along with the why and how of achieving a good result for a patient. We will also discuss how your work as a healthcare provider may impact case trajectory and provide updates on case law and statutes., Presenter, Anatomy of a Trial, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Healthcare, 2025
  • How do you handle a situation where the insurance company may be crossing the line to minimize the impacts to their bottom line? This presentation will define insurance bad faith and provide information and resources to support your patient by identifying a potential bad faith scenario., Presenter, Insurance Bad Faith, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Healthcare, 2025
  • Navigating the claims process is daunting. The 2024 WA Supreme Court ruling regarding balance billing allowed additional challenges to unfold. New laws and guidelines surrounding medical records, IMEs, and L&I will be examined. This presentation will provide you with resources and discussions to help you successfully manage injury claims to positively impact your bottom line., Presenter, Insurance Tips & Tricks: Strategies for a New Era, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Healthcare, 2025
  • GLP Attorneys is pleased to announce that Shareholders, Janelle Carney Boston and Sara Maleki are featured in Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazines in the article, “Leading with Purpose at GLP Attorneys” We are so proud of Janelle and Sara for their amazing contributions to the firm and the community as a whole.  Sara Maleki Sara Maleki is a shareholder at GLP Attorneys and brings a unique perspective as a first-generation American and person of color. She emphasizes the personal nature of personal injury law, striving to ensure that clients from diverse backgrounds feel understood and fairly represented. Sara leads initiatives as the Chair of the firm’s Equity, Inclusion & Belonging (EIB) Committee, advocating for inclusivity within the legal profession. Her dedication has earned her recognition, including the esteemed Carl Maxey Award in 2023 from the Washington State Association for Justice. Committed to breaking down barriers for clients, she also supports educational programs like Satori, providing scholarships for underprivileged students. Sara’s passion for justice and equity underscores her mission to represent those who often go unheard. Janelle Carney Boston Janelle Carney Boston serves as the Regional Managing Shareholder for Eastern Washington and has long been driven by a powerful desire for justice. From a young age, she aspired to be a lawyer, motivated by the challenge of societal expectations, especially regarding women in the legal field. Known for her tenacity, Janelle takes on challenging cases that many others avoid, advocating fiercely for clients against large corporations. She is a passionate advocate for women’s advancement, founding Lady Boss to empower professional women throughout the Pacific Northwest., Co-Author, Leading with Purpose at GLP Attorneys, Forbes, Fortune, and Entrepreneur Magazines, Professional Services, 2024
  • Reaching a full recovery for your patient may happen with or without litigation. We will examine why some cases resolve without litigation, why some need litigation to get the best outcome, and how your work as a healthcare provider may impact case trajectory. We will present case studies to help understand how cases move toward resolution regardless of the process in or out of court and update you on case law and statutes., Presenter, How a Personal Injury Case Ends: Two Paths to Resolution, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Kennewick, October 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • Reaching a full recovery for your patient may happen with or without litigation. We will examine why some cases resolve without litigation, why some need litigation to get the best outcome, and how your work as a healthcare provider may impact case trajectory. We will present case studies to help understand how cases move toward resolution regardless of the process in or out of court and update you on case law and statutes., Presenter, How a Personal Injury Case Ends: Two Paths to Resolution, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Spokane, October 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • The first 90 days after an injury causing event are critical to the eventual outcome of the personal injury case for your patient. From handling the property damage claim, to opening the first-party billing claim, to the decision to hire an attorney, to collection of evidence and witness statements, and to the creation of the initial patient medical records, a lot can happen in the beginning of the case that matters to the end of the case. We will provide updates to Washington statutes and case law, and present case studies to help understand the important early steps to take in any personal injury case., Presenter, How a Personal Injury Case Starts: The Critical First 90 Days, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Kennewick, May 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • The first 90 days after an injury causing event are critical to the eventual outcome of the personal injury case for your patient. From handling the property damage claim, to opening the first-party billing claim, to the decision to hire an attorney, to collection of evidence and witness statements, and to the creation of the initial patient medical records, a lot can happen in the beginning of the case that matters to the end of the case. We will provide updates to Washington statutes and case law, and present case studies to help understand the important early steps to take in any personal injury case., Presenter, How a Personal Injury Case Starts: The Critical First 90 Days, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Spokane, May 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • A step-by-step guide to understanding and filing medical liens for your personal injury patient practice. Included in the presentation are case studies demonstrating why Washington’s medical lien statute should be an important part of your billing practice., Presenter, Medical Liens, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Kennewick, February 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • A step-by-step guide to understanding and filing medical liens for your personal injury patient practice. Included in the presentation are case studies demonstrating why Washington’s medical lien statute should be an important part of your billing practice., Presenter, Medical Liens, GLP Attorneys Hosted Seminar, Spokane, February 2024, Healthcare, 2024
  • An Independent Insurance Medical Examination can be concerning for both the patient and their healthcare provider. We will discuss how to prepare your patient for an IME and provide resources to assist you and your practice. Apportionments in a personal injury case will also be examined. Case examples will be introduced along with 2023 legislative updates for IMEs in the state of Washington. , Speaker, Mastering IMEs and Apportionments, GLP Attorneys Seminar - February (Spokane / Tri-Cities), 2023
  • Through case studies, we will discuss the components of a good case file for a motor vehicle collision to deliver the best results for you and your patient including payments in a personal injury MVC case. A discussion on modern world MVCs – Uber, Lyft, Door Dash, and current laws in Washington State will be included., Speaker, Mastering the Motor Vehicle Collision Injury Case, GLP Attorneys Seminar - October (Spokane / Tri-Cities / Webinar), 2023
  • Understanding the different types of insurance and how they result in payments in a personal injury case is crucial to the success of your personal injury patient practice. This seminar will examine the different types of insurance and methods to effectively communicate with patients and insurance companies in personal injury cases. , Speaker, Mastering Insurance for Your Personal Injury Patient Practice, GLP Attorneys Seminar - August (Webinar), 2023
  • Intake, documentation, billing, and getting paid are essential factors in every personal injury case. We will talk about the fundamental components of your personal injury patient practice and how to manage them successfully for all types of injuries. Case studies will illustrate the elements of a good case file., Speaker, Mastering Elements of a Personal Injury Patient Practice, GLP Attorneys Seminar - May (Spokane / Tri-Cities), 2023
  • Animal Law, Author, “Doggone It, I Want to Be an Animal Lawyer! Now What?”, NW Lawyer’s magazine, 2015
  • GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, Speaker, "Getting Paid When the Case Does Not Settle", GLP Attorneys Seminar and Webinar Series, Healthcare, 2022
  • GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, Speaker, "Avoiding the Pitfalls of Litigation", GLP Attorneys Seminar and Webinar CLE Series, Healthcare, 2022
  • GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, Speaker, "Charting & Documentation", GLP Attorneys Seminar and Webinar Series, Healthcare, 2022
  • Presenter, “Medical Liens”, GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, 2022, Speaker, Medical Liens”, GLP Attorneys Webinar CLE Series, Healthcare, 2022
  • Presenter, “3rd Party and L&I”, GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, 2014, Speaker, “3rd Party and L&I”, GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, 2014, Healthcare, 2014
  • Presenter, “Medical Liens”, GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, 2015, Speaker, “Medical Liens”, GLP Attorneys Seminar Series, 2015, Healthcare, 2015
  • Presenter, “Non-Resident Motorist Act: Service by Secretary of State”, GLP Educational Series for Attorneys, 2016, Speaker, “Non-Resident Motorist Act: Service by Secretary of State”, GLP Educational Series for Attorneys, 2016, Legal, 2016
  • GLP Attorneys CE Seminar Series, Spokane, 2016, Speaker, "Medical Liens”, GLP Attorneys CE Seminar Series, Spokane, 2016, Healthcare, 2016
  • Speaker, "An International Perspective, Idaho Animal Law Legislative Update", 3rd Annual Animal Law Summit, 2017, Speaker, "An International Perspective, Idaho Animal Law Legislative Update", 3rd Annual Animal Law Summit, 2017, Legal, 2017
  • Presenter, “Full Recovery: PI Case Inception”, GLP Attorneys CE Seminar, Tri-Cities, 2017, Speaker, “Full Recovery: PI Case Inception", GLP Attorneys CE Seminar, Tri-Cities, 2017, Healthcare, 2017
  • Presenter, "Negotiating Claims with Insurance Companies", NBI Seminars, Spokane, 2017, Speaker, "Negotiating Claims with Insurance Companies", NBI Continuing Legal Education, Legal, 2017
Industry Groups:
  • Aviation
  • Construction
  • Logging
  • Maritime
  • Nursing Home
  • Trucking

Office location for Sara Maleki

115 N Washington St
Floor 3
Spokane, WA 99201

Selections

4 Years Super Lawyers
4 Years Rising Stars
  • Super Lawyers: 2022 - 2025
  • Rising Stars: 2017 - 2020

Articles about Sara Maleki by Super Lawyers

Value of a Voice

Additional sources of information about Sara Maleki

Attorney resources for Sara Maleki

Page Generated: 0.060858964920044 sec