Schmit, Charles F.

You might say that the military is Charles Schmit’s niche.

Check out the credentials: Army JAG captain, now a retired lieutenant colonel. Served in the Pennsylvania State University ROTC, and graduated that school’s former Dickinson School of Law in 1973. Then stationed at Fort Lewis – now Joint Base Lewis—McChord – through 1978. Was in the Washington, D.C.-area Defense Appellate Division in 1979.

How did he arrive at Morton McGoldrick? Rewind slightly to 1978. With his military background, strong academic creds and national experience, he was a shoe-in at several major firms.

But, as he says, “I just liked these guys better.”

Now his practice is predominantly family law, which encompasses 85% of his work. But he also represents clients in divorce, child custody, adoption and child support cases.

“The more you do, the more experience you have, and the better you get in each area over the years,” he says. “Then you progressively become more of a specialist in one or two areas that you prefer, as the practice of law has become more specialized in every facet as well.”

Look for Chuck on the talk circuit as well, as he’s an experienced Continuing Legal Education speaker who’s also covered Family Law topics for the Seattle—King County and Tacoma—Pierce County Bar associations. In addition, he’s written a chapter in the Washington State Bar Association Military Law issue. And he’s the author of “Mortgage Foreclosures” for the Washington Practice Series, as well as “Government Funding of Defense Investigations” for The Advocate publication of the Army Defense Appellate Division.

“I get a lot of referrals for the military,” he says. “I’m just more attuned to that than your mainstream attorney.”

But his roots in basic law remain strong, particularly as a member of the Omicron Delta Kappa and Pi Gamma Mu fraternities. He’s also a member of the American, Washington State, Pennsylvania and Tacoma—Pierce County Bar associations.

And when he’s not practicing law, Chuck plays golf or fly fishes on the region’s classic rivers. He’s also a wine connoisseur. His family includes three kids and two small grandchildren.

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Practice Areas:

• Commercial Litigation
• Real Estate Law
• Domestic Relations Law
• Personal Injury Litigation