About Teresita Tamez, Senior Litigation Attorney
Family law found Ms. Tamez when she was searching for purpose in her career — and it proved to be the right fit. Ms. Tamez considers it an honor to help clients through some of the most difficult times of their lives, bringing to her practice a perspective that is both professional and personal. Having grown up in a split household, she relates deeply to what children experience during family law proceedings and is able to offer her clients insight that is uniquely attuned to their situation.
Licenses
Education & Certifications
2013 – J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ms. Tamez participated in the Native American Law Moot Court Team for both my 2L and 3L years. I also interned with the Tax Law Clinic my 2L year.
2008 – B.S. in Accounting from Hodges University in Fort Myers, FL.
Professional Experience
Following her graduation from law school, Ms. Tamez specialized in Native American law from 2013 to 2014, working for a federal contractor to audit tribal courts across the Pacific Northwest, including Washington, Idaho, Alaska, and Oregon. From 2015 to 2019, Ms. Tamez maintained a general practice with a focus on family law and criminal defense. In 2019, she joined the Yakima County Department of Assigned Counsel, where she represented respondents in involuntary mental health treatment proceedings. Ms. Tamez then transitioned into criminal prosecution in 2021, serving as a prosecuting attorney for the City of Yakima, Yakima County, and Pierce County. All of Ms. Tamez’s experience prior to joining Cordell & Cordell was gained in Washington State.
Associations
2013 to present – Washington State Bar Association
2026 to present – Idaho State Bar
Awards
Central Washington Legal Aid, Volunteer of the Year, 2020
Washington State Bar Association, Local Hero Award, June 2019
Publications
