Top best Estate Lawyers in Seattle | 697 available

Christina knows that preparation, a thoughtful approach, and tenacity are key elements to a successful mediation. As a mediator, Christina adeptly incorporates this groundwork to assist parties in finding open avenues to resolution and settlement.  She is passionate about ADR and the value it brings to a case, and welcomes the opportunity to work with you in your next mediation.. As legal counsel, Christina has represented businesses and individuals in all aspects of construction and commercial claims and litigation. Christina is not only a skilled courtroom litigator, but has significant experience in different types of litigation, including arbitration, administrative hearings, and Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals proceedings. Christina has also argued appeals in both the Washington State Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.. Starting in 2006, in conjunction with her litigation practice, Christina began both academic studies and skill training in ADR at the Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution at Pepperdine University School of Law.  Christina is now a candidate to receive a LL.M. in Alternative Dispute Resolution after a few final practicum requirements.  She enjoys her ongoing scholarly pursuits and education in ADR, always updating and applying the valuable skills she gains to her growing mediation and ADR practice.. For more information, see .

Chris's practice focuses on real estate-related business transactions. He documents and negotiates loans for institutional lenders, structures partnerships and LLCs for developers and equity real estate investors, establishes condominiums, represents land banking entities, and advises businesses and individuals on leases, easements, covenants, contracts, and other business matters. Chris received a J.D., with high honors, from the University of Washington, and a B.A. from Columbia College.

Chandra is a graduate of Harvard University and the University of Texas School of Law.  Chandra first became interested in estate planning while watching family members struggle to manage the affairs of loved ones with dementia. That interest deepened when she served as a student attorney at UT's Elderlaw Clinic where she helped low income elderly people with their legal needs. After being admitted to the Texas bar in 1999, Chandra worked for a small firm where she gained experience in a wide range of litigation, tax, and transactional areas. The firm was a pioneer in establishing paternal inheritance rights for illegitimate children in Texas and also  handled other difficult contested probate cases involving will contests, fiduciary litigation, and other matters. It was this experience that gave Chandra her passion for helping families prepare successful estate plans. "I was tired of seeing so many people destroy their family relationships and spend all their money on attorney's fees, when in most cases a little advance planning could have avoided years of heartache and tens of thousands of dollars in wasted money," Chandra says.  Chandra is dedicated to helping you and your family avoid these tragedies by proactively creating a plan that preserves what you care about most—whether that is preserving a legacy for your minor children, protecting your spouse in her golden years, or even providing for the care of your pets.. Chandra's other passion is helping small businesses and nonprofits plan for success. "My Dad owned several small businesses and I know first-hand the struggles small business owners face. Too many feel priced out of the legal services market and don't get the advice they need until it is too late and they are already in trouble." Chandra works with clients to come up with affordable legal plans that get them the legal advice they need when it can do the most good—before there is a problem. Chandra particularly enjoys helping new businesses form and incorporate. "Starting a business is about more than filling out a form with the Secretary of State and never looking back. Many owners think the articles of incorporation are all they need to protect their business, when that is really just the beginning.". In her years in Texas, Chandra also worked as de facto in house counsel for Lawyer's Aid Service, Inc. (LAS), a company that has helped Texas lawyers form thousands of entities, such as corporations, limited liability companies, limited partnerships, and professional associations. Chandra represented LAS in a variety of legal and tax matters and litigation. She was the principal author of one of LAS's best-selling products, a Texas limited liability company record book trusted by hundreds of Texas attorneys.  She also revised their corporate and nonprofit record books to keep up with ever-changing federal and state laws. Chandra now brings these skills to her small business clients.. Chandra also helps small nonprofits develop corporate governance practices and policies and obtain 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. "The IRS 1023 application can be very daunting. There are so many little details you have to get right. And the IRS is so backed up that an incomplete application can delay you from getting 501(c)(3) approval for months. I can guide your nonprofit through the process to an application that is complete the first time."Chandra moved to Seattle in 2010 and enjoys the beautiful Pacific Northwest and the break from the Texas heat. A long-time animal shelter volunteer and animal welfare advocate, Chandra can often be found volunteering when she isn't out walking or swimming her own two rescue dogs. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and volunteers at the King County Bar Association's Elderlaw Clinic and Nonprofit Assistance Center Clinic.  Chandra serves on the Board of Directors of the Washington Environmental Council. A closet nerd, Chandra also writes legal technology reviews for the TechnoLawyer family of newsletters.

Catherine Clark is keenly aware of the complexities and stress that come with legal disputes, particularly the fear of unknown outcomes and expenses. With over three decades in the legal field, she has built a robust practice focusing on appeals, primarily in commercial and real estate law. Catherine's expertise is crucial for navigating the hazardous and expensive waters of the appeals process, where her skills ensure the protection of her clients' interests. Additionally, her personal experience as a business owner deepens her understanding of the stakes involved in commercial disputes, allowing her to offer cost-effective solutions in these complex situations. Catherine’s extensive knowledge and practical experience empower her to devise strategic resolutions to complicated cases, often achieving favorable outcomes without resorting to trials or court proceedings.

Brian D. Ives – (Stanford University, AB, Seattle University, JD cum laude, University of Washington School of Law, LL.M. (Taxation)). Brian is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and is the President of the Greater University Chamber of Commerce for 2008. Brian is an elder at Bethany Presbyterian Church, serves on the board of the Northeast Seattle Little League, and coaches Little League baseball.

Bob's litigation practice focuses on commercial disputes that involve business torts, construction defects, real estate transactions, and insurance coverage issues. He has tried numerous cases in state and federal court and has successfully handled appeals before state appellate courts and the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. He is the past head of the firm's Litigation Practice Group, and currently serves as the firm's Managing Director and as a member of the Executive Committee.

Attorney Jenny Ling’s estate planning practice focuses on helping families enhance their lives today and secure their futures tomorrow. She excels in guiding her clients through the often confusing maze of financial and legal decision to create plans to ensure the well-being of their families and the accomplishment of cherished family goals. Her considerable legal expertise includes family protection, wealth preservation, and values-based planning, as well as planning strategies for unmarried couples and divorced individuals. Whether you are married or single, with a traditional family or blended one, just starting out or looking back on a life well-lived, Jenny will help you to craft a plan that achieves your goals for your loved ones today and for years to come.. Jenny graduated from Seattle University School of Law after successfully completing the evening program. While attending law school, Jenny worked as a law clerk and paralegal at a litigation law firm in downtown Seattle. During her time at Seattle University, Jenny counseled clients in the Trust & Estates Legal Clinic and the Arts Legal Clinic. She also completed an externship at Corbis where her work focused on intellectual property and business matters. Prior to starting her own practice, Jenny was an associate at law firms in Tacoma and Seattle, where she counseled individuals and business owners in navigating the law. Jenny has chosen to concentrate on the Trust and Estates area because she is passionate about helping families create happy and secure futures.. Jenny takes a client focused approached to the practice of law. She is passionate about her clients and works tenaciously to assist them in their legal matters. In addition to estate planning, her practice includes busines law, debtor representation in bankruptcy proceedings, foreclosure, and landlord-tenant.. When Jenny is out of the office, enjoys spends her time with her family and walks on the beach.

As an attorney and a CPA, Kari’s practice focuses primarily on estate and tax planning. Kari was born in Walla Walla, Washington. She moved to Seattle in 1984, spent time in Pullman and Spokane, and moved back to Seattle in 1999. Prior to joining Ryan Swanson, Kari worked in a CPA firm and as CFO of her family’s automotive business. Both careers provided her with extensive experience in a myriad of issues that are raised with closely held businesses and succession planning. Kari’s work in a number of family transactions also provided the catalyst for her career in estate planning.

As a two-time cancer survivor, I bring a unique perspective to the process of Estate Planning, especially for clients who are facing medical challenges themselves.  I have always enjoyed helping others through difficult situations and finding ways to make challenging situations easier and more understandable.. I enjoy people and the world around me, celebrating each day as an opportunity. Lately I have rediscovered an interest in fitness and have enjoyed some of the wonders of Washington State backpacking and climbing several of our local volcanoes. (picture of me on Mt. Baker). In the fall of 2010 headed to Africa, the land where my mother was raised to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro (at 19,340', the highest peak on the continent). Lately I've been tackling longer trail events, marathon or longer races on trails in Washington, Oregon, and as far away as Switzerland. I try to focus on living each day to the fullest.

As a member of Lane Powell's Trusts and Estates Practice Group, Jamie works with individuals and families to help them achieve their estate and personal planning goals. Specifically, she focuses her practice on gift and estate tax issues and trust and estate administration. Jamie also has experience advising nonprofit organizations with respect to formation and compliance issues. Prior to joining Lane Powell, Jamie served as a Law Clerk to the Honorable Marc Barreca in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington.

As a Member of Ogden Murphy Wallace, I represent hospitals, physicians and physician groups in transactional matters. A great deal of my practice is also devoted to real estate transactions, mergers and acquisitions and other business-related issues, both inside and outside of healthcare.Specialties:Healthcare TransactionsReal Esate TransactionsHospitals, Physicians and Physician PracticesMergers and AcquisitionsStark and Anti-kickbackEntity Formation and GovernanceHealthcare ITAccountable Care Organizations (ACOs)Dental Practice TransactionsBusiness TransactionsContract NegotiationsPhysician Group/Hospital IntegrationsLiquor Licensing

As a law student, I served as an Editor on the Touro Law Review, spent a great deal of my time serving as a Research and Teaching Assistant to my Criminal Procedure Professor, and received the CALI award for academic excellence in Advanced Legal Research and Writing.. I went on to practice in New York and Connecticut, representing clients in civil litigation, criminal defense, and personal injury cases. I formerly acted as Lead Attorney in the Title Claims & Tax Department of an East Coast mortgage banking firm representing lenders, trustees, and investors, and handled a high-volume civil caseload. I left civil practice and joined a small firm in Connecticut where I handled a vast range of cases including, but not limited to, sexual assault, assault, harassment and stalking, larceny, burglary and robbery, driving under the influence, drug possession and sale, domestic violence and criminal mischief. I also successfully represented plaintiffs and claimants in motor vehicle accident and personal injury matters and effectively assisted clients with the pardons application process presenting to the Connecticut Board of Pardons resulting in expungement of criminal records.. While licensed in Washington, New York and Connecticut, I currently reside and practice only in Washington, representing clients in Westwood Pacific's main practice areas: litigation, bankruptcy and restructuring, business, real estate, probate, estate planning, and family law.. I spend most of my free time chasing around three children and any and all things health and fitness.

As a former chair of the firm's real estate department and the firm's business department, I focus on business, tax, and real estate matters for individuals and privately held companies as well as dental and specialty practice transitions and the attendant issues.  I am a native to Washington and hold a master's degree in taxation, which broadens my ability to advise and assist clients effectively.

Andy’s practice spans many disciplines including environmental, real estate, land use, and construction law. He advises clients on regulatory compliance and litigation of cost recovery and contribution actions under the Washington Model Toxics Control Act (MTCA) and the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). Andy has successfully managed the environmental remediation and regulatory closure of several complex contaminated sites. He regularly counsels clients on the risks and opportunities of buying, selling, and redeveloping contaminated property, assisting with environmental and geotechnical due diligence and negotiating transactional documents such as real estate purchase and sale agreements, asset sale agreements, leases, construction contracts, and easement agreements.. Andy’s environmental experience also includes work on issues involving industrial storm water permit compliance, the National and State Environmental Policy Acts, wetland issues, development code compliance, construction defect cases, condemnation actions, and the Endangered Species Act.

Andrew provides sophisticated estate, gift, generation skipping, and other tax-optimized wealth transfer strategies, business succession planning, trust administration, as well as customized “family office” solutions to high-net worth individuals, families, and private businesses across the Pacific Northwest. He serves as outside general counsel to many private businesses, guiding legal strategy for significant and complex matters associated with the business and legal affairs of businesses and their owners, including corporate, limited liability company, real estate, and employment work.. In his multi-disciplinary practice, Andrew advises on a variety of business matters, including purchases and sales of businesses and ongoing corporate and employment law issues. His real estate practice regularly includes residential and commercial property transactions for many millions of dollars, as well as complex commercial leasing.. Overall, Andrew is recognized and appreciated by his clients for providing high value, strategic and discreet solutions while rendering extraordinary client service on highly confidential matters important to his clients’ interests.

An experienced negotiator and litigator, Karolyn’s practice focuses primarily on trust and estate disputes, complex business disputes, and disputes between members of closely held companies.. Clients come to Karolyn for her compassionate advocacy and insightful counsel while working in their best interest. Highly regarded as a top trust and estate litigator in Washington, Karolyn uses her long-standing, well-established relationships with other leading attorneys in her field to avoid litigation and resolve matters early. When a case cannot be settled, she is a seasoned litigator--with a demonstrated track record on behalf of her clients.. In her 22 years of private practice, Karolyn has handled cases on behalf of fiduciaries, beneficiaries, charities, major corporations, closely held businesses, and individual parties.. Karolyn also serves as a mediator in numerous and varied cases, helping attorneys achieve settlements for their clients and avoid ongoing fees, costs, trials and appeals.

An experienced estate planning and probate attorney, Kristina’s practice involves analyzing, preparing, and helping clients implement estate plans.  She also counsels clients on charitable giving, prenuptial agreements, estate and gift tax issues, estate and trust administration, and guardianships.  She represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in negotiating settlements of trusts and estates, as well as preparing and filing gift and estate tax returns. Prior to establishing her own law firm, Kristina was a member in theSeattle office of Williams, Kastner & Gibbs PLLC.  Kristina’s work history includes her role as the Assistant Dean of Development and Community Relations for the University of Washington School of Law and the Executive Director of the Washington Law School Foundation.. Affiliations: Kristina is a member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Estate Planning Council of Seattle, and Washington Women in Tax.  She is also a member of and past-chair of the University of Washington Estate Planning Advisory Committee, and serves on the Estate Planning Council of Seattle Executive Committee.  She is a past member of the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center Planned Giving Board and the Editorial Board of the Washington State Bar Association Real Property Probate & Trust Newsletter, and past-president of the Financial Planning Association of Puget Sound. Kristina was recognized as a Super Lawyer for the years 2001 through 2014 by Washington Law & Politics magazine.  Kristina has also been recognized by Seattle Magazine as one of the best estate planning lawyers inSeattle.. Education:. Kristina received her J.D. from theUniversity ofWashington in 1990 and her B.A. from theUniversity ofMontana in 1986.. This link tells my "personal" story regarding surviving cancer and raising two small children.  #axzz21g1sr3sV

Amy N. Spitzer advises professional guardians, fiduciaries, and healthcare institutions in legal matters involving guardianships, conservatorships, and patient discharge issues. Her work often involves assisting acute-care facilities with legal petitions when patients cannot provide informed consent. With over ten years of experience, she offers consistent legal support to professionals managing vulnerable individuals and complex care-related decisions.Amy graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law and was a member of the Seattle University Law Review. She has held leadership roles within the King County Bar Association Guardianship and Elder Law Section, including Chair, and continues to serve on its Executive Committee. Her insights are frequently sought by both legal and healthcare professionals, and in 2023, she presented to the Washington State Senate Law & Justice Committee on barriers hospitals face when discharging patients lacking capacity. Amy has been recognized as a Super Lawyers “Rising Star” in Elder Law annually since 2021 and contributes her time to the Washington Medical-Legal Partnership, which promotes access to legal help in healthcare settings. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her husband and their dog Dill, especially while exploring Georgetown or making fresh pasta at home.

Amit’s practice focuses on litigation and bankruptcy. He represents clients in a broad range of litigation matters including commercial contracts, real estate, lending, employment, civil rights and liberties, environmental and land use, and construction. Amit has worked with a wide variety of clients including local municipalities, large and small private entities, and individual developers.

Amber Quintal is a member in the Business Department at Ogden Murphy Wallace, PLLC. Her practice focuses on federal, state and local taxation, estate planning and probate, and general business.Ms. Quintal received her B.A. in Political Science and Philosophy from the University of Washington in 2001. In 2005, she received concurrent J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Washington Schools of Law and Business, and received an LL.M. in Taxation, also from the University of Washington School of Law, in 2006. During law school, Ms. Quintal served as a student attorney in the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law, a graduate intern with King County Metro Accessible Services and was appointed as a teaching assistant in graduate courses on corporate governance as well as computer programming and technology. Ms. Quintal was the 2005-2006 recipient of the Washington State Bar Association Tax Section Scholarship. Ms. Quintal is a part - time lecturer at the University of Washington School of Law teaching Federal Tax Research and Writing. She also teaches Federal Tax Research and Decision Making in the Master of Tax program at Golden Gate University.Ms. Quintal's professional memberships include the Washington State Bar Association and the American Bar Association. She serves as President of the WSBA Tax Section and on the Tax Council.  Ms. Quintal is a former American Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section Fellow (2010-2012) and now holds leadership poisons in the Section. She has also been named a 2010, 2012-2014 Rising Star (Tax) by Washington Law and Politics.

Alison is an experienced trust and estate attorney who focuses her practice in trust and estate litigation. With a legal career spanning over 20 years and a background in tax, Alison brings a unique perspective to her practice that enables her to navigate the complexities that arise in matters where personal and financial issues are deeply intertwined.. Alison is known for her strategic, compassionate advocacy, and she has successfully represented clients in a wide range of trust and estate disputes, including will contests, breach of fiduciary duty claims, financial exploitation, and other matters brought under the Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) and the Vulnerable Adult Protection Act. Her dedicated approach to her client’s needs is matched by her fierce representation in court, ensuring that her client’s interests are fully protected. Alison also appreciates the value of avoiding litigation where appropriate. A key component of her practice is to advise and represent clients who seek alternatives to litigation, such as mediation, and she strives to find creative solutions to help her clients achieve their goals while minimizing the emotional and financial toll of the legal process.. Alison received her Juris Doctorate degree in 2002 from American University, where she graduated magna cum laude. After spending the first decade of her legal career practicing criminal defense at Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons in Seattle, Washington, she earned her LL.M. in taxation from the University of Washington School of Law. Since 2013, Alison has focused her work solely in the area of trusts and estates.. Outside of her legal practice, Alison is an active member of the Seattle community. She is a past president and past board member of the QLAW Association and is a contributing editor to the Real Property Probate and Trust Newsletter published by WSBA. She also speaks regularly on trust and estate topics at legal conferences and continuing legal education seminars.Alison was born and raised in Oklahoma and is proud to be an enrolled member of the Osage Nation.

Alexa Cancilla is an Associate Attorney at Dellino Family Law Group. She is committed to guiding her clients through the complexities of the divorce process with empathy and compassion. Alexa understands that the legal proceedings can be daunting, particularly for families with children, and she strives to be a supportive and forward-thinking advocate for each client. Her detail-oriented approach ensures that the resolutions she helps clients reach will positively impact their families for years to come. Alexa is dedicated to protecting her client’s best interests and believes in diligently advocating on behalf of each client to achieve the best possible outcome.. My Approach. I understand that the divorce process is complex and often leads to feelings of uncertainty for parents and children. It is my goal to help my clients feel grounded throughout the legal process by being a compassionate and empathetic advocate for each of my clients. Having focused on many cases that involve children, I know how important it is to be forward thinking and detail oriented when helping clients reach a resolution that will have a lasting impact on their family.. Background. I am an Arizona native and moved to Washington in 2018, happy to trade the desert heat for the ocean breeze. Outside of the office, you can find me reading, spending time near the water, exploring my creative side by crafting soaps, blending teas, and bookbinding.. Education. J.D., Seattle University School of LawB.A., Arizona State University, Management EntrepreneurshipProfessional Associations & Affiliations. Washington State Bar Association, Family Law Section

Al Wallace is a Member in the Seattle office and leads Williams Kastner’s Land Use practice area. Mr. Wallace focuses his practice on Real Estate Development, Land Use, and Environmental Law. He has vast experience in obtaining entitlements for residential, commercial, industrial developments, and mineral resource projects. He complements his land use practice with prior experience as a practicing urban planner for the cities of Redmond, Mercer Island and Tacoma.

After over a decade as a litigator with the State of Washington and one of the top 100 largest law firms in the United States, Michael G. Ballnik joined Phinney Estate Law as a partner in 2009.  While he excelled as a litigator, Michael made the move to an estate planning practice in order to use his extensive legal background for the benefit of individuals, families, and small businesses and to spend more time with his own wife and daughter.. At Phinney Estate Law, Michael serves as the Complex Drafting Partner.  In this position, he utilizes the skills he developed while interpreting and drafting complex insurance agreements and settlement documents for large commercial entities to draft trust agreements and other complex estate planning vehicles for Phinney Estate Law clients.. Michael joined the Seattle office of international law firm Cozen O’Connor as a litigation associate in October of 2001, and was promoted to partner in 2004.  Michael was named a 2004, 2005, 2006 and 2008 Rising Star attorney by Washington Law & Politics magazine.  Michael received a Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation from the Washington State Bar Association in 2004.  Along with the Seattle office of Cozen O’Connor, Michael also received the 2005 Amicus Award from the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project due to ongoing pro bono efforts on behalf of immigration and asylum clients.Prior to working at Cozen O’Connor, Michael served as an Assistant Attorney General for the State of Washington.  In that capacity, he represented the Washington Department of Corrections in civil litigation and appeals and argued before the Washington Court of Appeals and the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. Michael received his bachelor of arts degree in Criminology from the University of Manitoba in 1993 and earned his law degree, with distinction, from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1997, where he was a member of the North Dakota Law Review.. When not working or spending time with family, Michael is an avid hockey player and fan.

After being in private practice for 6.5 years, Lisa W. Gafken has returned to the Washington Attorney General's Office, where she began her career in 2001. Her initial assignment with the AGO was with the Utilities and Transportation Commission Division, where she spent four years representing Commission Staff in rate proceedings, telecom proceedings, and compliance proceedings.  In addition, Ms. Gafken represented the Commission in court proceedings to enforce Commission orders. She left the AGO in 2005 to enter private practice.  During her time in private practice, Ms. Gafken focused on litigating trust and estate matters under TEDRA, protecting vulnerable adults under Chapter 74.34 RCW, and representing clients in both contested and uncontested probate and guardianship matters. She began as an associate attorney, and then opened a law firm with a partner.. Ms. Gafken returned to the AGO in April 2012, and now serves as an Assistant Attorney General in the Public Counsel Section, where she represents customers of investor-owned utilities in proceedings before the Utilities and Transportation Commission.. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.  Ms. Gafken served as a board member of MAMA Seattle, the Mother Attorneys Mentoring Association of Seattle, from 2008 to 2014. In addition, she was a founding member of the Lawyers Fostering Independence team, a group of lawyers offering legal assistance to foster children aging out of the foster care system, and she served as a board member for a nonprofit child care center.. Ms. Gafken obtained her Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Politics and Government (political science) from the University of Puget Sound.  She graduated cum laude from Seattle University School of Law in 2001.