Top best Trust Lawyers in Seattle | 266 available

I was born and raised in Seattle, attending Roosevelt High School. During the summers I had a number of jobs including a ride operator ("carny") at the Seattle center and a warehouse worker at Safeway. Following high school, I left Seattle for Los Angeles where I attended UCLA as an undergraduate from where I graduated early as an economics and political science major and left to travel.  I was accepted into Boston University Law School and worked in Washington DC for two summers; the first for the Peace Corp in an administrative capacity evaluating recruiting techniques for high demand skills, and the second for the Federal Power Commission on a special home energy conservation program.  My time in Washington DC coincided with Watergate and Nixon's resignation and was quite exciting.  Following law school I returned to Seattle and after passing the bar, cut my teeth on the construction litigation surrounding the Kingdome.  After three and a half years I took leave of the practice of law and traveled for one year around the world with my wife.  I have been engaged in the active practice of law since my return.  Following my return, my wife and I raised two great kids who are now young adults.   I continue to be interested in travel and have enjoyed a number of adventures.  I enjoy many sports including skiing.  I collect wine.  I continue to enjoy the practice of law and my clients.

I have had a diverse complex litigation practice for nearly three decades.  The focus of my practice is representing public companies, directors and officers,  board committees, major accounting firms, and underwriters in class action securities litigation, derivative litigation, internal investigations, and SEC investigations.  I also have substantial experience in large contract disputes, including representation of the successful party in AAA arbitration with more than $1 billion in damages at stake.  I have represented clients in the software, computer hardware, biotech, energy, telecom, retail, financial, hospitality, and professional services industries.

I have been practicing law in Seattle since graduating with honors from Seattle University School of Law in 1998.  My practice focuses primarily on estate and tax planning, probate, trust and estate litigation, trust administration, prenuptial and postnuptial agreements, domestic partnership agreements and succession planning and business transactions.  I also co-founded and partnered a local tax, business and estate planning firm in Seattle.. Over the years, I have represented a wide range of trust, estate and probate clients, working to assist them in their personal and tax planning needs.  Additionally, I have represented beneficiaries, personal representatives and trustees in estate litigation, both in defending fiduciaries and in bringing actions against fiduciaries.. As a member of the editorial board for the Real Property, Probate and Trust section of the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA), I have written articles and presented materials on topics ranging from tax filing to nontraditional family estate planning.  I am a member of the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and a member of the Tax Section fo the WSBA.. Prior to attending law school, I spent over eight years as a stockborker, regional sales manager and vice-president of a local brokerage firm.  My background gives me an understanding in financial and economic issues, as well as hands-on experience in dealing with the personal planning needs of individual clients.

I focus my practice on securities litigation, antitrust matters and complex commercial disputes. I defend public companies in both state and federal courts in securities and antitrust class actions, and shareholder derivative litigation. I'm also also experienced in contract disputes, trade secrets litigation, stock-options backdating cases, and mergers and acquisitions, and have represented a major software company in two antitrust jury trials.

I am a trial lawyer whose practice focuses on complex commercial litigation, including intellectual property and antitrust matters.  My experience has primarily been representing local and national corporations in various federal and state courts, as well as in arbitrations and mediations

I am a member of Lane Powell's Trusts and Estates group. I focus my practice exclusively on estate and tax planning for closely-held businesses and business succession planning. I work on all types of business entities and owners in connection with operating agreements, reorganizations, and income tax issues.

For over 30 years, Matt Menzer has been a trusted advocate for individuals and families facing medical malpractice, serious personal injury, and wrongful death cases. As the founder of Menzer Law, he has built a firm known for strategic legal advocacy, individual attention, and a results-driven approach to achieving the best possible outcomes.. A graduate of Brown University and UC Berkeley School of Law, Matt honed his expertise through two federal judicial clerkships before launching a distinguished career in complex litigation. He is experienced in all phases of the legal process, from case investigation and discovery to settlement negotiations and trial. He is also one of a handful of attorneys in the U.S. authorized to represent vaccine injury victims in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.. Since founding Menzer Law in 2002, Matt has remained committed to quality over quantity, deliberately limiting his caseload to provide focused, strategic representation. Attorneys JohnDavid Toren and Brady Douglas, both multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Stars, work alongside him, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for excellence in medical malpractice and personal injury law.. Matt’s legal achievements include an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo, and recognition as one of Seattle’s Best Wrongful Death Lawyers by Forbes Advisor. He has been selected for The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and is one of only a few attorneys nationwide recognized as a Super Lawyer in both Washington and Hawaii. He is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been named a Top Lawyer by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.. Matt primarily practices in Washington, handling select cases in Hawaii. Licensed in Washington, Hawaii, and California, he remains dedicated to fighting for justice and securing financial recovery for those impacted by negligence.

Felix moved to Seattle from Boston, Massachusetts as a teenager and grew up in Seattle’s Beacon Hill neighborhood. After graduating from Rainier Beach High School, he went on to graduate from the University of Washington. He then attended the UW School of Law, graduating in 1997 with highest honors, Order of the Coif, Order of the Barristers. Felix spent his first ten years of practice at Heller Ehrman LLP, where he was promoted to shareholder. There Felix’s practice focused on complex commercial and civil rights litigation. He has examined and cross-examined scores of fact and expert witnesses at trial, and has spent more than a year of his career actively engaged in trial or arbitration. Felix joined Peterson Wampold Rosato Luna Knopp in March 2007, where he continues his career as a trial lawyer. Since joining, he has been a member of several trial teams in counties across the state. He also serves as an adjunct professor/lecturer for the UW School of Law trial advocacy program and as a coach for the school’s national mock trial team. Felix also serves on the King County Bar Association’s board of trustees, and regularly conducts Continuing Legal Education seminars for other attorneys on many subjects related to trial advocacy. In addition to being named a “Rising Star®” by Washington Law & Politics numerous times, Felix was also recognized as the 2005 Outstanding Young Lawyer of the year by the King County Bar Association and named a 2005 40 under 40 honoree by the Puget Sound Business Journal for his contribution to the Puget Sound civic and business community. In 2011, he was honored by the UW School of Law with the recent graduate award and by the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association as its 2011 Plaintiff Attorney of the Year. Felix’s practice currently focuses on personal injury cases, civil rights litigation, and business disputes. When he’s not working, Felix loves to exercise and play team sports.

Erin Riley knows that strong relationships are key in complex cases. Erin was a summer associate at Keller Rohrback in 1999, and joined Keller Rohrback’s complex litigation group in 2000.. Since the Fall of 2001, her practice has focused on representing employees and retirees in ERISA actions involving defined contribution, defined benefit, and health benefit plans. She has successfully litigated a number of ERISA breach of fiduciary duty cases including cases filed against Washington Mutual, Merrill Lynch and WorldCom. Erin has worked on ERISA-related articles and amicus briefs, and has spoken at ERISA-related conferences. She is a former Plaintiffs’ Co-Chair of the Civil Procedure Subcommittee for the ABA Employee Benefits Committee, and is currently a senior editor of the Employee Benefits Law (BNA) treatise.. She earned her J.D. from the University of Wisconsin, where she served as an editor of the Wisconsin Law Review. She received her undergraduate degree from Gonzaga University.. When not at work, Erin enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Eric Brunstrom focuses his practice on trust, probate, fiduciary, and guardianship litigation and administration as well as matters brought under TEDRA and the vulnerable adult statute. Prior to joining Aiken St. Louis & Siljeg, P.S. in 2016, Eric was a partner at Reed, Longyear, Malnati and Ahrens, PLLC and Tarutis & Brunstrom, PS.. He currently serves as a Pro-Tempore Ex Parte Commissioner for the King County Superior Court. He also serves as a Guardian ad Litem for Probate, Litigation, and Settlement matters for the King County Superior Court. He was the 2016/2017 Chair of the Guardianship and Elder Law Section GELS of the KCBA and is a current Program Co-Chair. He is an Outreach Co-chair for the WSBA Elder Law Section and a member of the Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law section of the KCBA. He served as a Vice-Chair on the Task Force on Substance Use Disorders & Mental Health of the Health Law Section of the ABA and as a Co-Chair of the Professional Licensure Subsection of the WSBA Health Law Section. He is admitted to practice in Washington, the Western District of Washington, and Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.

Drawing on her thirty plus years’ experience as a practicing attorney, Ann advises clients regarding potential claims and disputes. She guides trustees, executors, and other fiduciaries who are dealing with difficult situations, such as murky trust documents and wills and challenging beneficiaries. She helps clients understand their duties and complete the administration process, seeking judicial rulings as necessary. Ann also represents beneficiaries, including individuals and charities, who seek or need assistance in protecting their rightful shares of trust and probate assets.. Over the years, Ann has brought and defended many will and trust contests and actions under Washington’s Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act.. As well as working with professional fiduciaries, Ann works with clients who have little or no experience with legal disputes. She helps clients understand their rights and duties, looks for cost-effective solutions, uses mediation when appropriate, and takes matters to hearing or trial. Ann brings an assertive, thoughtful, and experienced approach to this emotionally-charged area of litigation.. In addition, Ann assists clients with designing and implementing comprehensive plans to reduce state and federal estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer tax and the orderly transition of assets between generations. Ann also handles all aspects of probate and estate administration.. Ann is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 practitioner for Private Wealth Disputes - Washington.

David Jacobson is a Partner in Dorsey's Trial, Regulatory and Technology group and a member of the Seattle Trial practice. He has concentrated his practice on a broad range of complex civil cases in state and federal court, with an emphasis on securities, class actions, unfair and anti-competitive business practices, energy, real estate and tax litigation. Mr. Jacobson advises and represents national and international clients in trials, appeals and administrative proceedings.

Brady H. Somers is an attorney practicing in Seattle, Washington.

Brad protects the interests of small and large companies in the areas of antitrust, intellectual property and consumer protection. He also counsels the owners and managers of these companies on how to reduce their risk of litigation through sound business practices. Whether litigating or counseling, he seeks to thoroughly understand each client’s business so that he can help achieve the client’s objectives as efficiently and effectively as possible. Brad has represented a wide variety of businesses and individuals, including telecommunications companies, musical groups, artists, software companies, farmers, contractors, partnerships, non-profits, and small and large investors.. Brad served on the firm's executive committee from 2015 to 2017.

An experienced trial lawyer valued for his judgment and persuastive advocacy, primarily representing corporate and individual clients in a broad range of complex civil cases involving products liability, securities litigation, professional liability, personal injury, disability, aircraft accidents, eminent domain, real property disputes and employment discrimination. Also serves as Disciplinary Counsel for the Washington State Commission on Judicial Conduct.. Prior to joining private practice, Bill served as a Special Assistant United States Attorney and Air Force Judge Advocate, prosecuting civilian and military criminal matters as well as defending the federal government in employment discrimination cases.

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

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.

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.