Top best Estate Planning Lawyers Near me in ZIP 98155

Paul is the founding attorney of North City Law. Paul offers advice and representation in business, real property law, probate, and Trust and Estate Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA) matters, as well as legal assistance preparing wills and trusts. Paul is curious in his clients, as he has built businesses himself, including North City Law. Based on his understanding of his client’s position, Paul gives strategic options to empower choices. During client intake and interviews, Paul listens for key gaps in a story to root out hidden issues. In disputes and litigation, Paul helps clients re-frame the situation to conform to the applicable legal theory. When clients trust Paul with their business, Paul ensures money is spent wisely on result-oriented choices. Prior to law school, Paul worked for six years in finance as a cost analyst and fraud investigator. Personally, Paul’s interests include his three children, traveling to new places near and far, and following political news as a concerned citizen. As a tax professional and attorney, Paul will work to protect your wishes, grow your assets for your business and your family, and help you when you face difficult challenges in life.

I joined North City Law as an attorney in 2018.  I am a proud alumna of Seattle University School of Law.  Before and during law school, I worked in the Seattle area as a legal assistant for over twenty years.  I have a diverse background in business law, estate planning, and civil litigation.  I grew up in Shoreline and have lived in many communities in and around the Puget Sound area. I am a committed advocate for my clients and feel fortunate to be doing what I love to help others.  Outside of her work life, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children, entertaining friends, and singing karaoke.

Brad and Kim care about people.  Brad uses his intelligence to make peace.  Brad can be confrontational when necessary when he thinks someone (even a client) needs redirection.  Kim manages many details around the office and provides litigation support.  She is a warm conversationalist and a person of quiet courage.  Sofie, our miniature pinscher, keeps things lively around office and home.. Litigation benefits no one except attorneys.  Courts exist to end intractable conflicts and should be the forum of last resort.  The bulk of a competent attorney’s labor consists in negotiating workable compromises and drafting conflict-avoiding language.  When litigation cannot be avoided, courtesy, candor, and reason must temper vigorous advocacy.  Ethical probity and personal trustworthiness are the essence of practicing law.  Litigation winners lose; losers are inconsolable.  Human conflict needs a better, a collaborative, means of resolution.  America's litigation culture serves no one's fundamental interests.. Brad teaches philosophical ethics Saturday mornings for The Witless Protection Society at Third Place Books.  He writes on ethical topics for local newspapers, some of which are available on the Lancaster Law Office website.

Anna Van Pelt graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a bachelor of arts in English and Women's Studies, and completed her juris doctor at the University of Washington. As a mother of three, she is passionate about supporting families. She volunteers with the Program for Early Parental Support, is a board members for Seattle Families of Multiples where she co-manages the Year One program, and is a certified mediator with the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish and Island Counties where she focuses on dissolutions, initial parenting plans, and parenting plan modifications.