Columbia County Business Lawyers

My practice provides clients with personal legal services in estate planning, real estate and business planning. I use a non-traditional style of doing business that is designed to meet clients' needs when they arise, through responsiveness and efficient, one-on-one communication.

Since starting my practice in 2003, I have emphasized the provision of competent legal services at a cost which is adjusted for the client's particular situation. Hiring a lawyer is expensive for many reasons, but to the extent possible, I have tried to right size the fees we charge the client with the client's household income.

I focus my practice primarily in the family law area and have a great deal of experience in divorces, annulments, legal separations, child support modifications, parenting plan modifications and non parental custody cases.

A brief bit about me...

I am the first person in my...

As a fourth generation Washington lawyer, Hunter developed an early interest in the legal profession. He was drawn to the profession’s challenges and complexities, as well as the sound judgment required of good lawyers. Hunter pursued his interest at the University of Washington School of Law. There he researched and authored reports on modern legal issues for Law School Dean Kellye Testy and served as managing editor of the Washington International Law Journal. Hunter also served as a legal extern to United States District Court Judge Robert J. Bryan. Hunter’s practice areas include business and commercial litigation, municipal liability, insurance...

A native of Washington, Joanne takes a Northwest approach to practicing law. Joanne welcomes the opportunity to help her clients develop outside-the-box solutions that are designed to avoid protracted litigation. However, if the dispute needs to be settled in Court, she is no stranger to the Courtroom and welcomes the challenge. She became a partner with Garvey, Schubert & Barer in Seattle in 1999 and later moved to Gordon Thomas Honeywell as a partner in 2008.

Her primary areas of practice include defense litigation, products liability, construction, insurance defense and coverage, broker and agency defense, and appellate advocacy....

Alan Macpherson’s primary area of practice at GTH is estate planning and taxation. He particularly enjoys working on projects that combine financial and tax as well as legal aspects, such as establishing and monitoring investment LLCs and generation-skipping trusts and helping clients build specific themes into their estate plans, like helping with the education of grandchildren.

I am a lawyer who helps small businesses, nonprofits and individuals with contracts, agreements and business/nonprofit formation and governance. I also am knowledgeable about government and environmental law. After working for an international law firm in New York, I decided I wanted to make a positive, local impact, so I opened my own law firm in Seattle. I earned my BA from Tulane University and my JD from the University of Chicago Law School. I have lived all over the US and am thrilled to called the PNW my home.

Early in his career, Don became a part of legal history when he served as counsel at the trial and appellate levels in the famous “snail darter” case (Tennessee Valley Authority v. Hill, 437 U.S. 153 [1978]), litigated under the Endangered Species Act of 1973. The litigation resulted in a successful review by the U.S. Supreme Court. In addition to practicing law in Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, Don has also taught law and served in senior administrative positions at the University of Puget Sound, University of Michigan, and University of Tennessee law schools.

Since joining GTH in 1982, Don’s practice...

Mark L. Fowler represents local, national, and international clients in a variety of industries including software, SaaS, real estate development, and real estate sales. Mr. Fowler has extensive experience with contracts including negotiating all forms of corporate commercial contracts and real estate development contracts to litigating breach of contract actions. He is known for finding successful solutions to highly complicated commercial, real estate, and litigation matters. Mr. Fowler’s effective handling of difficult legal issues is built on his years of experience in the District of Arizona, District of Oregon, and Washington State.

Scott Ellerby is a partner in the firm. His main areas of practice are real estate litigation, probate, trusts and estates litigation, municipal law, creditor-debtor law, commercial transactions and commercial litigation. He has lectured at numerous legal seminars over the past 25 years on topics in his practice areas, and has represented a wide range of private clients and public entities in negotiations, mediations, arbitrations, and bench and jury trials. Scott was a contributing author of the Washington Lawyers Practice Manual, and was chair of the King County Bar Association Real Property, Probate and Trust Section. He earned his B.A....

RUSSELL LAW OFFICES provides legal services to clients in Alaska, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington from offices in Seattle's historic Pioneer Square and Boise's Empire Building. Our regional practice emphasizes environmental, natural resource, real estate, and business matters. We also engage in litigation and provide mediation, trustee, and business management services. Our numerous clients include individuals, small to medium sized businesses, corporations, public agencies and start-ups. Prior to opening Russell Law Offices, Mr. Russell was of counsel with the firms of Neubauer Hunsinger and Ryan Swanson in Seattle. He also served as Regional Administrator of EPA's Region 10...

Jemima has handled hundreds of millions of dollars’ worth of real estate transactions involving almost every sector of the market. Her primary practice areas are commercial and real estate transactions. She has extensive experience with all facets of land use matters including title and survey review, development, and environmental studies and reports.

Her clients include private developers, landowners, purchasers and sellers, landlords and tenants, borrowers and lenders, regional and national banks, universities, non-profit organizations, assisted living facilities, hotels, and homeowner’s associations, each of whom have various business and real estate needs. With the passage of I-502, her work has also...

Eric represents victims of wrongful termination, unfair wage and hour practices, workplace harassment, and discrimination; whistleblowers who suffer retaliation after standing up for themselves or others; and entrepreneurs crossed by former business partners. As a civil litigator and class action attorney, he routinely assists individuals and entities in employment litigation, consumer protection actions, and complex business and contract lawsuits. Eric has prevailed in numerous appellate cases supporting worker rights, including before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court.

Mindful that most people seldom interact with the legal system, Eric uses his knowledge and experience to guide his...

Jeff was born and raised in Garland, TX and has been around the world twenty times without losing his Texas roots. At age 22, he joined the Army and was stationed at Ft. Stewart, GA where he served as a combat medic in the 3rd Infantry Division. Later, he obtained his first law degree from the University of South Africa and bought a house with his beautiful wife Nicole. Today, he lives on Mercer Island with his family. He is fanatical about the game of chess and loves Shakespeare, the Simpsons, and Linux.

Insight Law is a local tax law firm with 4 offices in the greater Seattle area. We handle all tax matters, including those related to Income, Employment, Property, B&O, and Estate and Gift taxes. We pride ourselves on providing the best service, value, and knowing our areas of law inside and out. Whether you have a tax problem or need estate planning or small business services, we can provide efficient, knowledgeable and compassionate representation. QUALITY: At Insight Law, we provide top-notch representation from experienced attorneys in the Seattle Area. VALUE: At Insight Law, we use a...

A partner in Mendel Owens PS, Fraser Mendel focuses his practice on corporate law, with special attention to international transactions. Mr. Mendel has extensive experience in the areas of cross-border transactions, direct investment in China, venture capital investments, mergers and acquisitions, corporate structuring, international employment issues, technology regulation, and intellectual property. He has over 25 years of experience in international corporate law, including promoting cutting-edge investment and diversification in Asia. Mr. Mendel advises multinational firms and has built a diverse practice representing companies entering the Asian market, particularly in technology industries. He has been the driving force for over...

A Seattle native, Mike Ricketts received his undergraduate degree from Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington, and his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law. He focuses his practice on civil trial work including property and casualty insurance disputes and other commercial matters, and asbestos and other personal injury and product liability litigation.

He has considerable experience with fire claims and property losses involving product failure, electrical malfunction, or construction issues. He also devotes a substantial portion of his practice to appeals.

Michael T. Smith advises individuals and companies of all types and sizes regarding the proper formation and structure of a business entity (corporation, limited liability company, etc.), their general business and corporate matters, issues related to the purchase or sale or lease of real property and transactions to purchase or sell their business. Michael also focuses his practice on assisting people prepare their estate plan, including wills, trusts, community property agreements, durable powers of attorney, health care directives, and helping families navigate and administer a loved one's estate in probate proceedings. Michael can also assist with guardianship proceedings for loved ones...

Per joined the firm in 2005. He has represented a wide range of clients in the negotiation and drafting of documents for large loan transactions, sales of assets, corporate restructuring, leases, real estate transactions and secured transactions. Per’s experience includes practice before the federal bankruptcy court and appeals in the federal courts and before the Washington Court of Appeals. Per and his family reside in Edmonds. He enjoys golf, bicycling and music.

A Pacific Northwest native, I grew up on Whidbey Island before moving to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. I received my law degree magna cum laude from Vermont Law School and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2011. Prior to joining Gillin Law Group, I was of counsel at Genesis Law Firm for three years and an associate at Purcell Legal & Mediation Services for two years. Prior to that, I was an Assistant City Attorney with the Seattle City Attorney’s Office for three years.

Before earning her law degree, magna cum laude, from Gonzaga University School and joining GTH in 1991, Margaret Archer was a financial analyst for Westinghouse Hanford Company. She puts her business acumen and insight into the world of finance to good use in her position as Chair of our Board of Directors and in her practice areas of land use, real estate litigation and commercial litigation.

Elizabeth is an experienced litigator and practitioner in the areas of juvenile law, family law, business law and criminal defense. Within the area of family law, she has represented clients in parenting and child support, parentage, nonparental custody, dissolution, modification, and adoption cases. Within juvenile law, Elizabeth has experience with Becca Bill cases (Truancy, At Risk Youth, and Children In Need of Services), representation of youth in juvenile dependency proceedings, and juvenile offender matters. She has successfully resolved many criminal matters including domestic violence cases, assault, DUI, MIP (minor in possession), violations of the Vancouver Municipal Code, unlawful camping, trespass,...

For more than 40 years, Mark Honeywell has been an active litigator with a track record of resolving a wide variety of complex disputes. Over the course of his distinguished career, he has gained experience in a broad array of legal issues as well as a practical understanding of the benefits of resolution. He now devotes his practice full-time to mediations and arbitrations.

As an approved United States District Court Rule 39 mediator, he has successfully mediated and arbitrated hundreds of cases involving personal injury, professional negligence, products liability, real estate and commercial litigation, sexual abuse of minors, and insurance claims...

David C. Tingstad joined the Firm in 1995, and has extensive experience in the areas of business and real estate transactions, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations and real estate. David regularly counsels clients in all aspects of business combinations such as asset acquisitions, mergers and joint ventures. In addition, his practice includes assisting operating businesses with succession planning, financing, dissolution and disputes between owners. David is a member of the Washington State Bar Association’s Partnership Law Committee, which is currently working to revise Washington’s Limited Liability Company Statute. David is also a Member of the American Bar Association’s Committee...

I’ve lived in the Pacific Northwest my whole life. I love it here. I grew up in Lake Stevens, WA, and earned my undergraduate and graduate degrees in Seattle. After taking a law school course on “Corporations, Law and Society,” I knew I wanted to help Seattle businesses with their legal services. I came to fully appreciate the impact of business on society and how the law can shape this impact. I appreciate the relationship between business and our communities, and I am passionate about making it easier for businesses to positively impact our community.

The R. D. Kelly Law Firm provides outstanding legal services to plaintiffs in personal injury cases. We negotiate and litigate. We engage in alternative dispute resolution. We try cases to judges or juries. We get awesome results for our clients.

Alex grew up on his family’s apple farm in Brewster, Washington. He learned every trade required to run a farm, but specialized in being the certified “gopher.” Alex graduated from high school ranked 2nd in the nation and top 25 in the World for his age in downhill ski racing. Alex studied at Jerusalem University in Israel, completed undergraduate studies from Seattle Pacific University, and finished his legal education at Seattle University School of Law where he was the Graduation Speaker. Alex learned trial skills by working as a Prosecutor for King...

Tim is a civil litigator and counselor with Beresford Booth PLLC. His practice is principally devoted to representing clients in high stakes matters concerning business, banking, real estate, employment, and complex torts. Utilizing a breadth of legal experience, Tim has successfully litigated matters in state and federal courts involving complex financing disputes, corporate governance/dissolution, constitutional law, discrimination, and unfair business practices. His real estate practice includes the representation of lenders, owners, and developers in all aspects of real property acquisition and development. Tim is a leader in several community and bar organizations and has a growing practice as...

Christopher Small is the owner of CMS Law Firm LLC, the Northwest's premiere estate planning, probate, and trust administration law firm. CMS Law Firm focuses on estate planning for one reason - legacy and family protection are at the forefront of their philosophy and beliefs. Christopher is the proud father of three kids, Blakely, Jackson, and Dillon, and understands how important it is to make sure families have the protection and safety they need to excel no matter the circumstances.

Some of the routine matters we handle include, wills, revocable living trusts, powers of attorney, medical powers of attorney, health care...

I work as part of a team of entrepreneurial-minded business lawyers who provide practical advice, transparent flat rates, and quick turnaround times. We use custom technology to decrease costs, increase efficiency, and provide the highest quality legal services at competitive rates. We offer transparent flat rates, so you will know upfront what services you will receive and at what price. We remove unnecessary legalese and craft our documents so they are easier to understand. We are accessible; we keep you informed on your matter and respond promptly to your questions and concerns. We help businesses with all aspects...

Bill Kessler helps businesses, individuals and families reach their goals by providing timely, thorough representation. He understands and facilitates each client’s big-picture objectives, and efficiently integrates his role in achieving those objectives. Bill has litigated Superior Court cases all around Washington and cases in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Washington and Eastern District of Washington. He has also argued cases to the Washington Court of Appeals and has been admitted pro hac vice to several federal and state courts around the United States. Bill conducts a range of business and real estate transactions, including...

Growing up in New York and Pennsylvania, Rick attended the U.S. Naval Academy, graduating with a degree in Oceanography in 1978. Figuring he should put his knowledge of the oceans to some practical use, Rick became a nuclear-trained officer and served aboard the USS Patrick Henry, a nuclear submarine, until 1983. At that point, realizing that a continued career in submarines might let him see the light of day for one of every ten years or so, Rick elected to head off to law school. As he explained to the squadron commodore, "Perry Mason always surprises; L.A. Law is intense;...

A valued GTH partner, Julie Dickens has been with the firm since 1999. She focuses her practice on estate planning, real estate, and general business, representing individuals and their closely held businesses in all stages of their planning. Besides Wills, trusts, prenuptial agreements and probates, she helps her clients with entity formation, shareholder agreements, real estate purchase and sale agreements, leases, easements, and financing transactions.

Julie enjoys her practice because it offers her the opportunity to interact personally with her clients as she learns their life stories and collaborates with them to develop effective strategies for securing their future. She...

I represent people and businesses. My practice focuses on civil litigation, plaintiffs' personal injury and business law, but I also handles a wide variety of other types of cases. If your case is out of my practice area, I will help you determine the type of lawyer you need to make sure you get to the right person. I earned my law degree from the University of Washington School of Law in 2001 and my bachelors degree, magna cum laude, from the University of Washington School of Business, with a Finance concentration, in 1998. ...

I am a second-career attorney who started Adaptive Law so I could offer legal services my own way. I pursued my law degree following a nearly ten-year academic career in urban planning and community development, and now apply my problem-solving mentality to a mixed practice of estate planning, land use and elder law. I represent my home district (District 3) on the Skagit County Planning Commission, and continue to teach as an adjunct professor in the accredited Urban and Regional Planning program at Cal Poly Pomona. I am a member of the Washington State Association for Justice (WSAF), a volunteer...

John Guadnola is a seasoned attorney with an extensive background and impressive record of success in his practice areas, which include antitrust litigation, alcohol regulation, copyright and trademark litigation, and complex litigation. As Executive Director and General Counsel of the Association of Washington Spirits & Wine Distributors, John is also actively involved in alcohol regulation issues on the legislative level and enforcement levels.

As co-lead counsel in a case of national significance (Costco v. Hoen), John represented distributor intervenors in a successful effort to defend Washington State laws governing distribution and sale of beer and wine against an antitrust claim brought...

Born in Philadelphia and raised in Des Moines, Iowa, Bill Holt moved gradually westward—with a 7-year stop in Iowa City to pick up his undergraduate and law degrees—until he got to Tacoma in 1970. He has lived and worked here in the Northwest ever since, joining GTH in 1971 after clerking for Judge William T. Beeks in the U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington.

His primary areas of practice include the purchase and sale of businesses and large commercial real estate projects, as well as intellectual property law, privacy and publicity law, public records law, and finance.