I am a partner at Fitzwater Law. My practice consists of estate planning and estate administration, including the preparation of wills and trusts, gift and estate tax planning, special needs planning, and the administration of trusts and probate estates.

 

Estate planning and estate administration are the only areas of law for me. Over the years I have discovered that my work consists of equal parts teaching, counseling and lawyering. Tellingly, teaching and psychology were the other careers I considered before deciding on law. I feel fortunate to have found a career that blends all of my passions.  Estate planning is truly my vocation.

 

I pride myself on being approachable, down to earth, and willing to answer any questions my clients may have. I invest in learning about my client’s whole story which enables me to represent my client more effectively and often allows us to develop a relationship which is just as friendly as it is professional. It is important to me that my clients know that I am on their side.  My job is to help consolidate my clients’ concerns into concrete issues with tangible solutions, to craft proper wording, sometimes to play devil’s advocate, and always to ensure that my clients leave my office understanding their estate planning documents.

 

I am a Southeast Portland/Gresham native, and a graduate of Jesuit High School. I majored in English at Whitman College in Walla Walla, Washington and received my J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law in Eugene, Oregon, where I earned a Statement of Completion in the area of Tax Law. Before graduating from law school, I served as a law clerk in the office of the Washington Attorney General.

 

I have sung with the Oregon Repertory Singers since 2007. I live with my husband, three young sons, and our dog.  I am a member of two different book clubs, one which has been meeting for over 14 years. I also enjoy starting (but not finishing) knitting projects, reading dystopian science fiction novels, and using my many kitchen appliances.

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EDUCATION

• University of Oregon School of Law - J.D. (2005)

 

ORGANIZATIONS

• Oregon State Bar (OSB); Estate Planning and Administration & Elder Law Sections