Meet Claire E. Bellefleur

Principal Attorney

Claire E. Bellefleur is an attorney focused on estate planning, probate, fiduciary matters, and related disputes. Her background includes preparing complex trusts, advising on probate and guardianship matters, defending fiduciaries, and serving as a Title 11 Guardian ad Litem in King County Superior Court. She has also held leadership positions, including serving as Head of Legal at Better Off and previously as a Junior Partner at Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney.

Clients value her calm, practical mindset and her commitment to helping people navigate difficult legal issues with clarity and confidence.

Experience

For over a decade, I’ve developed deep expertise in estate planning, probate, and fiduciary litigation, progressing from associate attorney roles to leadership positions. My work has included preparing complex trusts, advising on probate and guardianship matters, defending fiduciaries, and serving as a Title 11 Guardian ad Litem in King County Superior Court.

Most recently, I acted as Head of Legal at Better Off, where I oversaw corporate legal strategy while continuing to draw on my foundation in trusts and estate law. It was a welcome break from the intensity of law firm life. Previously, I was a Junior Partner at Murphy, Pearson, Bradley & Feeney, where I led estate-related litigation and administration, often resolving disputes through both courtroom advocacy and negotiated settlements.

Education

I earned my Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law, where I served as Chairperson of the Advanced Moot Court Teams Board and competed in the National Appellate Advocacy Competition, earning recognition for Third Best Brief in the Boston Regional. Prior to law school, I completed my Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Philosophy at the University of Washington.

Bar Admissions

• State Bar of California, December 2012, #286718 – Active
• Washington State Bar Association, May 2013, #46158 – Active

Professional Involvement

• Member, King County Bar Association
• Board Member, Renton Regional Community Foundation
• Member, Friends of Skyway Library

Meet Misti Watkins

Associate Attorney

Misti Watkins is an attorney dedicated to helping individuals and families prepare for the future through estate planning, probate, and guardianship matters. After building her legal career in family law, Misti transitioned into trusts and estates, where she focuses on helping clients protect their loved ones, preserve their wishes, and create plans that provide lasting peace of mind.

Experience

Misti began her legal career as a paralegal, spending nearly 13 years supporting clients and attorneys before becoming a licensed attorney practicing family law. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with individuals and families during important life transitions, helping them navigate complex legal issues.

Her background in family law provided extensive experience handling sensitive matters requiring strong advocacy, problem-solving, and careful attention to both legal and personal considerations. Today, Misti applies that experience to estate planning, helping clients create plans designed to protect their families and provide confidence for the future. Her experience in family law helps her clients navigate the interpersonal issues that come up in probate, guardianship and trust administration.

Education

Misti completed the Law Clerk Program pursuant to Washington Supreme Court Admission and Practice Rule 6 and is licensed to practice law in Washington State. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Society, Ethics, and Human Behavior from the University of Washington and previously completed her Paralegal Technical Degree at Edmonds Community College.

Bar Admissions

• Washington State Bar Association, November 2022, #60218 — Active

Professional Involvement

• Member, King County Bar Association

Meet Kimberly Nicol

PARALEGAL

Kimberly Nicol is a paralegal with a background in legal support, case management, legal operations, and client communication. She enjoys working directly with clients and helping people navigate legal processes that can often feel unfamiliar or overwhelming. Kimberly looks forward to continuing to expand her knowledge and experience in estate planning, trusts, probate, and guardianship.

Experience

Kimberly began working in the legal field in 2018 after completing her paralegal degree at Edmonds College. Since that time, she has supported attorneys and clients across several areas of law, including family law, criminal defense, protection orders, and other civil matters.

Throughout her legal career, Kimberly has developed extensive experience in client communication, case management, court filings and procedures, document preparation, and the day-to-day coordination necessary to keep legal matters moving forward. She particularly values the client-centered aspect of legal work and strives to bring patience, resourcefulness, and thoughtful communication to her interactions with clients and colleagues.

Education

Kimberly earned her Associate of Technical Arts in Paralegal Studies from Edmonds College in 2017. She is currently completing her Bachelor of Applied Science in Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology at Eastern Washington University. Her studies have further developed her interest in human behavior, communication, and the ways people navigate stressful and complex life circumstances.