From Estate planning to Administration, the lawyers at Bay Area Estate Attorneys have a talent for seeing the big picture.
About Us
Meet Julie Ann Sowards, ESQ. & LL.M – TAX
A Well-Rounded Advisor You Can Trust
It takes a sharp mind and a meticulous spirit to make sure a living trust is perfectly tailored to each client. That’s one reason why Julie has been so successful as an Estate Planning and Trust Administration Attorney for over a decade. Her ability to see around corners, close loopholes, and implement advantageous legal estate planning and tax strategies is a hallmark of her practice.
Above all, Julie understands that a cookie-cutter approach to estate planning simply won’t work and that every living trust must meet the specific needs of the individual client. It’s that kind of scrupulous devotion and keen understanding of the Law that makes her the best at what she does.
Academics & Experience
A graduate of Lincoln Law School in San Jose, with a separate Masters of Law (LLM) in Tax Law and Taxation from the Villanova University School of Law, Julie worked as a paralegal before becoming an attorney. While at Lincoln, she was awarded the Cynthia Ware Young Scholarship, given to the student in the school of law program who shows the most character, perseverance, and compassion.
When working with people one-on-one to develop their estate plans, Julie also utilizes the skills she learned as a communications major at California State University, Long Beach, where she earned her bachelor’s degree.
In addition to her expertise in estate planning and complex trusts, Julie has extensive experience in special needs trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and irrevocable asset protection trusts. Julie is adept at handling all aspects of trust administration and often serves as a Trust Protector. She’s passionate about preparing a client’s trust and representing the trustee(s) during trust administration.
Miriam Y. Ali, Esq. oversees our Probate Administration Department
A Compassionate Guide Through Probate Proceedings
With over 15 years of legal experience, Miriam brings thoughtful understanding of both legal requirements and family dynamics to probate administration during one of life’s most challenging times. Her early background in family law and mediation provides valuable insight into the family dynamics that often complicate probate proceedings.
What Sets Miriam Apart
Miriam understands that probate involves much more than legal procedures—it’s about helping families navigate grief while making important decisions about their loved one’s legacy. As a certified Conflict Resolution Specialist under California’s Dispute Resolution Programs Act, she’s uniquely equipped to facilitate difficult conversations and manage the complexities that can arise during estate administration.
Her approach prioritizes clear communication, transparency, and compassion while ensuring all legal requirements are met efficiently. She recognizes beneficiaries may be dealing with grief, financial stress, or longstanding family tensions, and addresses these interconnected issues proactively.
Kelsey Potter
Kelsey is the lead Paralegal for Bay Area Estate Attorneys. She provides legal support to our attorneys and assists in drafting client files and execution of paperwork as a California Notary Public.
Kelsey takes great pride in providing clients with peace of mind and clarity as they navigate the often complex aspects of estate planning. Her experience includes drafting comprehensive estate planning documents—such as revocable and irrevocable trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and other supplementary estate documents—as well as assisting with post-death trust administrations.
Gabrielle Zut
Administrative Assistant
Gabrielle is a legal assistant for Bay Area Estate Attorneys. She graduated Summa Cum Laude from Indiana Wesleyan University with degrees in Psychology and Criminal Justice and is on track to attend law school.
Oftentimes she is the first person our clients speak to when they initially contact our office and the friendly face you see right before you meet with our attorneys.
Maribel Nava, Paralegal
Maribel is responsible for the management of client files from initial filing for letters of administration, working with the personal representative on home sale(s), to probate accountings and distribution to the beneficiaries.
