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.
Kyra Leonard
Paralegal
Trusts and Estate Plan documents, as well as Probate and Trust Administration.
She is knowledgeable in real estate transactions from trust transfer deeds to transferring title of the real estate to the trust beneficiaries.
Kelsey Potter
Kelsey is a Paralegal for Bay Area Estate Attorneys. She is often times 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. She provides legal support to our attorneys, assists in drafting client files and execution of paperwork as our office’s Notary. She is known for her considerable multitasking skills and providing outstanding support to the firm’s clients.
