As a veteran of probate and trust litigation, she has vast experience acting on behalf of beneficiaries and strongly believes in enforcing their rights.

One particular field of interest for her is estate planning after divorce and the complexities of dividing marital assets. In these matters, she often draws on her tax background to prepare customized and precise documents.

Julie also has a mentorship program at her law firm helping staff prepare for law school, through law school and the California Bar exam in order to become attorneys themselves. Julie also mentors other women starting their own legal practice and the flexibility it benefits us all as a community with raising a family.

Outside of work, this Bay Area native enjoys spending time with her family, playing sports, and traveling the world.

Kelsey Potter

Kelsey graduated Cum Laude from California State University, Chico with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology after completing an Associate of Arts and Associate of Applied Business with Paralegal focus.

Outside of the office she enjoys crafting, spending time with her family and pets, and is a member of the American Cribbage Congress.

Kelsey was excited to join Bay Area Estate Attorneys, P.C., because of the firm’s commitment to mentoring and their dedication to fostering personal and professional growth.

At Bay Area Estate Attorneys, P.C., the emphasis is on empowering our clients to protect their legacy for their beneficiaries and assisting them through the difficult time after losing a loved one.

Gabrielle Zut

She is a key element in our firm’s outstanding customer service and is primarily responsible for walking new clients through booking their consultation and providing continuing support to current clients.

Gabrielle manages the attorneys’ calendars ensuring our office runs smoothly, as well as overseeing our data management system.

Kyra Leonard

She is knowledgeable in real estate transactions from trust transfer deeds to transferring title of the real estate to the trust beneficiaries.

EDUCATION:

• Folsom University, Professional Fiduciary Program
• St. Mary’s College, BA Degree in Business Management
• Sonoma State University, Attorney Assistant Certificate Program
• Diablo Valley College, AA Degree

We can help with the planning of inheritable real estate and keep in line with Prop 19 and exclusion from reassessment of property tax! Give us a call today!

Cathyana Jean-Baptiste

Cathyana always considers the people behind the numbers. That personable approach to planning, coupled with her experience as a tax attorney, creates solid bonds between Cathyana and her clients. Cathyana also consults on tax planning and asset protection strategies such as creation of business entities, irrevocable trusts and charitable trusts.

Experience

• Preparation of advanced tax planning proposals and drafting of advanced planning instruments, such as a qualified personal residence trust, charitable remainder trust, and irrevocable gifting trust
• Formation of business entities such as Close Wyoming LLCs, partnerships and sole proprietorships
• Preparation of estate plan documents including wills, trusts, powers of attorney and advance medical directives
• Counsel of families on business succession planning with a focus on maximizing transfer tax savings and balancing control and economic succession among family members

News
6/1/2020
Marvin Brown, Tera Coleman, Cory Davis, Cathyana Jean-Baptiste, Marcus McCutcheon Listed Among “Top 40 Under 40 National Black Lawyers”

Publications
5/1/2020
The New Paradigm: Wealth Transfer Planning During an Economic Downturn

Pro Bono
Represented a low-income client regarding IRS tax collection and Maryland tax authority procedures.

Services

• Estate Planning
• Asset Protection
• Advanced Planning – High Net Worth
• Counseling Fiduciaries and Beneficiaries
• Family Office and Private Trust Companies
• Business Matters

Admissions
California and District of Columbia

Education

• LL.M., Taxation, Georgetown University Law Center, 2016
• J.D., The George Washington University Law School, 2015; Corporate and Business Law
• Society; Black Law Students Association
• B.A., University of Miami, 2012; Political Science and Economics

Languages
Englisth, Haitian Creole (Fluent) and French (Basic)

Maureen Dela Cueva

Prior to working at our office, Maureen was a full time student. She graduated from Ohlone Community College with an A.A. in Human Development Studies, A.A. in Sociology and A.A. in Political Science; all with Honors. She then transferred to San Jose State University where she recently graduated in May 2022 with a B.A. in Political Science and Minor in Legal Studies. She has been admitted to law school and will start in August 2023.

Maureen was born and raised in the Bay Area and is a proud South Bay native. Outside of studying, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and closest friends. She also enjoys traveling and taking SoulCycle/CycleBar classes. Maureen has a passion for the legal field and is excited to continue her journey to becoming a lawyer.