| Heather L. Crawford is an associate attorney with Robin H. Balsam P.S., Vice President of Commencement Bay Guardianship Services and professional guardian. Ms. Crawford joined Robin H. Balsam P.S. in 2006. She has experience in complex guardianship, probate and trust matters. Ms. Crawford’s work includes not only representing clients as an advocate in litigation, but also acting as a court-appointed investigator and court-appointed attorney.
Additionally, she has experience in defense of Adult Protective Service allegations and recovery of property including real estate for victimized elders. Ms. Crawford has had significant experience with forensic accountings as well as representation of fiduciaries such as personal representatives, attorneys-in-fact and guardians. As vice president of Commencement Bay, she routinely works with guardians and care managers to resolve care and financial issues in guardianship cases and frequently advises clients with guardianship accountings.
Ms. Crawford obtained the status of a Washington State Certified Professional Guardian in 2009, after completing the University of Washington’s nationally-renowned pilot program on professional guardian certification. Her history includes experience as the former chair for the Tacoma Pierce County Guardianship Committee.
Prior to her work with Robin H. Balsam P.S., Ms Crawford worked as a staff attorney to the Honorable United States District Judge, Robert J. Bryan. In that capacity, Ms. Crawford gained experienced in employment discrimination, prisoner rights, insurance contract interpretations, social security, and constitutional violations. Before joining the federal court, Ms. Crawford worked in private practice for three years. During that time, her practice included general civil litigation, employment law, business law, and probate.
Education
Seattle University School of Law, J.D., Cum
Laude, 1999
University of Washington, B.A. Economics, 1993
Admissions and Licenses
Washington State Bar Association: 2000
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington: 2000
RCW 11.88 Guardian ad Litem: 2007 to date
Washington Certified Professional Guardian:
2009 to date
Affiliation(s)/Membership(s)
Washington State Bar Association
Elder Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association
Washington Professional Guardian Association
Guardianship section of the Pierce County Bar Association
|
Attorney Robin H. Balsam has been in private practice since 1984, with over twenty-five years experience practicing law. She is the managing partner of Robin H. Balsam P.S. and director of Commencement Bay Guardianship Services.
Her civil practice includes probate, trust, guardianship administration, litigation and appeals, as well as related real estate and business transactions. Ms. Balsam handles complex guardianship, trust, and probate problems, represents fiduciaries in various roles, and engages in many aspects of personal injury settlement trust work. Her work also includes representing families with special needs as well as practical experience in defense of Adult Protective Services’ allegations and recovery of assets for victims of elder abuse.
She not only has extensive litigation experience, but is also collaboratively trained. Her collaborative law certification gives clients the option of a collaborative approach to dispute resolution. Further, Ms. Balsam has experience as a mediator. She is a former Pro Tem Court commissioner and current Pro Tem Judge for Pierce County Superior Court. Ms. Balsam continues to do Pro Tem work upon request.
Ms. Balsam is a Certified Professional Guardian, and through Commencement Bay Guardianship Services serves as guardian of the person and estate, trustee, attorney in fact, and as an estate administrator in routine, complex, and contested matters. Ms. Balsam has spoken at many seminars on various aspects of guardianship, trust, and probate practice, and ethical issues.
Education
Seattle University School of Law, J.D. 1983
University of Montana, B.A. History, Cum Laude
Admissions and Licenses
Washington State Bar Association: 1984
U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington: 1984
U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit: 1984
Provisionally Certified Professional Guardian: 1999, 2000
Washington Certified Professional Guardian: 2001 to date
Affiliation(s)/Membership(s)
Certified Professional Guardian Board
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (‘NAELA’)
Washington Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Elder Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association
Washington Professional Guardian Association
Guardianship section of the Pierce County Bar Association
You know why you should call Robin and Heather, all you have to do is pick up the phone and dial 253-627-7800.
|
