Genissa Richardson (née Sygitowicz) – Founding Attorney.
When not practicing law, Genissa is spending time with her husband and 2 Beagles – sailing, hiking, and golfing.
To talk to Genissa about your case, you can book a consultation here for assistance with estate planning or probate/trust administration.
More about Genissa:
I grew up in Whatcom County and am a proud third-generation graduate of Mt. Baker High School – go Mountaineers! I graduated from Western Washington University in 2000 with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in Philosophy. After college, I enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 2001. I first served as a Damage Controlman, Petty Officer 3rd Class, then attended Officer Candidate School in 2004. After receiving a commission as a junior officer, I served as an Engineer Officer in Training (EOIT) aboard the Cutter Dependable out of Cape May, New Jersey. After 5 years of service, I moved home to Bellingham in 2006.
I’d been interested in practicing law and thought about attending law school for many years. But the thought of moving away from home to attend law school was very off-putting. So in 2015 I enrolled in the Washington State Bar Association’s APR 6 Law Clerk Program. This alternative to law school allows qualified individuals to complete a four-year apprenticeship under the guidance of a supervising attorney. As a licensed legal intern, I gained valuable experience working in criminal defense, landlord-tenant, and domestic relations law.
After completing the program in 2019, I sat for the February 2020 bar exam. In May, 2020 I was admitted to the bar and formed True North Legal Services, PLLC in July 2020. In addition to managing my law firm, I am a Certified Mediator through the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center, currently serve as President of Northwest Estate Planning Council, and am the Prosecuting Attorney for the City of Lynden.
I feel privileged to live and work in Whatcom County and enjoy helping people and families plan for their futures. I chose to focus on estate planning and probate because I enjoy problem-solving and giving my clients peace of mind knowing they’ve planned for the inevitable.
Lori Holmes, Paralegal & Office Manager
By mortal titles, Lori is a Paralegal and Office Manager, but in truth, they are best known as the firm’s official Emotional Support Demon – summoned from the depths to manage paperwork and control chaotic calendars with the eternal balance of professionalism and infernal resilience.
She specializes in Contract Necromancy, (also known as document review),
Soul-binding Agreements, (client intake & case management), and Wielding ancient office magic to tame cursed copiers.
When not Banishing inefficiency, Lori Summons calm from the void by spending time with her rescue Pitbull, Sweet Baby Angel, Conjuring gourmet meals, Manifesting flower gardens, and picking people up off the floor in circle pits.
Welcome to the Team Lori!