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 mosh pits.
Zack Holmes – Legal Assistant
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We’re excited to welcome our new Legal Assistant to the team, equal parts creative talent, tech expert, and caffiene specialist. A graduate of Whatcom Community College, he earned his Associate’s degree in Visual Communications in 2018 and brings a unique blend of creativity and technical skill to his role. An accomplished artist, he works across a range of 2D and 3D media including painting, drawing, digital modeling, and animation, and is equally at home picking up a guitar or sitting behind a drum kit.
Outside the office, he enjoys skateboarding and snowboarding, proving that balance is both a professional and personal skill. A lifelong tech enthusiast, he built his first computer at just eleven years old and has since become our go-to expert for all things computing and the person to call when things inevitably stop working. If you’re lucky, you might even get to experience one of his expertly crafted espresso drinks. He genuinely makes an excellent cup of coffee, and the commentary that comes with it is equally strong.
True North Legal Services Paw Clerks
Rocko & Leroy – Lead Investigators
Sweet Baby Angel – Defense Counsel
Their licenses come with a tag, not staggering debt and emotional damage. Our pack is unmatched in their ability to conduct floor inspections for evidence. Despite requiring significant belly rub retainers, they will ocassionaly do paw bono work. They have immpecable listening skills and are master licking litigators. They handle barketing and are always eager to sit in on depaw-sitions. They issue loud objections, always do their chew diligance, and are usually found napping during billable hours. They are constantly filing motions to adjourn for walkies. Professional water enthusiasts, reluctant bath participants. Paw and Odor – DUN DUN.