Genissa Richardson (née Sygitowicz) – Founding Attorney.
When not practicing law, Genissa is spending time with her husband and three dogs (yes – 3!) sailing, hiking, and golfing.
To talk to Genissa about your case, you can schedule a free 10-minute phone call here or 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 enrolled in the Mediator Practicum at the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center and currently serve as President of the Whatcom County Bar Association for 2023.
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.
Kendall Fox, Paralegal
Kendall joined True North Legal Services in April 2024 as a paralegal, coming from a background in workers’ compensation and criminal law before transitioning to estate planning and probate. She is responsible for assisting in legal research, drafting, and client communication.
Graduating magna cum laude from Central Washington University in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice, Kendall laid a strong foundation for her legal career. Her commitment to academic excellence was evident during her time at Whatcom Community College, where she earned an associate degree with honors.
Hailing from Whatcom County, Kendall is deeply rooted in the local community, having attended Blaine High School. This connection imbues her work with a nuanced understanding of the region’s legal landscape and its people’s needs.
In her leisure time, Kendall snowboards, immerses herself in true crime TV shows, and appreciates time with her family. Beyond her professional pursuits, she is driven by a desire to further her legal education and is set to embark on a journey towards obtaining a Juris Doctor, slated for completion in 2028.
With her blend of academic prowess, practical experience, and unwavering dedication, Kendall is poised to continue making significant contributions to the legal profession and the community she serves.
True North Legal Services is excited to have her on the team!