BERESFORD BOOTH - Key Persons
Andrea graduated from Edmonds College with her Paralegal Associate of Technical Arts Degree in 2022. She currently serves as a legal assistant for the attorneys and paralegals in the family law department. Andrea has always had a passion for family law and is determined to deliver the best client service for all families that come our way. Outside of the office, she enjoys roller skating, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
Anne joined the firm in 2016 after practicing in Boston for nearly six years. She was a trial advocate in the Family Law Clinic at Suffolk University Law School in Boston and volunteered as a domestic violence survivor advocate at HarborCov in Chelsea, Massachusetts. In both roles, she assisted clients with obtaining restraining orders, initiating paternity actions, initiating child custody proceedings, and petitioning for child support and spousal maintenance.
She has worked as both a transactional attorney and a litigator. At her previous firm, she represented individuals and corporations in litigation arising from premises liability actions and real estate transactions in both federal and superior court. Anne's experiences have given her a thorough working knowledge of transactional law and litigation, particularly in the areas of mediation, discovery, and dispute resolution.
Anne attended Northeastern University in Boston where she graduated Summa Cum Laude and was a five-year member of the Ultimate Frisbee Team, the Valkyries. She actively volunteers at the Boys and Girls Club and the Cherry Street Food Bank and is a member of various ultimate frisbee club teams in the Seattle area.
Babak Shamsi has an extensive background in real estate and business, having litigated Superior Court cases around Washington State. He represents clients in a variety of areas, including title litigation, contractor disputes, real property litigation, and LLC disputes. While his practice emphasizes civil and commercial litigation, Babak also has significant experience with corporate counseling, commercial lease transactions, loan workouts, and the purchase and sale of real estate.
Having served a diverse array of individuals and entities, including financial institutions, community associations, commercial creditors, contractors, and small businesses, Babak provides clients with nuanced and effective counseling to help them reach their goals efficiently.
Babak was born and raised in the Seattle metropolitan area, and his personal interests include playing music and watching movies.
Dexter Bradford is an associate at Beresford Booth. His primary areas of practice include business and real estate litigation, family law, and employment law.
A graduate of Seattle University School of Law, Dexter was a member of the Moot Court Board and the Managing Editor of the Journal of Technological Innovation & Environmental Law. While actively engaged in his studies, Dexter maintained the Presidential Law Scholarship.
Dexter offers experience in employment law. He was a member of the Workers' Rights Clinic and represented workers in employment claims through administrative and judicial processes. Additionally, Dexter was an in-house counsel intern for a Seattle-based software company where he drafted license and non-disclosure agreements.
Dexter is fluent in the Spanish language. Outside of work, Dexter enjoys photography, hiking, wake surfing, and spending time with his wife and daughter.
Job Titles:
- Chairman - DIVORCE and FAMILY LAW ADOPTION & ASSISTED REPRODUCTION
- Chairman of Both the Divorce & Family Law
Dimitra is the chair of both the Divorce & Family Law and Adoption & Assisted Reproduction practice groups at Beresford Booth PLLC where she brings compassion and a balanced perspective to clients. She is also a fellow for the Academy of Adoption & Assisted Reproduction Attorneys (AAAA), a leading organization that sets the highest standards for its members.
Dimitra guides families through the adoption process, advising prospective adoptive families through their match process, decisions regarding the best choice of law for their situation, and through the legal process to complete their family. Dimitra also guides birth parents in placement with a loving family to meet their individual needs. Whether finalizing a DCYF foster-to-adopt placement, advising clients regarding a second-parent adoption, or guiding individuals to confirm their family through an adult adoption, Dimitra works with each client to understand and meet their unique needs.
For clients seeking to form a family through Assisted Reproduction, Dimitra advises intended parents through the legal process of their journey, including preparation of Agreements for Gestational Surrogacy, Genetic Surrogacy, Ova Donation, Embryo Donation, and Sperm Donation. Dimitra also helps parties who wish to donate gametes or carry a child as a surrogate in review of Donor Contracts and Surrogacy Agreements. She also advises clients on the best way to confirm parentage to create and secure each client's unique family. Dimitra recognizes that no two clients are the same, no two families are the same, and she strives to understand and support each individual's goals to guide them through the process.
Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Dimitra graduated from Henry M. Jackson High School in Mill Creek where she enjoyed playing soccer and fastpitch softball. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Menlo College in California while continuing to play fastpitch. Dimitra joined Beresford Booth in 2004, after graduating Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law, and became a partner in 2016. Outside of the office, Dimitra resides with her family in Snohomish. In her free time, you will find Dimitra cheering at her children's sporting events, enjoying the outdoors with family and friends, and volunteering to support individuals with special needs.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Business & Banking Law
Eli is a member of the Business & Banking Law group and his primary areas of practice business and corporate law, commercial and residential real estate and employment law. Eli works with business owners on a variety of transactional matters, with a focus on entity formation and mergers and acquisitions. He has drafted, reviewed and advised clients on a wide range of contracts, including service agreements, asset purchase agreements, commercial and residential leases, employment/contractor agreements, nondisclosure and non-solicitation agreements and others for both early stage and established businesses.
Eli developed a general practice in both litigation and transactional work at mid-sized and small firms in Seattle. His current clients are located across Washington and represent a diverse collection of individuals, families, non-profits, closely-held businesses and corporations. Eli strives to provide every one of his clients with the attention and care they deserve, both as a trusted advisor and advocate.
A native of Hawaii, Eli lived on the east coast for many years before moving to Seattle in 2004. Prior to becoming an attorney, Eli worked at a national non-profit and taught high school English, coaching varsity basketball and softball as well. He currently volunteers with the Northshore School District curriculum committee and coaches youth sports.
Gabriella, also known as Gabbi, graduated from the University of Utah with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy. She joined Beresford Booth in November of 2018 and currently serves as a paralegal for the firm's business and real estate practice groups, where she assists with formations, real estate transfers, and other related work. When not at work, Gabbi enjoys hiking with her friends and family, re-reading her favorite novels, and playing video games.
Holly joined the firm in September of 2016. She prepares client billing statements, assists with billing inquiries, as well as assisting Attorneys, Legal Staff and Bookkeeping with general accounting support. In her spare time, Holly enjoys spending time with family and friends.
Jalynn earned her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies at Highline Community College in 1989. She has worked in the legal field for over 35 years with experience in civil litigation, probate, estate planning, and real estate matters. She joined Beresford Booth in 2011. Jalynn works with our real estate, litigation, and estate planning groups. In her spare time, Jalynn enjoys cooking/baking, a monthly book group, and spending time with her family. Jalynn supports attorneys William O. Kessler and Kelsey L. Affronte.
Janelle graduated from Boise State University with a degree in education. She has been with Beresford Booth for over twelve years, serving in various roles. She now serves as the Account Manager working closely with paralegals and lawyers to support positive client relations. Outside of the office, Janelle enjoys spending time with her growing family, which includes her three adult children: an amazing daughter and two fabulous sons…and the newest additions include a beautiful daughter-n-law and precious golden retriever grand-dog named Kahlua. She enjoys travelling with her husband to watch football games, try new foods and cultures and chase the sunshine.
Jasmine graduated from Ferrum College with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2011. She joined Beresford Booth in 2014 as a Legal Receptionist / Administrative Assistant, transitioned into a Legal Assistant / Floater role in 2018 and currently serves as a paralegal. Jasmine has a distinct appreciation for the ever-changing trends that are reshaping the legal profession and revels in the environment that those changes create. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and playing and critiquing video games. Jasmine supports the Family Law Group, specifically attorneys Anne B. Bennette and Lisa H. Do. She also provides assistance to the firm's ART Practice.
A native of Seattle, Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington and earned her Paralegal Certificate from Edmonds Community College. She joined Beresford Booth in 2009 after working as a corporate paralegal with Washington Mutual Bank and has extensive corporate law experience including working with reorganizations and complex transactions. Jennifer works with our business and real estate groups. Jennifer supports attorneys David C. Tingstad, Per E. Oscarsson, and Eli K. Yim.
Jennifer, also known as Jenny, graduated from Washington State University with Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. She then went on to earn her Advanced Paralegal Certificate from Edmonds Community College in 2011. That same year she began her paralegal career, specializing in high-volume real estate litigation work. Over her 12 year career as a paralegal, Jenny has had experience in working in several areas of law, but she prefers the fast pace of civil litigation. Jenny joined Beresford Booth in 2022 to support attorneys Andrew M. McKenzie, Babak Shamsi, and Ryan G. Foltz. In her spare time, Jenny enjoys traveling, spending time with her family, and any outdoor activities.
Leah graduated from the University of Washington in 1997 with a Bachelor of the Arts in Classical Studies, then earned an Advanced Paralegal Certificate from Edmonds Community College in 1998. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years with extensive experience in commercial, residential, and real estate litigation within the Superior and Federal Courts of Washington from inception to trial as well as non-judicial foreclosures, bankruptcy, and additionally supports the Business and Real Estate Group. She joined Beresford Booth in 2015. In her spare time, Leah enjoys designing jewelry, making pottery, and spending time with her family. Leah supports attorneys Todd J. Cook, Ryan J.P. Dyer, and JP. Diener.
Linda Naish is an estate planning, probate, and guardianship lawyer with over 20 years of experience in the legal industry. Her practice focuses on estates and trusts of all sizes and complexities. Linda prepares estate planning documents for a broad range of clients, including wills, durable powers of attorney, health care directives and trusts.
Linda's empathy and experience aids clients going through difficult, sometimes technical, aspects of probate. Her work includes administering probates/trusts, including preparation and presentation of pleadings in ex parte; assisting clients with gathering assets and preparing accounting; drafting federal and estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns; preparing annual guardianship petitions; and representing clients in guardianship litigation matters. As a practicing attorney, Linda most enjoys getting to know her clients and developing long-lasting relationships with them.
Prior to joining Beresford Booth, Linda practiced with a firm in Seattle. Earlier in her career, Linda worked in business law, real estate law, family law and defense litigation. While in law school, she clerked for the Florida Innocence Project, one of the first such projects established in the country.
Linda grew up in Kirkland, Washington, enjoying participating and watching a variety of sports. She is a lifelong fan of Seattle sports, and an avid Seahawk fan. She enjoys traveling with her daughter and siblings, crafting, and is an excellent trivia player.
Job Titles:
- Associate in the Family Law Team
- Divorce and Family Law
Mackenzie Bretz is an associate in the Family Law team at Beresford Booth. She works with individual clients and families to navigate challenging times around divorce and custody issues.
A graduate of Seattle University School of Law, Mackenzie was a member of the Women's Law Caucus and the Washington Women's Lawyers Organization. During her law school career, Mackenzie completed both an externship at the University of Washington working on data privacy issues and an internship working with the Moderate Means program, serving families unable to obtain legal help elsewhere. These experiences strengthened Mackenzie's ability to work fiercely but with compassion. Mackenzie understands that a client's story can be the most important part of their case, and the ability to listen and comprehend the client's needs helps Mackenzie excel in her advocacy.
Raised in the Pacific Northwest, Mackenzie enjoyed a high school basketball career and continued athletics at Occidental College, in Los Angeles California, where she graduated with a politics degree. Mackenzie continues to serve the community, coaching at Meadowdale High School as an assistant varsity coach during the 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons. Mackenzie also serves as a head coach for an AAU girls basketball team, coaching girls from 5 th grade to high school.
Outside of the office, Mackenzie remains active in her intermural basketball league and enjoys hiking, skiing, attending Seattle sporting events and travel.
Makenna is an associate in the firm's Estate Planning, Probate and Guardianship team. She helps clients with developing effective estate plans as well as administering estates to ensure the decedent's directives are followed. She establishes guardianships for elderly individuals to ensure they have a trustworthy person appointed to assist with decision-making and the provision of care in later years.
Prior to joining Beresford Booth, Makenna practiced with a law firm in Yakima, Washington. Her practice there was focused on estate planning, probate, real estate, Medicaid planning, adult guardianship and estate litigation. Makenna also served two terms as Treasurer for the Yakima County Bar Association.
Makenna received both her Juris Doctorate and Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. While she was a student at the University of Washington, Makenna held several paralegal and legal assistant positions with Seattle based law firms. She was also a student representative for the legal research platform LexisNexis.
Makenna was a member of the Legislative Advocacy Clinic and participated in passing a bill focused on bipartisan criminal justice reform. She was also an officer for both the Federalist Society and Parents Attending Law School.
Outside of work, Makenna enjoys spending time with her husband and two children. She also participates in several community groups through her church and Vision 16.
Job Titles:
- Counsel
- Counsel With
- Fellow of the Academy of Adoption
Mark Demaray is Of Counsel with Beresford Booth. Mark has dedicated his career to building families through adoption and assisted reproduction for over 30 years and has provided assistance in over 6,000 adoptions and assisted reproduction matters for families throughout the country.
In adoption matters, he represents adoptive parents and birth parents. In assisted reproductive technology matters, he represents agencies, intended parents, donors and surrogates with the arranging, drafting and review of contracts to ensure that the needs and goals of the parties are met.
Mark is a Fellow of the Academy of Adoption and Assisted Reproduction Attorneys, he served as the president of that Academy in 2011-12 and served on its Board of Trustees for 7 years. He was nominated as an "Angel in Adoption" by the United States Congress in 2007. He was a founding member of the Washington Adoption Council, became involved in the Washington State Senate Interim Adoption Study and was appointed to the Washington State Adoption Commission. Mark has also been active in the review and drafting of adoption and assisted reproduction related legislation in Washington State for many years, including the drafting and passage of Washington's new surrogacy laws.
Mark practices in courts located in Seattle, King County, and in Everett, Snohomish County, as well as other courts all over Washington state. Mark has frequently presented and participated in adoption and assisted reproduction workshops, trainings and seminars for people in the community and for other attorneys and medical professionals. He attended Seattle Pacific University, completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Washington in Seattle and received his law degree from the Lewis & Clark Law School in Portland, Oregon.
Mark is an adoptive parent of two children. He has been there, and he understands the need for sensitivity and compassion while working with his clients during one of the most important times in their lives.
Per joined the firm in 2005. His primary areas of practice are estate planning, estate and trust administration, commercial transactions, and business organizations. He drafts and reviews a wide variety of documents, including wills, trusts, leases, loan documents, corporate bylaws and limited liability company agreements. Per represents individuals and small business entities, primarily in the Snohomish and King County areas.
Per is admitted to practice before all courts of the state of Washington, the federal courts for western and eastern Washington, and the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Per serves on the board of directors of the Northwest Housing Preservation Group, a non-profit organization providing housing for low income seniors. He has also served as the committee chairperson of a local Boy Scout troop, where his son earned the rank of Eagle Scout.
Per and his family live in Edmonds. He enjoys golf, bicycling, music, and getting the opportunity to backpack.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Litigation Team
Ryan Foltz is a member of the litigation team at Beresford Booth. Ryan's practice focuses on representing owners, developers, general contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and product manufacturers in all phases of private and public construction disputes. He regularly represents clients in multi-party litigation involving commercial, multi-family, single-family and public projects.
Ryan's construction law practice includes the representation of architects, engineers and other construction and real estate professionals in the defense of professional liability claims. He also counsels clients regarding the drafting and negotiation of construction contracts, professional services agreements and other industry-related agreements and provides advice regarding worksite safety, risk management, and best practices.
Ryan's broad litigation experience includes the representation of corporations and individuals in a wide range of complex commercial, general liability, real estate and personal injury lawsuits. Ryan's established insurance background includes coverage litigation and the defense of bad faith insurance claims.
Ryan was recognized by Super Lawyers® as a Rising Star® in the fields of Construction Litigation, Civil Litigation Defense and Professional Liability Defense (2005, 2006, 2009-2012, 2015).
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Divorce and Family Law
Susan is an associate in the Family Law group. She has extensive experience in divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence and adoption matters and is a certified mediator.
Susan has served in a variety of leadership roles for the Oregon State Bar and other legal organizations. She served on the Queen's Bench (Portland Chapter of Oregon Women Lawyers) Board for several years, in various leadership positions, including President. Susan served in the Oregon State Bar House of Delegates, on the Multnomah Bar Association Equality Committee and on the Oregon State Bar Pro Bono Committee.
Susan approaches each matter with honesty and compassion. She listens closely to her clients to ensure a deep understanding of their needs and believes in treating all clients and colleagues with respect and integrity.
Susan has done significant pro bono work for domestic violence victims, volunteering for Legal Aid of Oregon and for victims in Washington. She is an active member of the community and volunteered for several years at Parkrose High School in Portland, Oregon as a coach for the Constitutional Law "We the People" team, winning unit awards with two different teams of students.
Susan received her bachelors from Washington State University, and her masters from Oregon State University. She graduated from University of Oregon School of Law.
In addition to spending time with her family, Susan enjoys gardening, writing and training for triathlons.
Tiffany joined Beresford Booth in early 2011 shortly after moving to Western Washington. She graduated with her Paralegal Associate of Technical Arts Degree from Edmonds Community College and provides professional support across the spectrum of the Firm's services. With many years of experience in client service, she is committed to communicating clearly and providing the best possible service to every client. Tiffany primarily supports attorneys Richard R. Beresford, Babak Shamsi, and Linda E. Naish.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce
Todd is a civil litigator with extensive experience advising and resolving business disputes for banks and other business clients in commercial litigation matters and representing property owners in real estate litigation (including quiet title actions, boundary line disputes, and Timber Trespass actions) and beneficiaries and fiduciaries in probate matters and trust and estates actions under Trust and Estates Dispute Resolution Act (TEDRA). Todd has litigated cases in superior courts across the State of Washington with a primary focus in the Puget Sound region including the Superior Courts of Snohomish County and King County. He also has significant federal court experience.
Prior to joining Beresford Booth, Todd was a shareholder of an Am-Law 200 law firm based in eastern Pennsylvania where he was a member of the commercial litigation group. Before entering private practice, Todd served under three federal judges including a two-year federal District Court clerkship with the Honorable Christopher C. Conner of the United States District for the Middle District of Pennsylvania. Before joining Judge Conner's chambers, he served an interim clerkship with the Honorable Bruce I. Fox of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. During law school, Todd served as a judicial intern to the Honorable Anthony J. Scirica of the States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Todd is a member of the Mukilteo Chamber of Commerce. He also enjoys coaching youth baseball in the Mukilteo Little League. Todd serves as director for Homage Senior Services, a non-profit company that promotes independence, preserves dignity, and enhances the quality of life through the provision of services for older adults and people with disabilities in Snohomish County.
Todd was raised in Edmonds and graduated from Edmonds-Woodway High School. He and his wife, Colleen, reside in Mukilteo with their sons, Tim and Kellan, and their dog, Isla. Todd enjoys taking his sons to Seattle Mariners games and visiting MLB stadiums across the US, mountain biking on the trails of the Northwest, and trying to learn new trials biking skills.
Trisha was born and raised in Edmonds, first graduating from Edmonds -Woodway High School and then from Edmonds Community College with her Paralegal Associate of Technical Arts Degree. She has been working in the legal field in various roles since 2007 and joined the firm as a paralegal in 2017. In her spare time, she enjoys attending her daughters' soccer games and spending time with her family and friends. Trisha supports the Family Law Group, specifically attorneys Dimitra S. Scott and Susan O'Toole. She also supports the firm's Adoption Practice.
Victoria graduated from Western Governor's University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. She then continued her education at Edmonds College to obtain her Paralegal Advanced Certification. Victoria started at Beresford Booth in November of 2022 as a Legal Assistant working primarily with members in our Litigation Department. She is passionate about the legal field and is eager to continue learning throughout her career. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and pets, reading, and exercising.
Job Titles:
- Chairman - LITIGATION GROUP
- Chairman - Litigation Group, Commercial and Civil Litigation, Business Transactions, and Real Estate
Bill Kessler helps businesses, individuals and families reach their goals by providing timely, thorough representation. He understands and facilitates each client's big-picture objectives, and efficiently integrates his role in achieving those objectives. Bill has litigated Superior Court cases all around Washington and cases in the United States District Courts for the Western District of Washington and Eastern District of Washington. He has also argued cases to the Washington Court of Appeals, and he has been admitted pro hac vice to several federal and state courts around the United States.
Bill conducts a range of business and real estate transactions, including entity formation, partnership/shareholder agreements, commercial lease transactions, and the purchase and sale of real estate, business assets and entity interest. Bill also serves as the court-appointed Examiner of Titles for King County registered land matters.
Bill has practiced at Beresford Booth his entire legal career. He has been a partner in the firm since 2016.
Bill is dedicated to helping local charities and serves on several nonprofit boards. He enjoys traveling, hiking and spending time with his family.