With September now here, I find myself scrambling to fit in a few more summer activities — another hike, a trip to the lake, or final scoop of ice cream from the local stand. I hope I’m not alone in trying to make the most of these last precious days of a Pacific Northwest summer. Though the season flew by in a blur, leaving that all-too-familiar feeling that there was never quite enough time for everything, I look forward to the golden months of autumn ahead — the crisp air, colorful leaves, and slower pace that fall so naturally brings.
Partner Pronouncements
Kevin Khong is now a partner at Miller Nash LLP. Khong focuses his practice on complex commercial litigation, with particular emphasis on land use, condemnation, and eminent domain matters. He has successfully represented clients in both state and federal courts and authored numerous appellate briefs. He has argued appeals in cases involving trusts and estates, guardianships, medical malpractice, breach of contract, and receiverships. He is also an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law. He obtained his B.A. from the University of Utah and his J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law.
Darcy L. Roennfeldt has joined Ryan, Swanson & Cleveland, PLLC as a partner in the firm’s Estate Planning & Probate practice group. Roennfeldt brings decades of legal and fiduciary leadership experience to her practice, having held national executive roles overseeing multidisciplinary teams of attorneys, CPAs, and wealth professionals. Prior to rejoining private practice, Roennfeldt served in senior positions at PNC Private Bank and BNY Mellon Wealth Management.
Hayley Talbert is now managing partner at Seed IP Law Group. Talbert serves clients within intellectual property law and focuses on efficient and effective patent prosecution, licensing, and validity and infringement studies. With a background in electrical engineering, she advises clients across a broad spectrum of technologies, including electrical, software, and mechanical, and is a trusted partner in developing both domestic and international IP strategies. Talbert earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Florida and her J.D. from Willamette University College of Law.
Associate Additions
Brett Harris joined View Ridge Law as an associate attorney on April 1, 2025. Harris brings a fresh, innovative perspective to legal services for families, creators, and small business owners. His practice areas include Trust & Estate Litigation, Employment Law, Family Law, and Business Law. Brett earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. Before joining View Ridge Law, he was the founder of Virgo Law, a firm dedicated to business and intellectual property law. Prior to that, he also gained experience as an Associate Attorney at an Am Law 100 firm and managed complex contract negotiations at Boeing. Harris’s diverse background provides him with a deep understanding of the challenges his clients face. He was rated by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star in 2022. Active in the community, Harris has served as a volunteer wrestling coach for King County Schools and as a volunteer judge for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Board at his alma mater. He has also provided pro bono services through Communities Rise.
Jordan Honjiyo joined View Ridge Law as an associate attorney on April 1 as well. Practicing since 2018, Honjiyo is dedicated to supporting families through highly consequential legal matters with compassion and diligence. Honjiyo earned his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law and his B.A. from the University of Rochester. He began his legal career as a volunteer attorney for KCBA’s Housing Justice Project and Neighborhood Legal Clinics, where he continues to volunteer. Prior to joining the firm, he worked extensively in private practice on matters including divorce, protection orders, probate, and estate administration. At View Ridge Law, Honjiyo’s practice will focus on helping couples navigate family law matters, such as divorce, prenuptial agreements, and parenting plans.
Ellie Forche is an associate attorney at Carney Badley Spellman, PS. Forche brings hands-on experience in commercial transactions involving sales, leasing, and financing. She previously practiced in New York City, representing commercial property owners, borrowers, and lenders, and is excited to build her practice here in the Pacific Northwest.
Madison Kelly is an associate attorney at Carney Badley Spellman. Kelly handles a variety of complex civil matters, including commercial disputes, construction defects, and unfair business practices. She has deep litigation experience, with an insurance defense background and a strong commitment to tribal justice, having represented clients in tribal courts as well as local governments and major healthcare systems in state and federal courts.
Of Counsel Announcement
James Graves has joined Carney Badley Spellman, PS, as of counsel. Graves has a strong corporate and M&A background, advising companies at all stages, from early fundraising through complex exits. His experience includes in-house roles at Fortune 500 companies and venture-backed startups, and he regularly counsels founders, investors, and executive teams across a wide range of industries.
Other Transitions
Founded in 1983, the Seattle firm of Simburg, Ketter, Sheppard & Purdy, LLP has closed its office. Mel Simburg is now an independent arbitrator and mediator with Simburg Dispute Resolution. David Ketter, Ken Sheppard, and Jim Jackson have formed Ketter, Sheppard & Jackson, LLP in Bellevue, and Andy Shafer is of counsel to that firm. George Purdy is now practicing independently, and Jonathan Feil has retired from the practice of law.
Honors, Appointments, and Awards
Lasher Holzapfel Sperry & Ebberson PLLC is pleased to announce that nine of its attorneys are recognized in the 2025 Chambers High Net Worth Guide:
- Family/Matrimonial (High Net Worth): Linda Kelley Ebberson (Band 1), Lisa Ann Sharpe (Band 1), Jamie Polito Johnston (Band 2), Hillary Collyer (Band 2), and James Stensel (Band 2).
- Private Wealth Law: George Holzapfel (Band 3), Darin Jensen (Band 3), and Andrew Goodrich (Band 3).
- Private Wealth Disputes: Quentin Wildsmith (Band 2).
In addition, Lasher is proud to announce that three of its practice groups have been recognized by the Guide: the Estate Planning, Probate, and Private Wealth Services team has been recognized in Band 2 in “Private Wealth Law”; the firm’s Trust & Estates Litigation practice has been recognized in Band 1 in “Private Wealth Disputes”; and once again, the Family Law practice group has been included in Band 1 under “Family/Matrimonial” in Washington in this year’s global guide.
Ruth Apahidean is a trusts and estates attorney at the Law Office of Neil R. Sarles. She is easily reached via email at ruth@sarles.com or by phone at 253-234-4676.
