Paul Willett

For individuals and businesses in University Place, Washington, and the wider Western Washington area seeking expert legal counsel, Paul Willett is a highly experienced attorney operating within the "Lawyers Near Me" category. His office is located at 7350 Cirque Dr W Ste. 102, University Place, WA 98467, USA. Paul Willett's practice has a strong focus on estate planning, probate, and business law, and he is now associated with Gravis Law, a firm with a broader regional presence.

The environment surrounding Paul Willett's practice, particularly as part of Gravis Law, is geared towards providing comprehensive and client-centric legal services. While specific details about the interior of his University Place office are not available, the overall professional ethos of Gravis Law, with which he is affiliated, emphasizes a welcoming and supportive atmosphere. The firm aims to make complex legal matters understandable and manageable for clients, which is especially vital in areas like estate planning and business law where detailed documentation and clear communication are paramount. The office's location in University Place ensures local accessibility for clients in the surrounding community, reinforcing the "Lawyers Near Me" benefit.

Paul Willett's services primarily encompass two crucial areas of law, backed by extensive experience:

• Estate Planning and Probate: This is a cornerstone of his practice. Paul Willett assists clients with a full spectrum of estate planning needs, including drafting wills, establishing various types of trusts (such as revocable and irrevocable trusts), preparing powers of attorney, and advising on healthcare directives. His goal is to help clients effectively manage and preserve their wealth, minimize tax implications, and ensure that their assets are distributed according to their wishes. In the realm of probate, he guides families through the legal process of administering a loved one's estate, ensuring a smooth and efficient transfer of assets.

• Business Law: Paul Willett also provides comprehensive legal support to businesses. This includes advising on business formation and governance (e.g., corporations, LLCs), contract drafting and negotiation, business succession planning, and various other operational legal issues. His experience extends to assisting clients with optimizing tax compliance strategies tailored to their business needs. He represents buyers and sellers in business stock and asset transactions, and can serve as outside general counsel for business clients, providing ongoing legal advice.

Additionally, his professional background indicates expertise in other related areas that may complement his core services, such as arbitration and mediation. He has also been involved in tax law, including serving as Manager of the Tax Section of the Trust Group of a major regional bank, which enhances his capabilities in estate and business planning.

A significant feature of Paul Willett's practice is his profound experience and recognition within the legal community. He has practiced in the estate planning and probate areas for over three decades. He has been an AV (preeminent) rated attorney for more than twenty years, which is the highest peer rating a lawyer can receive for professional excellence and ethical standards. Furthermore, he has been repeatedly designated as a Washington "Super Lawyer," an honor bestowed upon less than 5% of attorneys in the state, indicating exceptional professional achievement and peer recognition.

Paul Willett's extensive background includes serving as Chair of the Estate Planning Section of a major Seattle law firm. He has also been employed as the Manager of the Probate Section and the Tax Section of the Trust Group of a major regional bank, providing him with a unique and comprehensive perspective on financial and legal aspects of estate and business planning. His academic contributions include being a faculty member of Golden Gate University's Graduate Taxation Program in Seattle and an adjunct professor in Gonzaga University's Business School. He has lectured at various continuing legal education programs sponsored by the Washington Bar Association and served as Editor-in-Chief of the Washington Bar Association's Deskbook on Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, and co-authored the "Gifting" chapter of the Washington State Bar Association's Deskbook on Estate Planning. He is also a past President of the Tacoma Pierce County Estate Planning Council.

He is licensed to practice in Washington (since 1987), Idaho (since 1988), and Florida (since 1986), holding a J.D. and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law, and a B.A. in Finance and an MBA from Washington State University. This broad licensure and extensive academic and professional background underscore his deep expertise.

Promotional information for Paul Willett emphasizes his vast experience and accolades. The "Super Lawyer" and "AV rated" designations are significant indicators of his professional standing and peer respect, serving as strong endorsements for prospective clients. His affiliation with Gravis Law further enhances his reach and the resources available to his clients. The direct contact information, phone numbers (253) 343-5937 and +1 253-343-5937, ensures easy accessibility for local users seeking his specialized services.

For those in University Place, WA, and the broader region, Paul Willett represents a highly qualified and experienced choice for estate planning, probate, and business law needs. His commitment to comprehensive legal support, combined with a strong track record and numerous professional accolades, positions him as a trusted advisor for individuals and businesses aiming to secure their financial futures and navigate complex legal landscapes.