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Katie Balatbat
also known as Kathleen Balatbat, Katie Lepore
About Katie
Biography
CPA and Attorney specializing mostly in estate and tax planning as well as trust administration, and related areas in business and real estate law. Worked in Big 4 Accounting in Los Angeles prior to law school and received an LL.M. in taxation and estate planning at Georgetown Law in Washington D.C. before settling back in San Diego.
Practice Areas
11
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 450-600 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 9 years
State: California
Acquired: 2016
No misconduct found
Location
Witham Mahoney & Abbott
401 B Street, Ste 1900, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Katie Balatbat's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
1 Client Review
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Recommendation
Posted by Steve | April 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Business
Excellent Service
Attorney was knowledgeable and professional, yet friendly. She was up-to-date on the newest laws and techniques, and was able to explain concepts and ideas with us in an easy-to-understand manner. Highly recommend for any sort of tax, estate, business, LLC, or trust work.
Katie Balatbat's Lawyer Endorsements
"The answers of Ms. Lepore are consistently accurate, analytic and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"Katie is a skilled and professional attorney who I recommend greatly. She is a pleasure to work with."
"I have had the pleasure to work with Katie. She is a highly skilled, intelligent attorney."
"Katie is an excellent attorney, with great attention to detail and a heart for service."
"I strongly endorse this young lawyer for estate planning and trusts and estates, especially matters with challenging tax related matters. Bright and personable, she brings a CPA background and curious intellect to solve a client's problems."
"Katie is a phenomenal lawyer whose expertise, attention to detail, and dedication to her clients are unmatched. She has an excellent rapport with fellow members of the legal community that assists her in obtaining the best results for her clients. I would highly recommend Katie to anyone in need to tax or estate planning services."
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Experience
Honors
2026
Ones to Watch, Best Lawyers
2025
Celebrating Women - Rising Star, San Diego Magazine
2025
Women to Watch: Experienced Leader, CalCPA
2025
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
Celebrating Women Rising Star, San Diego Magazine
2024
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2024
Women of Influence in Law, San Diego Business Journal
2024
Women to Watch Awards - CPA Experienced Leader Nominee, CalCPA
2023
Top 40 Under 40, San Diego Metro Magazine
2023
Women of Influence in the Law, San Diego Business Journal
2023
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2022
Top 50: Women of Influence in Law, San Diego Business Journal
2022
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
student writing competition award, American College of Trust and Estate Council (ACTEC)
2014
CALI Award Highest Class Grade - Corporate Taxation, CALI Award
2013
CALI Award highest class grade - Legal Writing, CALI
Work Experience
2023 - Present
Of Counsel, Witham Mahoney & Abbott
2017 - 2023
Attorney, Miller Monson Peshel Polacek Hoshaw
2017 - 2017
Extern, Department of Justice
2014 - 2016
Extern, Seltzer, Caplan, McMahon & Vitek
2011 - 2013
Tax Associate, Ernst & Young
Associations
2017 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2017 - Present
Rady Childrens' Hospital Trusts and Estates CouncilMember
2012 - Present
California Board of AccountancyCPA
Education
2017
Georgetown University Law Center
LL.M - Master of Laws, Taxation and Estate Planning
2016
University of San Diego School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2011
University of San Diego
MS - Master of Science, Taxation
2011
Univ of San Diego
Bachelors of Accountancy
Speaking Engagements
2024
Podcast
Estate Planning
2023
Young Tax Lawyers Annual Conference
Tax & Estate Planning
2023
USD Tax Clinics
careers in tax law
2022
USD Clinics
careers in tax law
2021
San Diego County Bar Association
2021 Tax Update
2021
Monthly meeting
Real Estate Taxes, Real Estate Law, and 1031 Exchanges
2020
SD Impact Real Estate Investors Network
Upcoming Tax Law Changes
2018
SD Outback Real Estate Investor Network
Real Estate
2018
Reef Point Investors Club
Real Estate
2018
"Close Up on America's Business" podcast
Estate and Tax Planning
Publications
2022
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Student Loan Forgiveness: Tax Consequences
2022
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Be Prepared to Receive Form 1099 This Year
2022
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
2022 Probate Law Changes of Note
2022
MMPPH Newsletter
Student Loan Forgiveness: Tax Consequences
2022
MMPPH Newsletter
Be Prepared to Receive Form 1099 This Year
2022
MMPPH Newsletter
2022 Probate Law Changes of Note
2022
MMPPH Newsletter
Inflation Reduction Act of 2022: A Summary
2022
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Anti-Clawback Regulations
2021
American Bar Association GPSolo Magazine
Estate Planning Lessons from Prince, Chadwick Boseman, and Kobe Bryant
2021
MMPPH Newsletter
American Rescue Plan Act “ARPA”: A Summary
2021
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Beginning of Year Checklist: Ensure Your Affairs Are In Order
2021
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
American Rescue Plan Act “ARPA”: A Summary
2020
2020
2020
MMPPH monthly newsletter
Working from Home Due to Coronavirus? Can You Claim a Home Office Deduction?
2020
MMPPH Newsletter
65-Day Rule May Provide Trust and Estate Tax Savings
2020
American Bar Association Tax Times
Trust and Estate Distributions in 2020 May Provide 2019 Tax Savings
2020
SDCBA: For the Record
In the Presence of Greatness
2019
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Supreme Court Rules on State Trust Taxation: Is California’s Taxing Scheme Constitutional?
2019
Federal Bar Association Section on Taxation "Inside Basis"
Safe Harbor for Pass-Through Deduction for Real Estate: Landlords Should Take Action Now
2019
SDCBA: For the Record
Rent Control in California: How Will It Affect Landlords?
2019
SDCBA For the Record
Fronting Money or Co-Signing for Your Child’s Loan Can Have Hidden Tax Consequences
2019
For the Record - San Diego County Bar
Adjust Your Tax Withholding to Avoid Penalties
2019
2019
MMPPH Newsletter
Rent Control in California: How Will It Affect Landlords?
2019
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Digital Assets: Estate Planning and Trust Administration, in Brief
2018
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
MMPPH Monthly Newsletter
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My husband was gifted his mom’s house. The quit claim deed is in just his name. How can I be added? Thank you.
21 Mar 2020
Q&A
When I give info to a trust lawyer, other than giving account #'s , do I need to disclose $ amount for each account?
14 Mar 2020
Q&A
Will my trustee be able to get the funds from an online money market account that does not allow Trust beneficiaries?
06 May 2019