Sheila Conlon Ridgway

Against my will, I got pulled into an 18 month super complex legal drama related to undue influence related to wills that involved multiple lawyers, substantiated adult protection, attorney malpractice, fraud, theft, multiple failed mediations, and a court battle. This case was like a made for tv movie, with a crazy conman who convinced my elderly relative that his family hated him and typed out new wills to be signed days before his death. While adult protection easily found this to be financial exploitation, we still had to fight it out in the courts. What a messed up system. I wouldn't have survived if I didn't luck out in getting the best attorney in the Seattle area on my side. Sheila was incredible clear, transparent, and supportive throughout. She is easy to talk to and has a great sense of humor, and the levity was very helpful in this very stressful time. Most importantly, she ALWAYS was looking out for me - not only for my interests in the case, but also to make sure I wasn't being over-charged (she refrained from attending some of the depositions, etc., to limit my fees). She is just so smart and experienced, and was such a great strategist in this whole ordeal. I loved talking to her to learn about the intricacies of the law related to my case, and she knew all the players in the case or could easily suss them out (other attorneys, judges, expert witnesses, etc.). As she knew that I knew the situational details better than her, she also deferred to me when appropriate, so between the two of us we came up with a MUCH better outcome that would have been closer to the wishes of my family member than what most of the other attorneys had thought was possible and had been pushing for. I wouldn't wish a will contest on anyone, but if you get stuck in the middle of one, Sheila Ridgway and her firm are simply the best. Thanks Sheila, Kristen, Hanan, Ken, Morris and the rest of the team!

I was referred to Sheila to handle a complex Family Trust matter. She got my sister and me in for a consult on the same day we called her office, which was a real plus. Through months of back and forth with another family member's attorney, I realized that we were lucky to have Sheila's and her team's excellent representation. The matter was concluded to our satisfaction. Thank you Sheila, Ken, Michael, Hanan and everyone else who made this work.

Sheila represented us well in a difficult situation. She insured that her team was on track and we were correctly represented in the courts. On top of it!

Sheila was referred to me by a highly respected law firm who had helped me set up a Special Needs Trust for my sister-in-law when her father died intestate. As, her POA, I was hoping to spare my sister-in-law the cost of a litigation attorney. But, the estate attorney was totally incompetent, and began threatening me with litigation/jail when I asked to get my sister-in-law's things out of the family home. Sheila came to the rescue with correct legal terminology, unending patience dealing with the other attorney, and accurate information as to what I could do and couldn't do. Sheila kept me safe to help my sister-in-law. And, she kept me informed of every email coming and going between the parties so that I could make timely decisions, or add/adjust information as needed. Yes, it cost a lot. But, for peace of mind and a caring, knowledgeable attorney, I would recommend Sheila to anyone. She was worth every dollar.

Our case involved my 85 year old mother, a trust from her son who recently passed, a vague and complex will and a Trustee who was not at all 'Trust-worthy'. A rather dire situation when Sheila and her esteemed team came on board. Like many, we never imagined hiring a lawyer but there’s a tipping point at which one realizes it is the best and only way. It then becomes imperative to find a good match with regard to legal representation. We were fortunate that our estate planner informed us of the seriousness of our situation and to take on the malfeasance we faced, 'someone strong and smart was needed' to use their words and recommended Sheila Ridgway, VISION & COMMUNICATION: Out of the gate, Sheila took hold of the many moving parts to strategize an excellent charge forward. Always the professional, Sheila consistently responded quickly to opposing counsel’s correspondence (that vacillated between incompetance and illegal actions), while holding ground on all fronts. Sheila is efficient, works hard, knows what she’s doing with a unique way of rising above the nonsense, bringing civility to the situation thus reducing time and costs -- which is so critical. Throughout the process, Sheila was incredibly mindful keeping us abreast of the latest and clarify any complicated matters (putting legalize into laymen terms) for which my mother was extremely appreciative. IT’S ALL IN THE RESULTS: All the credentials and attributes of an excellent lawyer and law office are well in place, proven by our highly successful financial outcome ... and my mother so grateful to be free of what was a truly humiliating and horrific situation. EMPATHY: You will be most taken by how patient and personable while also very proactive and protective Sheila is with clients but especially with the elderly. Positive financial outcomes are critical but also of great import, is working with someone who sincerely cares for their clients which is certainly the case with Sheila.