David P. Sisk
Managing Attorney
Attorney David P. Sisk brings a diverse background to his practice, which concentrates on probate, guardianship, real estate, estate planning and probate litigation, including TEDRA. David previously practiced as a general litigation attorney. He decided to narrow his practice to focus on areas of law he is passionate about such as helping elderly and vulnerable individuals as well as families who need assistance with navigating challenging life and end-of-life events. David also enjoys assisting homeowners navigate issues involving easements, boundary line disputes, and real estate transactions.
David understands how upsetting the loss or incapacity of a loved one can be. He knows he cannot spare clients the grief that comes with loss but he hopes to put their minds at ease regarding legal questions so families can focus on their own needs and those of their families. Having seen the impact of poorly-crafted wills and trusts, David also offers estate planning services designed to minimize the risk of future disputes.
For contested matters, it is essential to have an attorney who is familiar with the law and comfortable in the courtroom. David enjoys being able to provide experienced courtroom advocacy for his clients and being able to support them through an unfamiliar and often overwhelming process. David’s philosophy in litigation and contested matters is to apply a collaborate and holistic approach. This means looking at the big picture of what’s really going on, and then working with the other parties in an amicable manner that seeks to resolve the issues rather than incurring emotional and financial costs in the courtroom fighting about it.
David is originally from Ohio where he spent over ten years working in state and local government, including three years in the state legislature. David also spent two years living and working in South Korea as an English teacher, where he eventually met his wife Sooyoung. David is a graduate of Youngstown State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in pre-law and writing. He later graduated from Rutgers School of Law – Newark, where he was Chair of the Rutgers Moot Court Board and was a finalist in multiple moot court competitions.
While not practicing law, David spends time gardening and restoring old homes with his wife Sooyoung. He also loves hiking and camping on the Olympic Peninsula, and kayaking on the Hood Canal.
Contact David at (360) 358-7445
Practice Areas
- Guardianships and Conservatorships Probate
- Trust and Estate Administration Probate
- Litigation Trust and Will Contests
- TEDRA Petitions
- Protecting Seniors from Financial Exploitation
- Real Estate
Education and Appointments
- Rutgers School of Law – Newark, J.D.
- Youngstown State University, B.A.
- Member of the Washington State Bar Association
- United States District Court – Western District of Washington
Rebekah Zinn
Associate Attorney
Rebekah Zinn has extensive experience guiding people through major life transitions with grace and compassion. She is passionate about helping others through her Elder Law practice, focusing on estate planning, probates, and elder abuse. As a retired Superior Court Commissioner in Thurston County, she presided over the Probate & Guardianship docket for twelve years. She has taught and volunteered extensively on disability and guardianship law for over a decade. She has deep understanding of elder abuse, protection orders, and trust and estate litigation (TEDRA): she is ready to litigate and also to work creatively on other solutions that may be in the best interest of the elder or person with a disability. Rebekah also serves as a mediator, assisting people in crafting their own solutions to avoid expensive and stressful trials. To learn more about Rebekah’s mediation practice, click here.
Contact Rebekah at (360) 545-5632
Practice Areas
- Probate, Estate, Guardianship, & Elder Law: 12 years of experience
- Family Law: 5 years of experience
- Civil Litigation: 13 years reviewing summary judgments, appeals, evidence, and pretrial motions for judges. An additional 3 years reviewing civil litigation appeals.
- Unlawful Detainer: 8 years of experience presiding over the unlawful detainer (eviction) docket.
Education
- Dispute Resolution Center of Thurston County
- Seattle University School of Law
- Coe College, Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Affiliations
- Sound Legal Aid, Board Member
- Mason County Bar Association
- Washington Women Lawyers, Capitol Chapter, Board Member
- Thurston County Bar Association
- Washington State Bar Association, WSBA No. 38435
Anna Knudson
Associate Attorney
Prior to joining Birch Street Law, Anna Knudson practiced estate planning and probate administration for a boutique firm for two years. Anna is passionate about helping people navigate the complex issues often associated with estate planning, probate and elder law. Previously, she had worked for over a decade as a litigator representing workers and their families injured by asbestos exposures. Anna grew up in Olympia, Washington, and often spent time with her family hiking in the Olympics near Shelton. She graduated with honors from Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut, and later attended the University of Washington School of Law.
Contact Anna at
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning
- Probate
- Guardianship
Education
- Wesleyan University, Middletown, Connecticut
- University of Washington School of Law, Seattle, Washington
Jackson Whitley
Legal Assistant
Jackson Whitley is a versatile professional with a strong foundation in administrative operations, data analysis, technical knowledge, and customer service. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics/Computer Science from Western Washington University, he brings a detail-oriented and results-driven approach to streamlining processes, enhancing customer experiences, and supporting cross-functional collaboration. He strives to integrate systems, manage databases, and deliver actionable insights that improve internal processes and efficiency.
Throughout his career, Jackson has sought opportunities to problem solve, actively seeking opportunities to create lasting improvement. His experience spans industries from hospitality to law, where he’s provided excellent customer service, ensured regulatory compliance, and optimized internal workflows. Jackson thrives in roles that require precision, adaptability, and a commitment to operational excellence.
Contact Jackson at (360) 545-0719
Education
- Western Washington University – B.S. Mathematics Computer Science
- South Puget Sound Community College – A.S.
Sooyoung “Sue” Lee
Legal Assistant & Bookkeeping
We are delighted to introduce Sooyoung “Sue” Lee, an integral part of the Birch Street Law team, serving as a Legal Assistant and Bookkeeper. Sooyoung is dedicated to maintaining the smooth financial and administrative operations of our firm, ensuring meticulous attention to detail in all aspects of her work.
Sooyoung has many years of experience in office management, finance and customer service. Her previous experience includes several years as the office manager for a dental office in Olympia, Washington. She also previously worked at Olympia Federal Savings in Olympia, and UniBank in Federal Way, where she gained extensive experience handling a high volume of financial transactions, receiving and wiring funds, and providing bank teller services.
Originally from Seoul, South Korea, Sue now resides in Lilliwaup, Washington. When she’s not at the office, Sooyoung enjoys traveling and exploring the beaches of Hood Canal, having a particular love for shellfish. At home, you can find her relaxing and catching up on the latest Korean dramas or enjoying a shopping trip.
Education
- BA in International Studies from Bunkyo University, Japan
- Certificate in Community Studies from Beppu University, Japan
- English as a Second Language Certificate from Rutgers University in Newark, New Jersey