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Geoff Bernhardt, Attorney at Law
J.D., University of Oregon School of Law, 1992
Geoff has assisted individuals and families address the legal and financial consequences of aging for the over 18 years. His guest speaking engagements on estate planning and elder law include the Multnomah Bar Association, the Oregon Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman and the Oregon Law Institute.
The Oregon State Bar received Geoff's assistance in writing a book on Elder Law for Oregon attorneys. The Bar also honored Geoff for his educational services to Oregon Elder Law Attorneys in 1998, 2000, 2003, 2004 and 2005. Geoff is prior recipient of the Outstanding Volunteer Award for the Multnomah County Legal Aid Senior Law Project.
Geoff is a shareholder in his firm, the Law Offices of Geoff Bernhardt, which specializes in elder law, estate planning, probate, guardianships and conservatorships. He serves on the Board of Directors of the Oregon Gerontological Association and on the Program Committee of the Oregon Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. He is also on the Executive Committee of the Elder Law Section of the Oregon State Bar.
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Julie Nimnicht, Attorney at Law
Julie joined the firm in 2011. She is a caring and determined advocate for seniors, assisting clients with all aspects of estate planning and administration, protective proceedings, and Medicaid planning. Prior to joining the firm, Julie worked with an estate planning firm where she focused on probate administration and guardianships and conservatorships.
During law school Julie clerked for the Oregon Department of Justice in the labor and employment section, and later for the Pacific Environmental Advocacy Center where she worked on Clean Water Act litigation cases. She also served on the editorial board of the Environmental Law review as the notes and comments editor. She earned her J.D. from Lewis & Clark Law School and has a bachelor's degree from New York University.
In her spare time Julie volunteers with the Low Income Taxpayer Clinic through Legal Aid Services of Oregon and serves as a volunteer water quality monitor with Willamette Riverkeeper. She is a member of the Oregon State Bar, the Multnomah Bar Association, and Oregon Women Lawyers.
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Becky Rask Thomas, Legal Assistant
Becky first worked with Geoff in 1993. She has over 30 years of experience in estate planning, probate, guardianships and conservatorships. Her expertise in these areas is of great comfort to our clients during what can be a difficult time in their lives. Becky has been delivering meals to elders with Meals-on-Wheels for many years.
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Alison Stevens, Legal Assistant
Alison's areas of expertise are in Medicaid planning, trust administration, and trust funding. She works closely with Geoff and our other legal assistants to develop new efficiencies that benefit our clients. She brings with her a wealth of knowledge from her previous job in social services in California, where she counseled at-risk youth and their families. She has a B.S. in Social Science from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo.
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Nicole Morris, Legal Assistant
Nikki began her lifelong commitment to public service when she was just five years old; she often joined her grandparents on their weekly Meals-on-Wheels route. A Minnesota native turned Portlander, she continues to volunteer in her community, and is active in environmental and humane issues. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Urban and Native American Studies.
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Sarah Rask Robertson, Legal Assistant
Sarah has several years of experience in estate planning and trust funding and manages our community education program. Her depth of knowledge is of great benefit to our clients and her co-workers. Sarah's volunteer experience includes serving on the PTA board and Site Council of her children's school and coaching their basketball and Little League teams. She has a B.A. in Speech Communication from Portland State University.
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Paula Bearson, Office Manager
Paula is often the first person our clients talk to. Her warmth and compassion set clients of all ages at ease. With formal legal secretary training in her background, Paula now focuses on managing our growing office and welcoming new and returning clients. Paula is very involved in her community - from athletics and academics in the schools to events with the Home Builders Association.
