Our Approach
We are a small law firm in Tigard, Oregon, a suburb just ten miles southwest of Portland. Our mission is to provide clients with excellent legal advice in a comfortable, relaxed environment.
Meet Our Team
Stephanie E. Carter
Stephanie E. Carter practices law in the areas of estate planning, special needs planning, probate, trust administration, elder law and general business.
From 2012 to 2019, Stephanie was a member of Pegasus Fiduciary Services, LLC, and served through that company as a fiduciary administering trusts and estates and acting as a conservator. Stephanie is a National Certified Guardian (NCG).
In 2018 Stephanie completed a Graduate Certificate in Taxation at Portland State University. She served on the legislative work group to prepare the Advance Directive legislation that went into effect in 2018 and is chair of the newly-created Advance Directive Adoption Committee. Stephanie authored chapter 6 of the Barbook Administering Trusts in Oregon in 2017.
Prior to attending law school, Stephanie served as an Associate Dean at Centralia College. As such, she directed library operations and coordinated distance and online education.
Stephanie is active in the community, having served on the board of Elders in Action and as an alternate on the Tigard Library Board. She is a member of the Lake Oswego Branch of the American Association of University Women.
EDUCATION
Portland State University
Grad. Cert. Taxation, 2018
Willamette University College of Law
J.D., Magna Cum Laude, 2009
The Evergreen State College
M.P.A., 2003
University of Washington
M. Librarianship, 1990
Walla Walla College
B.A., 1988
ADMISSIONS
Oregon State Bar, 2009
MEMBERSHIPS
Oregon State Bar
Clackamas County Bar Association
Multnomah County Bar Association
Academy of Special Needs Planners
Guardian/Conservator Association of Oregon
Jerold W. Hilary
Of Counsel
Jerold W. Hilary is a native Oregonian and has practiced law since 1985. He founded the Law Office of Jerold W. Hilary, LLC in 2007 and remains of counsel to Hilary Carter Law as he transitions toward retirement.
Jerry has extensive experience with estate planning and trust and estate administration. He advises closely held and family businesses and helps with succession planning.
Jerry is active in the Tigard business community and is a past president of the Tigard Chamber of Commerce. He volunteers with Legal Aid Services for Senior Citizens and is a volunteer judge with the Tigard Police Department Peer Court. In 2002, he received the Community Partnership’s Pro Bono Award for his volunteer work.
EDUCATION
Northwestern School of Law
Lewis and Clark College
J.D., 1985
University of Oregon
B.A., 1978
ADMISSIONS
Oregon State Bar, 1985
MEMBERSHIPS
Oregon State Bar
Washington County Bar Association
Multnomah County Bar Association
U.S. District Court of Oregon
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Washington County Bench/Bar Committee
William Smith
Paralegal
William Smith has been with our office since 2020. He is responsible for managing the court calendar for probates and protective proceedings and assists Stephanie with preparation of documents.
Next Steps...
Contact us today to discuss your estate planning or other legal service needs.