About Puget Sound Estate Law, PLLC
Our History and Merger
Puget Sound Estate Law, PLLC was born from the merger of Puget Sound Estate Solutions, PLLC and Liz Ann Johnson Elder Law. Attorneys Jim Bates, Liz Ann Johnson, and Janta Steele, each with a deep commitment to serving Washington residents, united their expertise to provide comprehensive legal services in estate planning, probate, trusts, TEDRA, estate litigation, and long-term care planning. Having worked together as opposing counsel and in collaborative legal roles, they recognized their shared dedication to client advocacy and the law. This mutual vision led to the creation of a stronger, more dynamic firm—Puget Sound Estate Law, PLLC.
Get to Know Puget Sound Estate Law, PLLC
Jim Bates, Partner Attorney
With over 25 years of experience, Jim Bates has dedicated his legal career to helping individuals and families navigate guardianships, probates, wills, trusts, and estate matters. He takes a practical, client-focused approach, ensuring each person he works with understands their options and feels empowered to make informed decisions.
Jim was admitted to practice law in Washington in 2014 and has built a reputation for his deep knowledge of estate law and his ability to guide clients through complex legal processes with clarity and confidence.
Practice Areas
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Wills & Trusts
Legal Philosophy
Jim believes estate planning should be accessible and understandable for everyone. He takes the time to listen to his clients' concerns, offer straightforward advice, and tailor solutions to their unique situations. Whether assisting with estate disputes, planning for the future, or ensuring a loved one’s affairs are in order, Jim provides knowledgeable and compassionate legal guidance.
Beyond the Law
Outside of his legal work, Jim is a private pilot and a published author on legal, aviation, and scale modeling topics. He enjoys exploring Puget Sound’s museums, parks, and libraries with his stepdaughter and spending time with his ever-loyal pug.
Liz Ann Johnson, Partner Attorney
Liz Ann Johnson is a dedicated attorney licensed in Washington State, focusing her practice on guardianships, long-term care applications and appeals, probates, and estate planning. With over 15 years of experience as a paralegal before becoming an attorney, Liz brings a deep understanding of elder law and estate matters, ensuring her clients receive knowledgeable and compassionate guidance.
Her legal journey began in 2002 as a law firm courier, and through mentorship and determination, she advanced from legal secretary to paralegal before earning her law degree through the Washington State Bar’s APR 6 Law Clerk Program. Liz also holds a Master’s degree in Psychology, which enhances her ability to support clients navigating difficult legal and emotional decisions.
Practice Areas
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care Applications & Appeals
- Probate & Estate Administration
- Wills & Estate Planning
Legal Approach
Liz is committed to making estate planning and elder law accessible and understandable. She values education—both for herself and her clients—and ensures that individuals and families feel empowered to make informed decisions about their future. Her approach is client-centered, practical, and always focused on finding solutions tailored to each person’s needs.
Community Involvement & Teaching
Beyond her legal practice, Liz has a strong commitment to education and community service. She has volunteered with organizations such as the Health Care Provider’s Council, Pierce County Aging and Disability, and the Alzheimer’s Association. Passionate about sharing knowledge, she has also:
- Taught Psychology courses for Central Texas University
- Led Parenting Seminar Classes required by Pierce County
- Supervised Bachelor’s students completing internship programs
Life Beyond the Law
Liz is happily married and a proud mother of six, with children spanning from toddler to teenager. Her free time is spent making memories with her family—playing board games, reading and writing stories, visiting the ocean, and swimming. She is also actively involved in her children’s schools and volunteers within the community, focusing on social and mental health advocacy.
If you're interested in hearing more about Liz’s insights on elder law and senior care, you can listen to her featured episode on the Sunshine Podcast with Angela Garcia:
🎧 Elder Law & Senior In-Home Care
Janta Steele, Partner Attorney
Janta believes in the power of listening and understanding when guiding clients through probate, estate administration, estate litigation, and guardianship matters. She prides herself on offering straightforward, honest advice—the same guidance she would want in your position.
Education & Legal Background
- Queen Mary, University of London – Law Degree, 2010
- University of British Columbia – B.B.A., 2008
Janta began her legal career in England, working for British Sugar, an international manufacturing company. In 2013, she returned to British Columbia and spent several years assisting provincial politicians and cabinet members in Victoria and Vancouver. She transitioned to legal practice in 2018 and was called to the British Columbia bar in 2019, where she enjoyed working directly with individuals to solve real-world legal challenges.
Throughout the COVID pandemic, Janta commuted between her home in Washington and British Columbia to serve her clients. In June 2023, she brought her practice closer to home, focusing on estate law in Lakewood, WA.
Practice Areas
- Probate & Estate Administration
- TEDRA & Estate Litigation
- Guardianships & Trusts
Approach to Law
Janta is dedicated to helping clients navigate estate matters with clarity and confidence. She takes the time to understand each client’s goals and provides solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. Her focus is on minimizing conflict, resolving disputes efficiently, and ensuring clients feel informed every step of the way.
Life Beyond Law
Outside the office, Janta is deeply involved in her church, where she serves as a youth director and strives to live out her faith in all aspects of life. A proud Canadian, she takes good-natured teasing about her nationality in stride.
Since childhood, Janta has dreamed of jumping horses, but these days, she finds joy training her poodle, Coffee, in dog agility. She also enjoys biking and exploring local trails with her husband—and if you’re lucky, you might spot her at Fort Steilacoom Park being followed by her two black cats.