Katherine Sierra-Kelly
Senior Attorney
Background
Being from a military family, Senior Attorney Katherine Sierra-Kelly has lived in most of the U.S. and is proud to be a Tri-Cities resident since 1994. She is passionate about family law because it allows her to truly help families and children during challenging and emotional times. As an attorney, she strives to provide support and assistance in a way that can dramatically change the way a child experiences their childhood and how a client can rebuild their life. Katherine’s goal is to help people and be a support and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Katherine has worked extensively as a Guardian Ad Litem, representing the interests of children in dissolution matters, as well as adults who may be incapacitated. She takes the time to explain the legal process and help clients understand and navigate a wave of emotions. Katherine also allows them to be heard and tell their story to someone who will listen to all of it, not just the easy-to-digest pieces.
Focusing on each individual’s unique needs, she recognizes that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach. She seeks to find amicable resolutions for her clients whenever possible and attempts to minimize conflict and reduce costs for her clients while obtaining the best possible outcome. However, she also believes in holding those accountable when they are dishonest or seek to take advantage of her clients.
So far, her proudest professional achievement has been receiving the Gene Schuster award from the Benton/Franklin Legal Aid Society for her work supporting individuals in the local communities.
Away from the office, Katherine enjoys spending time with her family, getting out on the water, and cheering on the Seattle Seahawks. She is also involved in the community and once spent a year with Americorp, helping needy families in Seattle.
In addition, she holds the following titles: board member of the Tri-City Regional Chamber of Commerce (2022-current), member of the Washington State Bar Association (2007-current), member of the Benton/Franklin Bar Association (2008-current), board member of Benton Franklin Legal Aid (2008-2022), member of the Benton Franklin Counties Bar Association Board of Governors (2013-2015), president elect of Benton Franklin County (2021-2022), Title 26 Guardian Ad Litem selection committee member (2015-2021), committee chair of FAIR (Fairness, Accountability, Inclusion, Reform) (2020-current), member of the Benton Franklin Collaborative Family Law Group (2017-current), and board member of the Domestic Violence Services of Benton & Franklin Counties (2017-2021).
- Family Law: Child Support
- Family Law: Collaborative Law
- Family Law: Custody & Visitation
- Family Law: Dissolution/Divorce
- Family Law: Enforcement Actions
- Family Law: Modification/Relocation
- Family Law: Paternity
- Family Law: Step Parent Adoptions
- B.A., English Literature, magna cum laude, Walla Walla College
- J.D., Seattle University School of Law
- Washington State Bar Association, 2007
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington, 2012
- Gene Schuster Award, Benton/Franklin Legal Aid Society
- 10.0 Avvo Rating
- Top Family Law Attorney, America’s Best Advocates, 2022
- Top Ranking Family Law Attorney, American Association of Attorney Advocates, 2022
- 10 Best Attorney, Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys, 2018-2022
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine, 2021
- Top 10 Family Law Attorney, Best of the Best Attorneys, 2020
The key to success in this line of practice is listening to your clients and being openly communicative.