NorthStar Law Group, P.S.

Call Directions Website

NorthStar Law Group, P.S. Business Transactions, Business Formations, International Transactions, Immigration Law, Intellectual Property Law, Estate Planning, Contract Law

When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Business Agreements?Businesses change quickly.You add employees. Bring in a new...
10/08/2026

When Was the Last Time You Reviewed Your Business Agreements?

Businesses change quickly.

You add employees. Bring in a new partner. Take on larger clients. Develop new products or services. Sign new leases. Build relationships with vendors and contractors.

But sometimes the agreements governing those relationships don't change along with the business.

As we head into the final quarter of the year, it's a good time for business owners to take another look at the documents behind their company.

That might include:

Operating or shareholder agreements
Buy-sell provisions
Employment and independent contractor agreements
Customer and vendor contracts
Commercial leases
Confidentiality and intellectual property provisions
Business succession plans

The goal isn't simply to have contracts on file.

It's to make sure those agreements still reflect how your business actually operates today—and protect where you want it to go next.

A little attention now can help prevent a much more expensive disagreement later.

NorthStar Law Group works with businesses throughout every stage of their lifecycle—from formation and contracts to transactions, succession planning and ongoing legal strategy.

Before another year begins, make sure your legal foundation is keeping pace with your business.

A Lot Can Change in a Year. Has Your Estate Plan Changed With You?Creating an estate plan isn't necessarily a one-and-do...
10/05/2026

A Lot Can Change in a Year. Has Your Estate Plan Changed With You?

Creating an estate plan isn't necessarily a one-and-done project.

Life changes. Families change. Businesses grow. Assets are bought and sold. People move. Relationships change. And sometimes the people you trusted to make decisions for you years ago may no longer be the people you'd choose today.

As we head toward the end of the year, October is a good time to ask:

Does my estate plan still reflect my life today?

It may be worth reviewing your plan if you've experienced a significant change involving:

Marriage, divorce, births or deaths in the family
Buying or selling a home or other significant asset
Starting, buying or selling a business
A substantial change in your financial situation
Moving to another state
Changes to beneficiaries
Changes in who you'd want serving as trustee, executor or power of attorney

Even if nothing major has changed, periodically reviewing your documents can help identify things that no longer reflect your wishes.

And remember—your estate plan isn't just about what happens after you die. Powers of attorney, healthcare directives and other planning documents can be just as important during your lifetime.

A little planning now can prevent a lot of uncertainty later.

NorthStar Law Group helps individuals, families and business owners build and maintain estate plans designed around their lives, assets and goals.

Living in Japan? Your Inheritance May Come With a Tax Surprise.Many foreign nationals assume that if their assets or fam...
10/02/2026

Living in Japan? Your Inheritance May Come With a Tax Surprise.

Many foreign nationals assume that if their assets or family members are outside Japan, Japan’s inheritance-tax rules won’t apply.

That isn’t always the case.

Japan has an inheritance-tax system with rates reaching 55%, and for Americans and other foreign nationals living in Japan, the rules can change significantly depending on your visa status and how long you’ve lived there.

For some foreign residents, crossing the 10-year residency threshold can mean Japan gains the ability to tax inherited assets located anywhere in the world—including U.S. real estate, investments, retirement assets, and business interests.

There are also important considerations involving lifetime gifts, the U.S.-Japan Estate and Gift Tax Treaty, foreign asset reporting, currency exchange rates, wills, and beneficiary designations.

The key is understanding your exposure before an inheritance occurs, while there is still time to plan.

NorthStar Law Group works with individuals and families navigating cross-border estate planning, including U.S.-Japan estate structures.

Want to understand how Japan’s inheritance-tax rules could affect you or your family? Read the full article here:

https://nslawgrp.com/japans-inheritance-tax-what-every-foreigner-needs-to-know-before-its-too-late/

Meet the Team Behind NorthStar Law GroupOver the past several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to introduce you to the p...
09/29/2026

Meet the Team Behind NorthStar Law Group

Over the past several weeks, we’ve had the opportunity to introduce you to the people who make NorthStar Law Group what it is.

Different backgrounds. Different areas of experience. Different roles within the firm. But one shared commitment: helping our clients navigate important decisions with thoughtful, practical legal guidance.

From our attorneys to the team members working behind the scenes, every person at NorthStar plays a part in the experience we want our clients to have—professional, responsive, approachable, and focused on finding the right path forward.

As our firm continues to grow, we’re excited to welcome clients to our new office at:

1890 Barnes Blvd. SW
Tumwater, WA 98512

We’re grateful for the talented people who have chosen to grow with us and for the clients and community who continue to put their trust in our team.

If you’ve followed along with our team introductions, thank you for getting to know us a little better.

This is NorthStar Law Group. And we’re excited about what comes next.

Meet the Team | Alisa Krause, Legal AssistantOur NorthStar Law Group team introductions continue with Alisa Krause, Lega...
09/24/2026

Meet the Team | Alisa Krause, Legal Assistant

Our NorthStar Law Group team introductions continue with Alisa Krause, Legal Assistant.

Originally from Germany, Alisa relocated to the United States with her husband in 2024 and brings a valuable international perspective to our growing team.

With a background in customer service, administrative support, and Business Administration, Alisa has a passion for creating organized and efficient systems that help both clients and her colleagues. Her experience working with people, combined with her international background, brings a thoughtful and welcoming approach to her interactions with NorthStar clients.

As a Legal Assistant, Alisa helps support the day-to-day work of our attorneys and legal professionals while contributing to the responsive, professional experience we strive to provide every client.

A little more about Alisa outside the office:

Alisa loves a good book and is always searching for her next great read. Fortunately, she has two pretty reliable reading companions—her cats, Mark and Miso, who are rarely far away.

Since making the move from Germany to the Pacific Northwest, Alisa has also been enjoying the opportunity to explore her new home, experience the local culture, and settle into life in the South Sound.

We’re excited to have Alisa as part of NorthStar Law Group and look forward to seeing her continue to grow personally and professionally in this new chapter.

Stay tuned as we introduce you to more of the people behind NorthStar Law Group!

Meet the Team | Olivia Chu, Paralegal & Legal AssistantNext up in our NorthStar Law Group team introductions is Olivia C...
09/21/2026

Meet the Team | Olivia Chu, Paralegal & Legal Assistant

Next up in our NorthStar Law Group team introductions is Olivia Chu, Paralegal & Legal Assistant.

Olivia brings a unique combination of education and international experience to her role at NorthStar. With a degree in Political Science, a minor in Law, Justice, and Societies, and seven years of experience working abroad, she brings a broad perspective and an understanding of the diverse needs of our clients.

As part of the NorthStar team, Olivia works closely with our attorneys and clients, assisting with the preparation of legal documents designed to help protect our clients’ assets and interests.

Olympia also holds a special place in Olivia’s heart. Her family began pursuing their own small-business dream here many years ago, giving her a personal connection to the entrepreneurs, families, and businesses NorthStar serves throughout the community.

A little more about Olivia outside the office:

Olivia is a new mom and loves watching her baby reach new milestones—something that seems to happen almost daily!

When she’s not at the office, Olivia enjoys traveling with her family, discovering new foods, and reading. Her bookshelf includes plenty of mystery novels along with nonfiction favorites such as autobiographies, biographies, and memoirs. When it’s time to relax with a good show, she gravitates toward comedy, time travel, secret agents, and fantasy.

We’re fortunate to have Olivia’s international perspective, attention to detail, and commitment to our clients as part of the NorthStar Law Group team.

Stay tuned—there are still more members of our growing team for you to meet!

Meet the Team | Alexandra Chu, Executive AssistantOur NorthStar Law Group team introductions aren’t just about our attor...
09/18/2026

Meet the Team | Alexandra Chu, Executive Assistant

Our NorthStar Law Group team introductions aren’t just about our attorneys. It takes a talented team behind the scenes to keep a growing law firm running smoothly—and Alexandra “Alex” Chu, Executive Assistant, plays an important role in making that happen.

Alex brings more than four years of experience in the hospitality industry to NorthStar, giving her a strong background in client service and relationship building. She is often one of the first points of contact for prospective and current clients and helps ensure they receive the responsive, professional service they expect from our firm.

In addition to managing day-to-day client communications, Alex assists with drafting business formation, transaction, and estate planning documents and helps oversee the daily operations of NorthStar Law Group. Simply put, she helps keep a lot of moving pieces moving in the right direction!

A little more about Alex outside the office:

Alex and her husband, Xiaodong (“XD”), have been married for more than 11 years and have four children—three boys and a girl.

When she manages to find some well-earned “me time,” Alex loves to read, particularly action and adventure, suspense and thrillers, detective mysteries, and true crime. She also enjoys keeping up with news and current events, listening to American and Chinese pop music, and watching movies. Her current favorites? The Lord of the Rings series.

We’re grateful to have Alex helping take care of our clients and keeping NorthStar Law Group moving forward each day.

Stay tuned—we still have more members of the NorthStar team for you to meet!

Meet the Team | Haroun Rahimi, AttorneyOur NorthStar Law Group team introductions continue with one of the newest member...
09/15/2026

Meet the Team | Haroun Rahimi, Attorney

Our NorthStar Law Group team introductions continue with one of the newest members of our growing firm, Haroun Rahimi, Attorney.

Haroun focuses his practice on wealth management and general business law, working with individuals, families, and business owners to develop strategies that bring their personal, financial, and business goals together.

His work includes advising clients on wealth preservation, business structuring, legal planning, long-term growth, and succession. Haroun takes a thoughtful and practical approach to complex matters, helping clients understand their options and make informed decisions with the future in mind.

Haroun brings a unique multidisciplinary background to NorthStar Law Group, combining legal practice with extensive academic and policy experience.

He earned both an LL.M. in Global Business Law and a Ph.D. in Law from the University of Washington School of Law and is licensed to practice law in both Washington and New York.

We’re excited to welcome Haroun to NorthStar Law Group and to have his knowledge, perspective, and commitment to long-term strategic planning available to our clients.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing you to the attorneys and legal professionals who make up the NorthStar Law Group team!

Meet the Team | Kenneth Ford, Senior Associate AttorneyWe’re continuing our NorthStar Law Group team introductions with ...
09/10/2026

Meet the Team | Kenneth Ford, Senior Associate Attorney

We’re continuing our NorthStar Law Group team introductions with Kenneth “Ken” Ford, Senior Associate Attorney.

Ken brings a broad and multidisciplinary legal background to the firm, with a practice focused primarily on federal and state tax law and civil litigation. His experience spans tax controversy and planning, corporate governance, regulatory compliance, corporate transactions, tax-exempt organizations, and litigation.

This diverse background allows Ken to look at complex legal and tax matters from multiple angles and develop practical strategies tailored to each client’s specific objectives.

Areas of Practice Include:
• Federal & State Tax Controversy
• Federal & State Tax Planning
• Tax-Exempt Organizations
• Corporate Governance
• Civil Litigation

Prior to joining NorthStar Law Group, Ken handled civil litigation matters from inception through trial and served in tax policy roles with two state taxing authorities. He previously worked as a Tax Policy Analyst for both the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts and the Washington State Department of Revenue. His professional background also includes experience in insurance defense litigation, aerospace law, cannabis law, and estate planning.

Ken earned his B.S. from Bethune-Cookman University, his J.D. from Texas Southern University, and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. He is also a Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy (CAP) and is admitted to practice law in Florida, Texas, and Washington.

Ken’s depth of experience and ability to navigate the intersection of taxation, business, regulation, and litigation make him a tremendous addition to the NorthStar Law Group team.

Stay tuned as we continue introducing you to the attorneys and legal professionals behind our growing firm!

Happy Labor Day from NorthStar Law Group! 🇺🇸This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and contributions of...
09/07/2026

Happy Labor Day from NorthStar Law Group! 🇺🇸

This Labor Day, we recognize the hard work, dedication, and contributions of the people who help keep our businesses, organizations, and communities moving forward every day.

As a firm that works closely with business owners, professionals, families, and organizations throughout the South Sound and beyond, we see firsthand what can be accomplished through determination, commitment, and a willingness to put in the work.

We’re especially grateful for our own incredible team at NorthStar Law Group and the dedication they bring to serving our clients each day.

From all of us at NorthStar Law Group, we wish you and your family a safe, relaxing, and well-deserved Labor Day!

Address

1880 Barnes Boulevard SW, Ste. 1B
Tumwater, WA
98512

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

(360)2924556

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when NorthStar Law Group, P.S. posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Shortcuts

Share