Professional Profile

Heather Kolbly’s practice focuses on Special Education and Section 504 law, guardianship, estate planning

with an emphasis on Special Needs Trusts, probate, and prenuptial/postnuptial agreements. She was admitted

to practice in Washington State in 2006 and in California in 2003, and particularly enjoys advocating for children

and adults who are at a disadvantage due to a disability or learning differences. 


Heather earned her Juris Doctor from Santa Clara University School of Law (2002), her Master of Science degree

in School Psychology from San Jose State University (1993), and her Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from

California State University, Northridge (1990). She is a member of the Washington State Bar, State Bar of

California (currently inactive), and the King County Bar, along with being a member of the Washington State

Association of School Psychologists.


Heather has many years of experience as a school psychologist, first in the California public schools and most

recently in public schools on the Eastside of Seattle. Through this work, she has gained experience and

understanding of how schools and school districts work, as well as how students' learning can be impacted by

various learning differences, disabilities, and emotional and psychological challenges. Heather also understands

how positive interventions can help students to flourish in their learning. As a parent of a child with learning

differences, she appreciates the difficulties parents may face in advocating for their children's educational needs.


Heather’s past legal experience includes running her own solo-practice law firm, Kolbly Law Firm, PC for 10 years

after her move to Washington State from California in 2006. During that time, she was also proud to be

appointed as a Guardian Ad Litem by the King County Superior Court. Before moving to Washington, she worked

at a small firm in San Jose, California. Her areas of practice included estate planning, probate, small business

formation and contracts, real property (lease contracts and homeowners' association representation), and family

law. 


Outside of work, Heather enjoys spending time with her family and multiple furry and feathered pets, as well as

traveling, painting, and visiting local zoos and cat cafes. 

Education
  • Santa Clara University School of Law, J.D., 2002
  • San Jose State University, M.S., School Psychology, 1993
  • California State University, B.A., Psychology, 1990

Admissions

  • Washington State Bar Association, 2006
  • California State Bar Association, 2003
Professional Memberships
  • Washington State Bar
  • State Bar of California, Member (inactive)
  • King County Bar Association, Member
  • Washington State Association of School Psychologists
  • Attorneys for Education Rights (AFER)
  • Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates (COPAA)
Honors: Reverse Chron order
  • CALI Excellence for the Future Award in Copyrights, 2002
Speaking Engagements & Presentations
  • Heather is a frequent presenter on topics related to Special Education, Section 504, and guardianship at various parent support groups and parent-teacher associations throughout Washington State. Her goal is to provide practical information to empower parents and help them support and advocate for their children with special needs. 
Community Involvement/Leadership
  • King County Bar Assn. Child Law Section steering committee
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