Seattle, WA estates & probate lawyer Ceth Hickey talks about his background & experience and the one most common piece of advice he gives to his clients. Practicing law is actually the attorney’s second career; after spending nearly a decade as a restaurateur and restaurant manager in their twenties, they returned to school in their thirties to pursue law. Their background in the service industry has given them a strong client-first approach, focusing on being of service to clients and prioritizing their needs.

The attorney frequently advises clients to appreciate the value of closure. In probate or civil litigation, particularly during settlement discussions, achieving closure and moving forward can hold substantial personal and emotional value. In difficult probate cases, where family members may be in conflict and emotions are heightened due to the loss of a loved one, it’s crucial to step back, think logically, and acknowledge the emotional stakes for everyone involved. This perspective helps foster empathy and supports constructive settlements.