Tradition Meets Innovation: Meet The Newest Generation of Legal Excellence
Our twenty-something colleagues aren’t just providing excellent support: they’re bringing the world of Estate Planning into a new generation.
Tradition Meets Innovation: Meet The Newest Generation of Legal Excellence
For years, the Simpson Law Firm name has stood for one thing: trust. You’ve come to rely on our veteran attorneys and paralegals to navigate the complex, ever-changing world of Estate Planning with a steady hand. You know their faces, you know their reputations, and you know your legacy is safe with them.
But as we forge ahead into 2026, we want to introduce you to a few more members of our family.
While our seasoned experts continue to lead the way, there is a new generation of bright, ambitious young professionals working diligently behind the scenes. They aren't just here to fill roles or build resumes: they are here to ensure that the "Simpson Standard" continues for decades to come.
Think of them as the stewards of your legacy. They are bridging the gap between time-tested legal traditions and the modern world, bringing a fresh sense of optimism and innovation to everything we do. They aren't here to replace the experience you’ve come to rely on; they are here to supplement it, ensuring that as your family grows and changes, our firm is growing right alongside you.
We sat down with a few of our young colleagues to talk about their philosophies, their respect for the veterans they work with, and their vision for the future of our community.
Ready to meet the team? Here’s what they had to say.
(This is an extended cut of our January Firm Newsletter. To keep up with all of the latest news, legislative updates, and Firm Fun, sign up here. )
Having worked closely with our veteran attorneys and paralegals, what is the most valuable lesson or 'old school' principle you’ve adopted that you believe is essential for maintaining the high standard of service our clients expect?
Alexandra Schenk, Legal Coordinator: The most valuable 'old school' principle I have adopted is the "my pleasure" attitude, a commitment to prioritizing the client's comfort and emotional needs above all else. This means ensuring clients feel completely at ease, whether they are confused by legal jargon, dealing with a complicated family dynamic they don't want affecting their plan, or struggling to make a difficult decision about their healthcare documents. We strive to create a form of comfort that allows clients to collaborate with us on a truly unique plan, knowing they can stop us at any point they are uncomfortable, and allowing us to take care of them like family.
Oliver Smith, IT: Service With a Smile. While of course courtesy and kindness is needed when dealing with people, at SLF all of our employees take that to the next level. Everyone is kind, compassionate, and attentive to our clients as soon as they walk in the door!
EC Inlayo, Legal Assistant: Working with our veteran attorneys and paralegals has shown me that consistency and follow-through matter just as much as expertise. Being responsive, detail-oriented, and dependable behind the scenes plays a big role in maintaining client trust and confidence.
Bre Copas, Legal Assistant: Having worked closely with veteran attorneys and paralegals, the most valuable “old school” principle I’ve adopted is the importance of diligence and personal accountability in every detail of a case. I’ve learned that high-quality legal service isn’t just about meeting deadlines, but about double-checking work, anticipating issues before they arise, and taking ownership of outcomes rather than passing responsibility along. This disciplined, detail-oriented approach builds trust with clients and colleagues alike, and it’s essential to maintaining the high standard of service our clients expect and deserve.
Jake Passey, Legal Assistant: Take pride in your work. Therron Causey is a Veteran attorney in both the planning and probate portions of Estate Planning, which has allowed him to see how simple mistakes can lead to large headaches down the road. He combats this by ensuring every document is set up for success, even if it takes more time and is not convenient.
John Conlon, Operations Director: The biggest lesson I have taken from my colleagues here is not to take half measures. So much of our world is now geared to the quick or expedient answer to problems: don't waste your time thinking through your problems critically: have Chat GPT solve them. Don't take too much time proofing that copy: it's digital, and we can fix it later if there are mistakes. I appreciate my colleagues' insistence on doing things intentionally and correctly the first time, especially when it is inconvenient or laborious. I think people can tell the difference in the final work product.
Haven Swanson, Estate Planning Manager: In a world where everyone expects AI and technology to take over, we keep looking to our “old school” principles where we have the heart and knowledge that AI cannot fake. I would say that the genuine human connection is a principle we need to bring back. It’s not that it’s been completely lost, but the concept has dimmed in the new generation.
In what ways are you leveraging new perspectives or modern tools to make the Estate Planning process more seamless and accessible for our clients and their families in 2026?
Jake Passey, Legal Assistant: We are all human, and that is important to remember when thinking about how we can relate and help clients. One aspect of being human is that we have and share relationships that drive us, and we want to make sure we can help assist those relationships in any way we can.
Josh Gabuat, Legal Assistant: [As we adopt new tools], I hope that our workflows not only become more seamless, but also that our communication with one another improves as well. Especially in such a high-stakes environment, like in Law and Estate Planning, emphatic communication and active listening can go a long, long way.
Isys Seward, Legal Coordinator: As a younger professional in Estate Planning, I focus on making the process feel clear, organized, and approachable. I use modern tools, transparent demeanor, and proactive communication to help clients understand what’s happening at each step. By breaking information down from a complex document into plain language and anticipating questions early, I help reduce stress and make Estate Planning feel more accessible for families. I often use the quote "Law is a language and attorneys and legal professionals are fluent and are the translators"
Estate Planning is often about more than just assets—it’s about family and legacy. How do you approach building trust and finding common ground with clients who are in a different stage of life than you are?
John Conlon, Operations Director: Whenever I interact with clients, I think of my own parents, grandparents, and mentors I've had throughout my life. The field of Estate Planning is deeply personal: people are entrusting us to create a legacy that will survive them. When I work with clients, I always strive to treat them the way I'd like a law firm to treat my own father or grandmother. For many clients, the topics we discuss are uncomfortable. That's why kindness must be the foundation for our relationship.
Josh Gabuat, Legal Assistant: It's really about being empathetic. Being understanding of the client's needs and being human allows for us to see this not just as work, but as a way to help people navigate through the uncertainties of life.
Haven Swanson, Estate Planning Manager: Despite being in a different stage of life, we all have common ground: wanting to protect our family, whether that be your children, your friends, or the children of your friends. I want to build that foundation with clients, sharing my concern for their family in the way that they need me to in order to prove we have their best interests at heart.
As we look toward the future of the legal landscape, what is one evolving trend or philosophy in Estate Planning that you are particularly passionate about bringing to the Simpson Law Firm community?
Alexandra Schenk, Legal Coordinator: I am particularly passionate about the philosophy that Estate Planning is essential for everyone, regardless of age, and that plans should be reviewed frequently as laws change. The trend I advocate for bringing to Simpson Law Firm is the absolute necessity of planning: if you think you are too young, you are not; and if you have had your documents for years, they need to be checked again. This proactive approach ensures our clients' legacies are protected against legislative changes and life events at every stage.
John Conlon, Operations Director: I believe it is crucial that we maintain the human element of Estate Planning. We may reach a point where AI can produce bulletproof legal documents, but the exploration of personal values and sentiment is not something that digital tools can replace: it can only happen through thoughtful conversation and communication. I truly value our role as stewards for that sort of reflection. When we die, nobody will reflect on how well Chat GPT wrote their will or trust agreement: our legacy is the impact we leave on those who survive us. Sure, leave your belongings to your loved ones, but also tell the story behind that heirloom necklace. Most importantly, have those conversations with your loved ones about what their company means to you.
Josh Gabuat, Legal Assistant: That kindness goes a long way. You really never know what a little kindness and understanding can mean to other people. Whether it's being gentle with your messages in the chats, checking in on your teammates or congratulating people as they celebrate even their mini successes - these are all ways we can make the Firm feel more like a place you look forward to working in.
Isys Seward, Legal Coordinator: One trend I’m passionate about is viewing Estate Planning as an ongoing relationship rather than a one-time task. Life changes quickly, and plans should evolve with it. I’m excited to help reinforce the idea of regular check-ins and long-term planning so clients feel supported not just today, but for years to come.
When you think about the next decade at Simpson Law Firm, how do you see the collaboration between our seasoned experts and your generation creating a more comprehensive 'whole-firm' approach for our clients?
Alexandra Schenk, Legal Coordinator: Looking toward the next decade, I see the collaboration between our seasoned experts and our generation creating a more comprehensive "whole-firm" approach through a combination of greater creativity, enhanced efficiency, and renewed energy. Our generation brings new ideas and tools, which, when coupled with the deep expertise of our veteran colleagues, will allow us to serve clients more effectively and comprehensively than ever before.
EC Inlayo, Legal Assistant: I see the future of the firm as a balance between deep experience and fresh perspective. Our seasoned experts bring wisdom and guidance, while younger team members help support efficiency, organization, and stronger internal processes, allowing the firm to better serve clients and sustain long-term growth.
Josh Gabuat, Legal Assistant: Empathy goes a long way. No matter what professional milestones or heights the Firm reaches, I hope we never lose our empathy. At the end of the day, everyone is human. We should never look down on anyone. Rather, we should lift each other up. In a world where it's so easy to be angry and rude towards others and ourselves, let us be the ones who remind people of the goodness that humanity is capable of.
Isys Seward, Legal Coordinator: Looking ahead, I see the collaboration between experienced attorneys and younger team members as a major strength of the firm. While our seasoned professionals bring invaluable knowledge and perspective, my generation contributes fresh ideas, efficiency, and adaptability. Together, we create a well-rounded, whole-firm approach that prioritizes both excellence and client experience.
Haven Swanson, Estate Planning Manager: The future is bright for a group of people willing to learn from their peers, no matter their age. Creating a collaborative group, a firm that listens to knowledge earned from years in the field as well as new ideas from a fast-paced generation, creates the perfect recipe for success.
The mission of Simpson Law Firm is to ensure the continuance of our clients’ legacies. We apply that same philosophy to ourselves. With increased collaboration across generational lines, we are forging into 2026 with a mission to serve more members of our community than ever before.
Want to learn more about our amazing team members? Check out our bios here.
This article is a service of Simpson Law Firm. We don’t just draft documents; we ensure you make informed and empowered decisions about life and death for yourself and the people you love. We offer a free Estate Planning session, during which you will get more financially organized than you’ve ever been before and we will assist you in making all the best choices for the people you love. You can begin by contacting us here, https://simpsonestatelaw.com/contact-us or calling us at 803-764-9555, and our friendly team will help you set up your consultation.
This material was created for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as ERISA, tax, legal, or investment advice. If you are seeking legal advice specific to your needs, such advice services must be obtained on your own separate from this educational material.