Beresford Booth Staff
Our staff is the heart of our law firm and goes above and beyond to ensure that we exceed our clients’ expectations. In response to our most recent client satisfaction survey, our clients told us that our staff was “passionate” and “friendly.” One client said that Beresford Booth is, “An excellent law firm with a staff that knows what they’re doing, stays on top of things and always provides communication each step of the way.”
Meet the members of our outstanding team:
Leah Bartoces – Paralegal
Leah graduated from the University of Washington in 1997 with a Bachelor of the Arts in Classical Studies, then earned an Advanced Paralegal Certificate from Edmonds Community College in 1998. She has worked in the legal field for over 20 years with extensive experience in commercial, residential, and real estate litigation within the Superior and Federal Courts of Washington from inception to trial as well as non-judicial foreclosures, bankruptcy, and additionally supports the Business and Real Estate Group. She joined Beresford Booth in 2015. In her spare time, Leah enjoys designing jewelry, making pottery, and spending time with her family. Leah supports attorneys Todd J. Cook, Ryan J.P. Dyer, and JP. Diener.
Jalynn A. Blocker – Paralegal
Jalynn earned her Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies at Highline Community College in 1989. She has worked in the legal field for over 35 years with experience in civil litigation, probate, estate planning, and real estate matters. She joined Beresford Booth in 2011. Jalynn works with our real estate, litigation, and estate planning groups. In her spare time, Jalynn enjoys cooking/baking, a monthly book group, and spending time with her family. Jalynn supports attorneys William O. Kessler and Kelsey L. Affronte.
Jasmine S. A. Brown – Paralegal
Jasmine graduated from Ferrum College with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice in 2011. She joined Beresford Booth in 2014 as a Legal Receptionist / Administrative Assistant, transitioned into a Legal Assistant / Floater role in 2018 and currently serves as a paralegal. Jasmine has a distinct appreciation for the ever-changing trends that are reshaping the legal profession and revels in the environment that those changes create. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, reading, traveling, and playing and critiquing video games. Jasmine supports the Family Law Group, specifically attorneys Anne B. Bennette and Lisa H. Do. She also provides assistance to the firm’s ART Practice.
Marle D. Kerr – Bookkeeper
Andrea Lopez – Legal Assistant
Andrea graduated from Edmonds College with her Paralegal Associate of Technical Arts Degree in 2022. She currently serves as a legal assistant for the attorneys and paralegals in the family law department. Andrea has always had a passion for family law and is determined to deliver the best client service for all families that come our way. Outside of the office, she enjoys roller skating, traveling, going to concerts, and spending time with her friends and family.
Melissa McCoy – Receptionist
Melissa graduated from Bastyr University with a degree in Health Psychology. Born and raised in the greater Seattle area, she has a passion for traveling, having served as an au pair in Limerick, Ireland, and Rome, Italy, as well as studying business abroad in Beijing and Shanghai, China. Dedicated to inclusivity and social justice, Melissa strives to create a welcoming environment where everyone feels safe to be their authentic selves. In her free time, she enjoys writing, singing, acting, crafting, traveling, and attending expos and concerts.
Kieran McLeod – Intake Specialist
Kieran earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology, with a specialization in law & justice from Central Washington University in 2022. She started at Beresford Booth in September of 2023 as a Legal Intake Specialist supporting the various legal practice area groups. Outside of the office, Kieran enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, going to concerts and various seasonal sports.
Debbie Metzger – Paralegal
Debbie Metzger is a seasoned Paralegal with over 30 years of expertise across a diverse spectrum of legal domains, including Family Law, Business Litigation, Criminal Law, Personal Injury, and more. With a steadfast commitment to serving her clients, Debbie has earned a reputation for her sharp legal acumen and unwavering dedication to achieving favorable outcomes. Debbie joined the firm in March of 2024, and will be working in our Family Law Group.
Beyond her illustrious legal career, Debbie finds immense joy in spending quality time with her family (Lindsi [Brandon]; Hanna; and Justin [Kristin] and four grandchildren). Whether it’s engaging in enriching activities or simply relishing moments of togetherness, family holds a special place in her heart. Additionally, Debbie possesses a passion for crafting, channeling her creativity into various projects that reflect her unique artistic flair. She also finds delight in embarking on adventures with her beloved Boston Terrier, Oreo, exploring new destinations and creating cherished memories along the way.
Debbie’s multifaceted interests and experiences shape her holistic approach to life, imbuing her professional endeavors with empathy, creativity, and a profound appreciation for the journey of both her clients and her.
Bonnie O’Laughlin – Paralegal
Bonnie graduated with her associate degree in Paralegal Studies in 2001 and has over 20 years of experience in litigation. She joined Beresford Booth in April of 2024 and currently serves as a paralegal supporting the firm’s litigation group. When not working, Bonnie enjoys attending baseball or hockey games, concerts, reading, spending time with her family and two cats, and being outside (preferably in or near water) as much as possible.
Elaine Randle – Accounting Assistant
Elaine came to Beresford Booth in 2024 with a background in union benefit billing, collections, and customer service. She is an alum of University of Southern California who has lived most of her life in the Seattle area. When not at work, she enjoys travelling, food/drink tastings, and watching musical theater shows.
Victoria Rose – Legal Assistant
Victoria graduated from Western Governor’s University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. She then continued her education at Edmonds College to obtain her Paralegal Advanced Certification. Victoria started at Beresford Booth in November of 2022 as a Legal Assistant working primarily with members in our Litigation Department. She is passionate about the legal field and is eager to continue learning throughout her career. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her loved ones and pets, reading, and exercising.
Caroline Rouse- Paralegal
Caroline graduated from Boise State University with her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History. She is currently working on getting her Master of Arts in History from Eastern Washington University through their online program. She joined Beresford Booth in October of 2023 and currently serves as a paralegal for the firm’s estate planning group, where she assists with probates and estate administration. When not at work, Caroline enjoys camping with her dog, Bandit, reading, crafting, and spending time with friends.
Gabriella N. Stein – Paralegal
Gabriella, also known as Gabbi, graduated from the University of Utah with her Bachelor of Science Degree in Philosophy. She joined Beresford Booth in November of 2018 and currently serves as a paralegal for the firm’s business and real estate practice groups, where she assists with formations, real estate transfers, and other related work. When not at work, Gabbi enjoys hiking with her friends and family, re-reading her favorite novels, and playing video games.
Jennifer R. Takamoto – Paralegal
A native of Seattle, Jennifer graduated from the University of Washington and earned her Paralegal Certificate from Edmonds Community College. She joined Beresford Booth in 2009 after working as a corporate paralegal with Washington Mutual Bank and has extensive corporate law experience including working with reorganizations and complex transactions. Jennifer works with our business and real estate groups. Jennifer supports attorneys David C. Tingstad, Per E. Oscarsson, and Eli K. Yim.
Janelle M. Tingstad – Executive Manager
Janelle graduated from Boise State University with a degree in education. After being a stay-at-home mom for many years, she joined Beresford Booth in 2010 and has served in various roles. She now serves as the Executive Manager where she facilitates marketing efforts, manages facilities, and helps support the staff and attorneys. Outside of the office, Janelle enjoys spending time with her growing family, which includes her two sons, a daughter, a daughter-in-law, and a grand-dog golden retriever named Kahlua. She enjoys traveling with her husband to watch sporting events, explore fun places, try new foods and drinks, and chase the sunshine.
