We are delighted to announce that James K. Andrade has been promoted from Senior Associate to Senior Counsel, a position that reflects his outstanding performance and expertise in probate litigation at Keystone!
Senior Counsel is a prestigious title reserved for the most experienced and accomplished senior attorneys at the firm. Senior Counsel are also assigned many of the most complex and intricate probate litigation cases, and are entrusted to handle the cases with more autonomy and efficiency. This promotion recognizes James’s exceptional skills and contributions to the firm and its clients.
James has been with the firm for almost three years and has played a pivotal role on cases from day one. He has extensive experience in representing trustees, administrators, executors, beneficiaries, heirs, professional fiduciaries, and creditors in litigation matters as well as administration of trusts and estates. He also advises trustees that manage businesses as assets and helps resolve business-related issues. In addition, he represents clients in conservatorship matters and elder financial abuse cases.
“I am honored and grateful for this opportunity to serve as Senior Counsel at Keystone,” said James. “I look forward to continuing to provide excellent service to our clients, to work with our talented and dedicated team, and contribute to the already stellar reputation of Keystone as the premier probate litigation firm.”
James has also been named a Rising Star by Super Lawyers Magazine since 2020 and a Best Lawyer by Best Lawyers for the past two years. These accolades reflect his high level of professionalism and excellence in the field of probate law, as well as the recognition of his accomplishments.
“James is a valuable member of our team and a skilled advocate for our clients. He has demonstrated exceptional legal acumen and professionalism in his practice. We are proud to recognize his achievements and contributions to our firm,” said Partner Roee Kaufman.
We are also pleased to announce that Rebecca Nelson has been promoted to Resource & Training Manager, a new position at Keystone. As Resource & Training Manager, Becca will:
- Forecast and plan the resource needs for our legal services
- Assign legal assistants and attorneys to suitable projects
- Use and manage the firm tool for capacity and project management
- Track and report the performance and utilization of the resources
- Train and support the staff
Becca has been with the firm for the past five years and has played an instrumental role in the training and development of resources at Keystone. As a paralegal, she regularly assisted with training our legal assistants and attorneys, and helped develop and update Keystone policy documents.
“Becca has also demonstrated exceptional skills and leadership in every position in her approximately 5-years at Keystone and she has earned this promotion to Manager,” said Managing Partner Shawn Kerendian.
Swemi Avendano has accepted the position of Client Relations Specialist after being with the firm since 2022 as a receptionist. Swemi builds positive relationships with clients and potential clients daily. In her new role, Swemi will continue to create an exceptional client experience by guiding potential clients through Keystone’s intake process, addressing any questions and concerns they may have while connecting them with the firm’s attorneys.
“We are very excited to have Swemi join our department and our growing team,” said Director of Marketing MaryBeth Omness. “She is a true pleasure to work with and we could not ask for a better ambassador for potential clients.”
