Michael G. Ballnik

Michael G. Ballnik is the drafting partner at Phinney Estate Law in Seattle, Washington. His work focuses on estate planning, disability planning, and family-based immigration and naturalization matters. He drafts trust agreements, limited liability company agreements, and other planning documents for individuals and families. His earlier experience with complex corporate and insurance documents informs the drafting work he now performs for clients making decisions about property and future responsibilities.

Michael earned a B.A. in Criminology from the University of Manitoba in 1993 and a J.D. from the University of North Dakota School of Law in 1997, graduating with distinction. He served on the North Dakota Law Review and received recognition in moot court. His legal education provided training in research, written advocacy, and careful document analysis. Those skills support his current work preparing instruments that must clearly express clients’ intentions and address important legal relationships.

Michael joined Phinney Estate Law in 2009 after working in business-oriented litigation and government service. Previously, he was a litigation partner in the Seattle office of Cozen O’Connor and an Assistant Attorney General for Washington. In government practice, he represented the Department of Corrections in civil litigation and appeals, including arguments before the Washington Court of Appeals and the Ninth Circuit. He also developed drafting experience with insurance agreements and settlement documents involving commercial entities.

Michael G. Ballnik received Washington Rising Star recognition in 2004, 2005, 2006, and 2008. He also received a Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation in 2004 and participated in immigration-related pro bono work recognized by the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. His practice draws on litigation, government, and transactional experience to prepare estate planning documents with clear legal terms. He helps translate clients’ planning goals into written arrangements intended to guide future decisions.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Phinney Estate Law
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, King County Bar Association

Licensed State

• Washington

Education

• University of North Dakota School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Manitoba
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminology

Awards & Badges