About Jennifer Hedges
Jennifer Hedges Ballantyne is an attorney practicing in Washington who concentrates on estate and elder law. She brings a nontraditional path to the law. Before turning to legal practice she studied journalism at Ohio State University, completing a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism in 1974. Years later she earned her J.D. from Gonzaga University School of Law in 2014.
Ballantyne's earliest recorded legal work came while she was in law school. In 2013 she served as a Rule 9 intern at the Lynn St. Louis Law Office, a position that gave her exposure to courtroom procedure and client advocacy. After earning her degree she moved into practice in the Spokane area. In 2015 she joined Elder Law Group as an associate and handled matters typical of a small firm environment.
She maintains active ties to the local and specialty bar. Ballantyne has been a member of the Spokane County Bar Association since 2015. She also belongs to the Washington Academy of Elder Law Lawyers, joining that organization in 2012. Those memberships reflect an ongoing engagement with peers who handle estate planning, probate and elder law issues in the state.
Her work history reflects steady involvement in elder and estate matters. Colleagues and clients describe her approach as practical. She works through legal problems methodically. She takes time to explain options and procedures. The work often involves helping older adults and families address the legal steps tied to aging, though her days also include estate administration and related tasks.
Ballantyne practices at Estates and Elders Law PLLC. She handles client intake, drafting and reviewing documents, and representing clients in proceedings that touch on estates and elder concerns. Her practice is in Washington and she remains active in local professional groups.
Outside of the office she has kept connections to the community she serves. Her background in journalism contributes to clear writing and an ability to organize complex information for clients. In the office she applies those skills to estate documents and client communications. She currently practices at Estates and Elders Law PLLC, where she handles elder law and estate matters.
