Karolyn Hicks

Trust & Estate Litigation, Commercial Litigation, Trust & Estate Mediation/Arbitration

An experienced litigator and negotiator, Karolyn Hicks’s practice focuses primarily on trust and estate disputes and mediation.

Clients come to Karolyn for her strong advocacy and insightful counsel. Highly regarded as a top trust and estate litigator in Washington, Karolyn leverages her long-standing relationships with other leading attorneys in her field to avoid litigation and resolve matters early whenever possible. When a case cannot be settled, she is a seasoned litigator—with a demonstrated track record—on behalf of her clients.

Since 2000, Karolyn has handled cases on behalf of fiduciaries, beneficiaries, charities, major corporations, closely held businesses, and individuals. Karolyn frequently represents individuals with ultra-high-net-worth. Karolyn is ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide as a Band 1 practitioner for Private Wealth Disputes—Washington, and in 2020 and 2026, she was named Lawyer of the Year in Litigation – Trusts and Estates (Seattle, WA) by The Best Lawyers in America®. In 2026, she was also named a Top 10 Lawyer by Washington Super Lawyers.

Karolyn is quickly becoming a go‑to mediator in her field, helping attorneys reach settlements so their clients can avoid ongoing fees, emotional strain, and the risks of trial or appeal.

Washington State Bar Association

- Real Property, Probate & Trust Section

- Litigation Sub-Committee

- Newsletter, Contributing Author & Past Editor

King County Bar Association

- Neighborhood Clinics, Volunteer Attorney, 2005-2019

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

- Elder Law & Special Needs Planning Committee, Member

- Fiduciary Litigation Committee, Member

Karolyn is a native New Yorker who moved to Seattle in 2000, started her practice, and is raising her two children in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. In her free time, she likes to hike, see live music, and try new restaurants. In 2020, Karolyn was inducted into her high school’s (St. Francis Prep.’s) Terrier Ring of Honor, which honors athletic achievement while attending the school. Many of her high school records in track and field still stand nearly 30 years later.