HOQUIAM and BELFAIR, Wash. — October 21, 2026 — Winkelman Law Firm Inc. is pleased to announce that attorney Kimberly "Kim" Studerus will join the firm on January 1, 2027. She will practice from the firm's Belfair office, serving clients in North Mason County and the surrounding Hood Canal, Kitsap, and Key Peninsula communities.
Kim will focus her practice on trusts, estate planning, and wills, bringing more than two decades of legal and investigative experience to the role.
Born in Wrangell, Alaska, and raised in Eastern Washington, Kim earned bachelor's degrees in Political Science and Criminal Justice, with a minor in Sociology, from Washington State University. She later earned her law degree from Baylor Law School in Waco, Texas, in 2002.
"I've known Kim for almost thirty years, and I couldn't be happier to have her join us. She pairs a sharp investigator's eye for detail with real warmth for the people she helps. Her roots in Belfair make her a natural fit to lead our work there."
— Ben Winkelman, Founding Shareholder
Kim began her legal career as an associate attorney at a civil litigation firm in Houston, Texas. She soon transitioned into public service, becoming a Special Agent with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Office of Inspector General (HUD-OIG).
During her federal career, Kim investigated fraud, waste, and abuse, frequently working alongside other federal agencies. Her investigative work earned national recognition, including the President's Council on Integrity & Efficiency Award for Investigative Excellence.
She was also named HUD-OIG Office of Investigations Special Agent Trainee of the Year.
After returning to the Pacific Northwest in 2006, Kim chose to prioritize her growing family before returning to private practice.
Since then, she has served as of counsel to a law firm handling real estate, construction, and estate planning matters. She also operated her own law practice focused on estate planning.
Kim was admitted to practice law in Texas in 2002 and Washington in 2012.
Her experience in litigation, federal investigations, and estate planning provides a strong foundation for helping individuals and families navigate important legal decisions.
Beyond her legal career, Kim has maintained a longstanding commitment to serving the North Mason community.
She served on the North Mason Food Bank board as Secretary from 2014 to 2019 and President from 2019 to 2021.
Since 2018, she has volunteered with the Kitsap/Key Peninsula Area Team of Operation Christmas Child, where she now serves as Logistics Coordinator.
Earlier in her community involvement, Kim served as Hospitality Coordinator for the Belfair chapter of Mothers of Preschoolers.
Her dedication to local families and community organizations reflects the personal approach she brings to her legal practice.
Beginning January 1, 2027, Kim will focus her work at Winkelman Law Firm on helping individuals and families with estate planning matters, including:
Her approach emphasizes understanding each client's circumstances, priorities, and long-term goals.
"Estate planning is personal. Every family's situation is different. I'm excited to join Winkelman Law Firm and to work with clients one-on-one, taking the time to understand what matters most to them."
— Kim Studerus
Education
Bar Admissions
Professional Recognition
Winkelman Law Firm looks forward to welcoming Kim to its Belfair office beginning January 1, 2027.
Individuals and families interested in discussing trusts, wills, or estate planning matters with Kim can contact the firm to schedule an appointment for January 2027.
Call 360-529-3660 or visit winkelmanlawfirm.com to learn more.
Founded by Ben Winkelman in 2022, Winkelman Law Firm Inc. traces its roots to a predecessor practice dating to 1949.
The firm provides legal services to individuals, families, and businesses across Southwest Washington, with practice areas including estate planning, probate, family law, business law, employment law, mediation, and personal injury.
Its main office is located at 201 8th Street, Hoquiam, Washington 98550. A second office in Belfair is scheduled to open in the new year, with its physical location to be announced.
This announcement is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
