Our dedicated team is here to help.
Our team
ATTORNEY
William Johnson
William H. Johnson has significant experience in representing agribusiness owners. For over 30 years, Will has represented one of the largest vertically integrated apple businesses based in Yakima, Washington. Additionally, he represents some of the largest raspberry, blueberry, and seed potato growers located in the state of Washington. Will has worked with closely-held businesses, individuals, family offices, and private equity firms regarding the negotiation and structuring of selling or buying businesses, including tax planning, acquisition and merger agreements, and equity investments.
In addition, his practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, preservation of family wealth and business succession strategies. He is a Director of Peoples Bank (a regional community bank with assets in excess of $2.8B) and is also the Chair of the Audit and Executive Compensation Committees. Additionally, he served as a Director for Superfeet Worldwide, Inc until its sale in June, 2021. Will received his J.D. degree from Gonzaga University School of Law and his L.L.M. degree in taxation from the University of Florida School of Law.
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Daniel C. Foster
Daniel C. Foster focuses his practice on the business formations, the structuring and negotiation of selling or buying businesses, mergers and acquisitions, and general corporate matters. In addition, he works with individuals and families on estate planning and business succession strategies.
Daniel was born and raised in Yakima, Washington, and graduated from Whitman College with a degree in Economics before pursuing his J.D. from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. Prior to moving back to Washington, Daniel worked in-house for an international corporation as part of their legal department. During law school, Daniel served as the Symposium Editor of Pepperdine’s Journal for Business, Entrepreneurship and the Law, served as the chair of Pepperdine’s Moot Court team and was named to the national Order of Barristers. Daniel joined Betts, Austin, Johnson as an Associate Attorney in 2023.
dfoster@northwesttaxlaw.com
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
Mikaela B. Foster
Mikaela B. Foster was born and raised in Texas before moving to the West Coast to receive her J.D. from Pepperdine Caruso School of Law. She graduated as a member of the Order of Barristers and with recognition for academic achievements in contract law and appellate advocacy. Prior to settling in Washington with her husband Daniel, Mikaela started her legal career at a law firm in Malibu, California, and is a member of the California State Bar. She joined Betts, Austin, Johnson as an Associate Attorney in 2024.
Her practice primarily focuses on complex estate planning, preservation of family wealth and tax planning strategies. In addition, she works on the administration and settling of clients’ trusts and estates upon their passing.
mfoster@northwesttaxlaw.com
ATTORNEY, OF COUNSEL
Nicole Terpstra
Nicole Terpstra graduated from the University of Minnesota Law School and was named to the Order of the Coif as one of the top graduates of her class. She was born and raised in Orange City, Iowa where she graduated from Northwestern College, with a degree in business administration.
She began her legal practice at a large law firm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. After moving to Lynden, WA she worked as general counsel to a local real estate development company. In 2010, Nicole Terpstra joined Betts, Austin, Johnson in an “Of-Counsel” capacity. Nicole currently advises individuals, agribusinesses, and corporate clients with regards to various real estate issues, land use contracts and negotiations.
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Anne Wilkinson
LEGAL SECRETARY & OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR
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Debi Zimmerman
LEGAL ASSISTANT
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Julie Harmon
ESTATE PARALEGAL
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Valorie Handerson
CORPORATE PARALEGAL