About Jeff Helsdon
Attorney at Law • Certified Exchange Specialist™ • Practicing Since 1987
Quick Facts
- Practicing since 1987
- CES Designation since 2003
- Tacoma, WA
- No consultation fee
Nearly Four Decades of Dedicated Legal Practice
Jeff Helsdon has been providing thoughtful, experienced legal counsel since 1987. Based in Tacoma, Washington, Jeff has built his practice on the principle that effective legal representation starts with truly understanding each client's unique situation and goals.
Jeff's practice focuses on four key areas: estate planning, business succession planning, real estate and business transactions, and entity formations. Over nearly four decades, he has helped countless families and business owners in the Pacific Northwest navigate some of the most important legal decisions of their lives.
Certified Exchange Specialist™
In addition to his law practice, Jeff is a Certified Exchange Specialist™ (CES). He has been facilitating 1031 exchanges since February 1990 and was among the first group of professionals in the nation to earn the CES designation in 2003. He was also the first Certified Exchange Specialist in the South Puget Sound area of Western Washington.
This dual expertise as both an attorney and exchange specialist allows Jeff to provide a comprehensive perspective that can help real estate investors understand both the legal and financial aspects of their transactions. His deep knowledge of the Internal Revenue Code’s 1031 exchange provisions, combined with his legal background, offers a level of integrated counsel that is difficult to find elsewhere.
Jeff provides qualified intermediary services through his affiliated company, Olympic Exchange Accommodators, which serves real estate investors throughout South King, Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, and Chelan counties.
Approach to Legal Counsel
Jeff believes that the best legal outcomes come from careful listening, thorough analysis, and clear communication. He takes the time to explain complex legal concepts in plain language and works collaboratively with his clients to develop strategies that align with their goals. Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, Jeff tailors his counsel to the specific needs and circumstances of each client.
Pacific Northwest Connection
Jeff is deeply rooted in the Pacific Northwest. His decades of practice in the Tacoma area have given him an intimate understanding of the local legal landscape and business environment. He is committed to serving the communities of Western Washington and beyond, helping clients throughout the region protect their families, their businesses, and their investments.
Notable Legal Career
While Jeff's current practice focuses on estate planning and business law, his career has included significant work in constitutional and appellate law. This breadth of experience informs the counsel he provides today.
Kennedy v. Bremerton School District
U.S. Supreme Court • 2015–2023
Jeff served as local counsel for Coach Joe Kennedy, a former Bremerton High School football coach who was fired for offering a silent prayer on the 50-yard line after games. The case went to the United States Supreme Court twice and resulted in a landmark First Amendment decision in 2022, reaffirming the right to religious expression in public settings.
Jeff was recommended for the case by two separate individuals after his work on recall and election law matters in Washington State. He worked alongside First Liberty Institute attorneys Hiram Sasser and Jeremy Dys, as well as attorney A.J. Ferrate, throughout the eight years of litigation. Jeff and Coach Kennedy became close friends over the course of the case.
Tri-State Development, Ltd. v. Johnston
9th Circuit Court of Appeals • 160 F.3d 528 (1998)
Jeff personally argued this case before the Ninth Circuit, which held that a prejudgment writ of attachment of real property without notice to the defendant and a hearing violated due process — even when a bond was required. The published opinion at 160 F.3d 528, 534 remains a significant precedent in federal procedural law.
Recall & Election Law
Washington State & 9th Circuit
Jeff became a recognized authority on the recall process in Washington State. He represented recall petitioners against several elected officials, including Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer Dale Washam and Pacific Mayor Cy Sun, and represented Washington State Auditor Troy Kelley in his recall proceedings.
In the Washam recall, Jeff became both a client and co-counsel in a federal lawsuit against the Washington Public Disclosure Commission (PDC). The Ninth Circuit ultimately held that Washington's campaign contribution limits were unconstitutional as applied to recall petitioners — a significant victory for civic participation rights. It was this work that led to his involvement in the Kennedy case.
Faith & Values
The Kennedy case was not only a professional milestone but a profoundly personal one. Working alongside Coach Kennedy and witnessing his steadfast faith throughout eight years of litigation deeply strengthened Jeff's own Christian faith. In 2023, after a lifetime as an Episcopalian, Jeff converted to Catholicism. He is a devout Catholic whose faith informs his commitment to integrity, service, and treating every client with dignity and respect.
Credentials & Experience
Legal Practice
- Practicing since 1987
- Washington State Bar Member
- Estate Planning & Business Law
- Real Estate Transactions
1031 Exchange Specialist
- Certified Exchange Specialist™
- Facilitating exchanges since 1990
- First CES in South Puget Sound
- Federation of Exchange Accommodators member
Areas of Focus
- Estate Planning & Trusts
- Business Succession Planning
- Real Estate & Business Transactions
- Entity Formations (LLC, Corp, etc.)
No Consultation Fee
Schedule your complimentary consultation with Jeff Helsdon to discuss your legal needs.
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