Julie K. Blakenship

Julie has over 32 years of experience in probate, trust and guardianship litigation, with a proven track record of success in all areas, both in and out of court. Her abilities have earned her a rating by Martindale Hubbel, the premier legal rating service, as an “AV” preeminent rated attorney, the highest rating available, achieved by a small percentage of Texas lawyers. She also currently serves on the Dallas Bar Association’s Probate, Trust, and Estates Section council.

Julie has been involved in the trial of numerous complex will contest cases, both in vigorously defending wills, and contesting invalid wills for lack of mental capacity, undue influence, and forgery. Julie has both defended and pursued administrators, executors, guardians, and trustees in fiduciary litigation, including many successful emergency actions filed with the Court to protect the rights of her clients. Julie understands that in any litigated probate, trust, or guardianship case, families, loved ones, and close relationships are involved, making the process all the more complex and difficult. She takes the extra steps to help her clients navigate not only the legal issues, but to weather the emotional aspects of the litigation as well.

Julie has extensive experience in advising executors, administrators, and guardians in the administration of estates and guardianships, helping them to navigate their numerous statutory and fiduciary duties. Julie also frequently defends executors, guardians and trustees from allegations of breach of fiduciary duty, misappropriation, and self-dealing, often preparing or reconstructing accountings for guardianships, estates, and trusts, in order to establish her client’s proper handling of the assets.

Julie is also an experienced estate planner, with experience in the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, directive to physicians and designations of guardian.

Speaking Engagements

Tuesday 1/28/25 – Julie Blakenship served as the moderator at the Dallas Bar Association Probate, Trusts & Estates Section on a panel discussion on Probate Practice and War Stories

The Firm

The attorneys at Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC have over 100 years of combined experience in estate planning, probate, and litigation. We have the knowledge and skills to tackle complex legal issues, such as guardianships, will contests, fiduciary litigation, and trust litigation. We can also handle routine matters, such as estate administration, probating wills, heirship determinations, and other probate court matters.

Staubus, Blankenship, Legere and Walker PLLC received a preeminent AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating possible from a peer-rated legal service. This rating recognizes our hard work, dedication, and the case results we’re able to achieve.

What Our Clients Say

"I recently had the occasion to hire Mr. Staubus for a hotly contested Guardianship matter. Mr. Staubus brought a rare combination of effectiveness, reasonableness and understanding of the human element involved. Mr. Staubus handled all things in a calm, highly competent, effective and reasonable way. It could not have been as easy as he made it seem. He's a credit to the Bar."

Jody

"Without exception, the legal service, professional attitude, prompt communication of your firm and your legal knowledge is second to none. I only wish I had an attorney here in Boston that could hold a candle to your experience and expertise. Working with you has been a pleasure, but even more, has made me believe that there are knowledgeable attorneys that do care about doing a good job. Thank you Keith! You may not truly understand how much of an impact you are having on peoples lives, but for me, you have helped change my life. As I begin making my dreams come true I can't help but remember none of this would be possible without you."

Joann

"Keith Staubus and Julie Blankenship and their team represented me in a jury trial in the probate court where the ownership of the business which I had worked hard to build was at stake. They successfully fought to preserve my business and my professional reputation, working masterfully to gain the support of the jury. I would not hesitate to hire them again in any bet-the-company litigation.”

Karen

"After my husband's death, I was devastated by having to defend against a vicious dispute over my husband's estate. Julie Blankenship and Keith Staubus made me feel very comfortable in this distressing situation. They were very tough and did an excellent job for me in obtaining a summary judgment in my favor without a full jury trial. I was glad to have them and Diane Walker in my corner to help me achieve an excellent result - I won! If I ever had to go back to probate court, I would hire them again.” - (will and trust construction case)

Flo

"If you need intervention for someone you love but don't know where to turn or who to turn to, Julie Blankenship and Keith Staubus helped me through the most difficult and stressful time in my life with a much loved family member. I now believe that good will triumph over evil. They fought for what was right, and good prevailed." (contested guardianship and will contest)