MEET OUR ATTORNEY, VETERANS' ADVOCATE, & LEGAL ASSISTANTS

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Jamie Olivares is the owner of the firm since 2017. Prior to purchasing the firm from Elie Halpern, Jamie worked at the firm (formerly known as Elie Halpern & Associates, PLLC) for almost 16 years, working in various capacities including Legal Assistant, Certified Non-Attorney Representative, Office Manager, and Attorney.

Jamie earned her Paralegal Degree from South Puget Sound Community College, Bachelor’s Degree from The Evergreen State College, and became an attorney via the Washington State APR 6 Law Clerk Program. Elie Halpern was her mentor for the Law Clerk Program and taught her everything she knows regarding being an effective and compassionate Social Security advocate.

Jamie is a sustaining member of NOSSCR and NOVA member. She has volunteered at Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services Clinic (TCVLS). She is a member of the Thurston County Bar Association and is admitted to practice in the Western and Eastern Districts of the Washington United States District Courts, as well as the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. 

In her free time Jamie enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons, attending her kids sporting events, baking, and traveling. 

Kayla Vance is a US Navy veteran born and raised in the Puget Sound area in Washington State. She graduated from The Evergreen State College for both her Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies & Public Policy in 2013 and her Master of Public Administration Degree with a focus in Public & Nonprofit Administration in 2016.

Since 2012, she has spent most of her post-military time, focusing on veterans’ needs and hardships of adjusting to the civilian life through previous work for the Thurston County WorkSource as a Veteran Representative and her education within The Evergreen State College. Kayla is an active NOVA member and volunteers with the non-profit organization the Veterans’ Family Fund of America. Before taking over as the Veterans’ Advocate, Kayla trained with Mark Bean, the firm’s former VA Accredited Agent for 18 years, until his retirement in December 2017. 

When Kayla is not working, she enjoys spending her free time with her children and husband, a 13 year Army veteran, anywhere that will bring Kayla and her family close to the water.

Katie was born and raised in the Olympia area. After graduating from North Thurston High School, she attended Azusa Pacific University (APU) in Azusa, CA. She graduated in 2013 with a Bachelors of Arts in Political Science and a minor in History. During that time, she volunteered with at-risk youth. After graduating from APU, Katie moved back to Washington and was hired by a local fireworks importer and wholesaler. She later became their Government and Tribal Affairs Liaison. During that time, Katie spoke in front of the Washington State Legislature to help successfully stop two proposed bills.

Katie began working at Halpern Olivares PLLC in the fall of 2016. When she is not working, Katie enjoys studying history, reading, traveling, playing volleyball, and spending time with friends and family.

MaLeah was born in Olympia, WA and has lived in the surrounding areas since. After graduating from CHOICE Alternative High School in 2015, she attended Olympic College and received her AA Degree. Prior to joining Halpern Olivares in the summer of 2020, MaLeah worked at an established law firm in Shelton for 5 years where she gained invaluable experience.

Other than her passion for being a Legal Assistant, MaLeah is an artist and has been creating mosaics since 2012. In her spare time, she is on the Board of Directors for the Housing Opportunities for Students in Transition which helps homeless youth in Mason County stay fed, warm, and on track to graduate.

Meg is responsible for securing all the medical records for our Social Security clients' cases!

Born in Grays Harbor and raised in Thurston County, Meg loves everything Pacific Northwest, even the rain.  Meg is a graduate of New Market Skills Center. She joined the firm in the summer of 2022. Meg brings to the firm more than 20 years of diverse office experience ranging from medical coding and reception to customer service and support. Meg is a devoted mother of 5 and a proud Air Force Mom. In her spare time, she enjoys cooking for her family and supporting her children in their musical education and sporting endeavors. 

Monica joined Halpern Olivares PLLC in the spring of 2024 to assist Kayla Vance concerning the firm’s Veterans caseload. Her duties primarily consist of requesting medical records for our Veterans disability cases.

Monica was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She currently is a student at the University of Phoenix, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. Since 2018, Monica has volunteered her time cultivating and managing a non-profit in her community called F.A.S.T., whose mission is to better the environment of primary school students. Monica successfully helped raise money to construct a needed running track during this time. 

She spends her downtime with her husband (an Army veteran) and her three children, raising goats and making sourdough bread. 

Elie Halpern is the previous owner and founder of the firm. He retired June 19, 2023, after almost 56 years practicing law.

Elie was a great mentor to Jamie Olivares during the 22 years they worked together. She is eternally grateful to Elie for his guidance, knowledge, wisdom, and shaping of her legal career. Elie was admired by all his co-workers. He will be missed and we wish him a long and happy retirement, which is well deserved.