Joseph Donley

Associate Attorney

What is your experience and/or qualifications?

I earned my bachelor’s degree in history from St. Cloud State University. I then attended Elon University School of Law in Greensboro, North Carolina, where I graduated in December 2023. During that time, I was also enrolled in a dual-degree program through Vermont Law School, where I earned my master’s degree in Environmental Law and Policy. While at Elon Law, I was recognized by the North Carolina Bar Association for completing 75 hours of pro bono service.

During law school, I worked with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission’s Federal Hearings Unit in Raleigh, North Carolina. I also worked with the Kachemak Heritage Land Trust in Homer, Alaska, where I served as a law clerk and stewardship intern.

My legal experience post law school includes two years of practice representing applicants seeking Supplemental Security Income and Social Security Disability Insurance benefits at hearings before the Social Security Administration.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

In my spare time, I enjoy anything that allows me to be outdoors. You can often find me camping, hiking, backpacking, fishing, hunting, boating, or participating in any activity that keeps me active and connected to nature.

What do you enjoy most about estate planning and elder law?

I have a passion for helping people during important and often challenging times in their lives. Estate planning and elder law allow me to assist individuals and families as they navigate significant decisions, plan for the future, and maintain control over their personal, financial, and healthcare matters. I find it especially meaningful to help clients feel informed, prepared, and empowered during times of uncertainty.

What is a fun fact about you?

My wife and I are currently working toward visiting every national park in the National Park System. By the end of 2026, we will have visited approximately 50 different parks. Some of our favorites so far include Glacier Bay, Katmai, Yosemite, North Cascades, and Grand Teton.

Some have anxiety, others procrastinate,

but you still need to do what needs to be done to protect your family…

They are who really matter!!

“You will see why when you work with them!”

Every person at Safe Harbor Estate and Elder Law is helpful and professional, while being friendly and putting you at ease. They know that this is not an every day event for people, and that clients may be uncomfortable. Everyone there does everything they can to make the process easy and smooth sailing. Margaret and her team genuinely want to protect

Sue Ginsburg

“I appreciated how easily and professionally they guided me!”

Safe Harbor Estate Law first worked with me in 2017 to complete my Living Will and Estate Plan. They were very thorough and everything went smoothly. What really impressed me about them was how they worked to iron out the issues when I was refinancing with Wells Fargo. Safe Harbor’s lawyers interceded on my behalf to clarify the issues with the title

Mary Turnberg

“Really solid organization their process is well thought out”

Absolutely experts at what they do. Really solid organization their process is well thought out and well practiced. I had very similar work done several years ago by another firm and Safe Harbor Estate Law fixed their work and provided a much better result in both less time and money. Everybody at this firm completes their role very efficiently and

Budd Rutter

“We were surprised at how easy it turned out to be.”

We were very pleased with the service from Safe Harbor. After years of procrastinating, we finally decided we needed to move forward and get our estate planning completed, which involved setting up a living trust. We were surprised at how easy it turned out to be. Safe Harbor tailored our will and trust documents to some unique need we had and all is now

Deb Hj

I am now 100% comfortable and confident, as are my children!

I had put off getting a will done for 6 years, even after being diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma 4 years ago. Then I watched Safe Harbor’s webinar just to learn some will/estate planning information. That webinar answered so many questions for me and made me realize the big mistake I was making by not finalizing a will. So I scheduled a consultation immediately

Marcia Richards

“I appreciate all they’ve done and would highly recommend them!”

Safe Harbor Estate Law was recommended by a lawyer friend. From the very beginning I was impressed with the respect and compassion with which we were treated. My goal was to come away with a plan that would protect our assets. I now have that plan which is very thorough, providing me with peace of mind. Working with the team at Safe Harbor Estate Law was a positive experience. All of the attorney I worked with were very professional. Michael Teeter, especially, is knowledgeable, explaining all the complexities. He was also patient and responsive in answering my follow-up questions, often more than once.

Shirley Shimota

“I highly recommend Safe Harbor Estate Law.”

The process of creating our Trust
was incredibly smooth. From the initial zoom informational meeting to the meeting with the well versed attorney and the final signing, we felt confident and informed.

Midge Mogck

“I highly recommend them!”

I hired Safe Harbor Estate Law to do my estate plan including a living trust, power of attorney, and health care directive. They made the process easy by explaining everything clearly, being organized, and answering my questions.

Christy Ehlert-Mackie

“Safe Harbor people were friendly, knowledgeable and thorough.”

They listened to our wants and needs and drafted the documents we needed to feel secure in having the best estate plan possible for us and our family.

Laure LaFond

See what other Safe Harbor Estate Law clients are saying about their experience.

Guiding You Through The Process Of Protecting Your Family And Assets

The Four Cs - Our Unique Approach to Estate Planning in Minnesota

Care

We care, and it shows. You’re not just a number to us. We listen, and we ask questions. We strive to improve our client’s lives every day.

Communicate

Our firm goes above and beyond to make you feel comfortable throughout the process so you feel informed and confident every step of the way.

Customized

We help you leave a legacy that is smoother, less expensive, and less hassle for your loved ones with a plan that is uniquely tailored to your goals.

Complete

Our team is motivated to help you experience smooth sailing from start to finish so everything is done thoroughly and properly.

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how can we help?

Estate Planning & Asset Protection Workshops

I attended a free seminar to learn about getting a Will. I learned so much more than I expected! I then hired Safe Harbor Estate Law to create a Will, POA and Trust. The process was very simple!

I highly recommend everyone to contact Safe Harbor to help you too!

— Cindy Olson

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