YOLLETTE ATKINSON
Partner | Estate Planning, Probate, & Bankruptcy Law Attorney
For more than two decades, attorney Yollette S. Atkinson has dedicated her legal career to helping Maryland families protect what matters most. Whether guiding clients through estate planning, probate administration, or bankruptcy, Yollette is known for combining sophisticated legal knowledge with genuine compassion and practical advice.
Yollette believes that every client deserves more than legal answers, they deserve an attorney who listens, educates, and develops thoughtful solutions tailored to their unique circumstances. She understands that many legal issues arise during life's most stressful moments, and she works to provide clear guidance that empowers clients to move forward with confidence.
After earning her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, cum laude, from John Jay College of Criminal Justice in New York City, Yollette attended the University of Baltimore School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor with a concentration in Business Law. Recognizing the importance of understanding taxation in wealth preservation and business planning, she simultaneously completed her Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation in 2003. This advanced tax education allows her to identify planning opportunities that many attorneys may overlook, particularly in estate planning, probate, trusts, and business matters.
While attending law school, Yollette clerked for the Honorable Alfred Nance, retired Chief Judge of the Circuit Court for Baltimore City, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process that continues to benefit her clients today. She is admitted to practice before all Maryland state courts, the United States District Court for the District of Maryland, the District of Columbia, and the United States Tax Court.
Throughout her career, Yollette has remained deeply committed to serving the community. She has volunteered countless hours providing free legal assistance through pro bono programs across Maryland, helping individuals facing financial hardship, estate planning concerns, tax controversies, foreclosure issues, and other legal challenges. Her dedication has been recognized with the Maryland Volunteer Lawyers Service Volunteer of the Year Award and a Certificate of Appreciation from Governor Martin O'Malley and Chief Judge Robert M. Bell for her service to Maryland's Foreclosure Prevention Pro Bono Project.
Yollette actively participates in the legal profession through her membership in the Baltimore County Bar Association, where she serves on both the Estate & Trust Committee and the Pro Bono Committee. She is also a member of the Harford County Bar Association, the Baltimore Estate Planning Council, and the Maryland State Bar Association reflecting her commitment to lifelong learning and professional excellence.
Clients appreciate Yollette's ability to explain complicated legal concepts in plain English. Whether helping a family create an estate plan that protects future generations, guiding a personal representative through probate, or assisting someone seeking a fresh financial start through bankruptcy, she approaches every case with patience, integrity, and strategic planning.
As a founding partner of Atkinson Law, Yollette embraces the firm's philosophy of Protect. Preserve. Rebuild. She believes legal representation should not simply solve today's problem, it should position clients for a stronger future.
Education
• LL.M. in Taxation, University of Baltimore School of Law
• Juris Doctor, University of Baltimore School of Law
• B.A., Criminal Justice (Cum Laude), John Jay College of Criminal Justice
Professional Admissions
• Maryland
• United States District Court for the District of Maryland
• District of Columbia
• United States Tax Court
Professional Memberships
• Baltimore County Bar Association (Estates & Trust and Pro Bono Committees)
• Baltimore Estate Planning Council
• Harford County Bar Association
• Maryland State Bar Association (Estates & Trust and Bankruptcy Sections)
Beyond the Office
Outside the practice of law, Yollette enjoys spending time with her immediate and extended family having meals and simply laughing.
She enjoys giving back to the Maryland communities she serves through volunteer legal clinics and educational outreach, as well as to her home church, Hiss United Methodist. Her passion for service, education, and advocacy continues to shape both her personal and professional life.