Shelly Portillo

Originally from California, Shelly Portillo relocated to Scottsdale in 2016 and joined BCK in December 2025, bringing more than twenty years of experience as a Trust and Estates Paralegal. Having worked in settings ranging from sole practitioners to national law firms, Shelly has developed a well‑rounded perspective on the legal and administrative aspects of estate planning and trust administration. This diverse background has strengthened her knowledge and skill set, enabling her to assist clients so they can move forward with confidence in planning for their future. 

Shelly currently assists the firm with drafting estate planning documents, including Trusts, Wills, Powers of Attorneys, trust funding instruments, and corporate records. Estate planning has always been a true passion for her, as she finds great fulfillment in helping individuals and families prepare for every stage of life. Shelly is known for her compassionate and patient approach, taking pride in guiding clients with care, understanding, and professionalism. Building meaningful relationships with families and helping provide peace of mind are the most rewarding parts of her work.

Outside of the office, Shelly enjoys cooking and baking sweets, especially during the holidays when she can prepare family meals and gather with loved ones. She and her husband enjoy the quieter pace of life as empty nesters, often spending evenings appreciating Arizona’s beautiful views and sunsets. Their energetic Australian Cattle Dog, Starr, keeps them active and entertained with her lively spirit.

Before joining the BCK team, EJ worked for a small firm in Tempe as an estate planning and estate administration paralegal and has many years of experience assisting clients with complex estate administration and estate planning issues.

EJ graduated magna cum laude from the Hartt School of Music (University of Hartford) with a Bachelor of Music degree in Percussion Performance.  She also obtained a Master of Music degree in Percussion Performance from the University of Akron, and a Paralegal Certificate from Phoenix College.

EJ and her husband moved to Arizona in 2005 from Rhode Island.  She enjoys reading, music, attending plays, mountain biking and hiking with her husband, and playing with their dogs.