The Team

Naoko Inoue Shatz, Co-Founder and Board Chair of IFJC, transitioned into family law after a tragic incident involving a Japanese woman’s suicide following her declined divorce case. Motivated by this event, Naoko began handling family law matters, recognizing a growing need for services among immigrant and international families. In 2017, she co-founded IFJC with Anthony Gipe. As Managing Attorney at Shatz Law Group PLLC, she continues to focus on business and employment law, while also handling select international family law cases, including those under the Hague Convention. Naoko also serves as outside General Counsel for several major Japanese organizations.

Since November 1, 2019, Anthony David Gipe has served as a judge for Kent Municipal Court with over 20 years of legal experience. Though no longer involved in IFJC operations, he continues to offer training on international and family law as Co-Founder. Before his legal career, he worked as an intelligence analyst and interpreter. Anthony has held leadership roles in the Washington State Bar Association, including serving as its President from 2013 to 2016. He is also a founding board member of QLAW and the WSBA Leadership Institute. In addition to his legal work, he serves on several judicial committees and holds degrees in linguistics, Russian, and art. In his free time, Anthony enjoys fitness and painting.

Mei Shih is an attorney with a B.A. in International Relations and East Asian Studies from the University of California, Davis, and a J.D. from California Western School of Law. As a first-generation Chinese-American, she brings a unique perspective to her legal practice, helping clients navigate cultural and language barriers. Fluent in Mandarin, Cantonese, and Taishanese, Mei is dedicated to serving the Seattle Chinese community, simplifying complex legal processes, and guiding clients through difficult legal matters.

Alice Bagirova is a Washington state attorney practicing in family law, personal injury, traffic tickets, and DUIs across King, Snohomish, and Pierce Counties. A 2014 graduate of Seattle University School of Law, she has extensive experience in domestic violence cases and family law matters. Alice is vice president of the East King County Bar Association, a board member of IFJC, and fluent in Russian. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, traveling, and spending time with loved ones.

Carmen, originally from Coalcomán, Michoacán, México, is the Administrative Director at MacDonald Hoague & Bayless, a law firm specializing in immigration, employment, and civil rights. A Marywood University alumna with degrees in Computer Systems, Telecommunications, and International Business, she also serves on the IFJC Board of Directors. Carmen is an active member and volunteer in various organizations, including the Latina/o Bar Association, QLAW, and the Greater Seattle Business Association. She is also recognized as an Honored Listee for Marquis Who’s Who.

Hiroko is a trauma-informed mental health counselor specializing in supporting survivors of domestic violence and their families. Originally from Japan, she studied sociology in New York, researching discrimination against women and minorities. After a 15-year career as a journalist, she was deeply affected by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and moved to Seattle to study counseling psychology. With over nine years of experience, Hiroko has worked with organizations like Lifewire and ELAP, advocating for trauma survivors. Drawing from her personal experience with domestic violence and divorce, she is passionate about supporting immigrant families in court. Hiroko also organizes parenting workshops and enjoys participating in local choirs and a ukulele group.

Katrina Weeks is a global health professional with 13+ years of experience using evidence and innovation to advance human rights and health. As Associate Director at Fòs Feminista, she collaborates with 150+ organizations to promote sexual and reproductive health and justice. Her work focuses on trauma-informed responses to gender-based violence. She holds dual master’s degrees in Public Health and Business Administration from Johns Hopkins University and received a Fulbright award in 2012 to research reproductive health access in Argentina. A Danish-American, she has lived and worked in Mexico, Argentina, and Peru and is fluent in English, Spanish, and Danish.