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 Prior to becoming a licensed fiduciary, I served as an attorney since 1985. I received my B.A. degree from the University of California at San Diego, an M.A. from the University of California at Berkeley and my JD from University of California, Hastings College of the Law. I have a certificate in Fiduciary Management from California State University Fullerton and have had over 70 hours of mediation training.

 

Before I retired from my legal career with the University of California,  I spent the first seven years in a litigation firm and gained experience litigating in both state and federal court and in front of administrative agencies. For twenty years I served as in-house attorney for the University of California at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, a 7000-employee federally-funded national security scientific research laboratory.  I held a top secret security clearance. I was responsible for managing legal risk, hiring and partnering with legal teams, and for  multi-million dollar legal budgets. I  worked closely with Human Resources in managing difficult workplace problems and resolving conflict situations. I served as a legal representative on the Benefits and Investment Committee, the fiduciary committee responsible for investment of multi-billion dollar employee pension and 401k plans and the hiring and assessment of fund managers. I speak German and have a basic knowledge of Spanish.

 

 

 

Since 2012 after transitioning from full time practice with the University of California, I decided I wanted to serve the legal needs of seniors as a volunteer attorney and a member of the Board of Directors of Contra Costa Senior Legal Services. Every week I would meet seniors from all walks of life in the  Contra Costa Superior Court’s Senior Self-Help Center and at county senior centers where I volunteered in the Consult an Attorney Program and provided education on elder abuse. I discovered that working to solve problems for seniors and individuals with special needs has been immensely rewarding.  These services have given me an in-the-trenches perspective of the difficulties faced by seniors and their families in today’s world.

 

 I also managed the wealth and finances of a parent with advanced Alzheimer’s. I have learned first-hand how to deal with the challenges of finding appropriate care, and solving legal, financial and medical problems in an increasingly complex world. My experience as a manager of people disputes and professional services, broad legal background, and tenacious advocacy for my clients, bring an ideal blend of skills, broad life experience and compassion to the work of a fiduciary.

 

I enjoy the outdoors, animals, hiking,  playing the piano, bicycle touring, nature photography, many kinds of music, and spending time with my family.

 

 

 

Associations and Public Service:

 

  • State Bar of California (1985) (Trusts and Estates Section)

  • Professional Fiduciary Association of California

  • Contra Costa County Bar Association (Elder Law and Probate Sections)

  • Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council

  • East Bay Trust and Estate Lawyers

  • Previous Secretary, Board of Directors, Contra Costa Senior Legal Services

  • Former Judge Pro Tem, Contra Costa County Superior Court (Small Claims, Unlawful Detainer, Civil Harassment)

 

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