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Sara R. Diamond

Sara R. Diamond

Sara R. Diamond Attorney at Law
2140 Shattuck Avenue
Suite 604
Berkeley, CA 94704

Phone: (510) 548-4844  |  Fax: (510) 548-4843
http://www.saradiamondattorney.com

Contact Sara R. Diamond

For Greater Peace of Mind.

Legal Topic

Wills, Trusts & Estates

Preferred New Clients

I enjoy working with a diverse group of clients: very elderly, seniors, aging baby boomers and young singles and couples. At each stage of life, we need to make sure our affairs are in order since we never know what uncertainty will arise. I work with surviving spouses, adult children of elderly or deceased parents, clients of diverse racial, ethnic and religious backgrounds, and unmarried domestic partners.

Sub-Categories

Taxes
  • Power of Attorney
Estate Planning
  • Charitable Giving
  • Drafting Trusts
  • Drafting Wills
  • Estate Administration
  • Estate Planning
  • Living Trusts
  • Living Wills
  • Probate

Bar Admissions

CA, Dec 2003
Bar Number: 226998

Other Court Admissions

California

Association Memberships

I am a member of the State Bar of California and the State Bar of California's Trusts & Estates Section, the Alameda County Bar Association, the Contra Costa County Bar Association, and the Berkeley-Albany Bar Association.

Continuing Education

I take 45-60 hours of CLE in estate planning, probate and trust administration per year.

Papers and Publications

In my previous career, I authored four books and numerous articles (my books are reviewed on amazon.com under author "Diamond, Sara"). Currently I write articles on estate planning for the Spirit Rock Meditation Center Newsletter and for the newsletter of the Berkeley Senior Center.

Example Cases

I do a lot of estate planning for singles and couples, which includes creating and funding revocable living trusts. We often discuss the unique family dynamics that require clients to make difficult decisions about choices of beneficiaries, trustees and guardians for minor children.

Education

Degree:

J.D.

School:

University of California Hastings College of the Law

City:

San Francisco

State:

CA

Year:

2003

 

Degree:

B.A

School:

University of California at Irvine

City:

Irvine

State:

CA

Year:

1979

Focus and Accomplishments:

Spanish

 

Degree:

Ph.D.

School:

University of California at Berkeley

City:

Berkeley

State:

CA

Year:

1993

Focus and Accomplishments:

Sociology

Number of Attorneys

1

State Licensed In

California

Firm Focus and History

I began my firm upon passing the bar exam in 2003 because I prefer self employment. I focus in the areas of estate planning, probate and trust administration with an orientation toward elder law, meaning I am attuned to the psycho-social dynamics of aging, illness and death.

Previous Employment Summary

I was previously a journalist, political author and Sociology professor. From 1983-1998, I conducted an independent research project on right-wing social movements. I earned a Ph.D. in Sociology from UC Berkeley. I speak Spanish, and have done a lot of public speaking and media appearances.

Activities and Awards

I speak often on estate planning at senior centers. Once a month I conduct a Wills Clinic for low-income seniors in Richmond, California. I also serve on the Gifts Council of a major non-profit meditation center in the Bay Area.

What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?

I am very appreciative when clients educate themselves as they increasingly do. I prefer it when clients have already given thought to difficult issues such as whom to name as beneficiaries, executors and trustees.

Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?

I am happy to review such documents and will--and have--told them when it is more cost-effective for an attorney to draft new documents rather than to fix one they have done.

Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?

I don't do any litigation, so I don't coach clients in that regard. With sophisticated clients in trust administration, I coach clients to do as much work as possible to save costs.

Why did you decide to be a lawyer?

I made a mid-life career shift to law because I wanted a career in which I could use my intelligence and verbal skills, work independently, and embody values of kindness and service.

What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?

I was a professor, public intellectual and activist for many years and have a lot of knowledge about many non-legal matters. I began as a lawyer in my 40s with lots of life and family experience of my own.

Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?

During law school, I realized that I wanted to serve aging baby boomers like myself. That led me to investigate the field of elder law, of which estate planning is a subset. I enjoy people of all ages, which this practice brings. I don't litigate. Estate planning, as I practice it, is a form of legal social service.

What do you like best about your career?

I love direct engagement in assisting clients.

Tell us about your law firm:

I work alone as I did by and large in my previous career. I love the mix of periods of solitude and periods of communication with clients and colleagues outside my office.

What are your strengths and style?

I was broadly educated in the social sciences before becoming a lawyer and worked with many different kinds of people. I am patient, persistent, compassionate, and I have a dry sense of humor—when appropriate. I am very accessible: I answer my own phone and return calls and emails as soon as possible.

I have been described by former clients as down-to-earth, hard working and kind. I am patient, and listen well with attentiveness to what a client is experiencing.

Personal Interests:

I practice daily meditation and am involved in the local Buddhist community. I read a great deal and spend time with friends.

Office Manager/Assistant

None

Fax

(510) 548-4843

Office Hours

Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Emergency After Hours

No

Foreign Languages

Se habla español.

Fixed-Price Services and Fees

Please inquire for details.

Hourly Rates

$225.

Free Initial Consultation?

I talk to people for free briefly on the telephone.

Typical Retainer

I ask for an advance deposit of about 1/2 of the estimated fee.

Understanding Fees

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