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Michelle Anne McKenna
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Michelle Anne McKenna
Law Firm of Thomas F. McKenna
500 Ygnacio Valley Road
Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
Phone: (925) 820-3944 | Fax: (925) 933-4515
http://www.tfmcriminallawfirm.com
Probate & Conservatorships
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I represent executors of estates in probate proceedings, and occasionally trustees or successor trustees. I also represent adult children or family members who are in need of establishing a conservatorship for their parent or loved one. In addition, I represent guardians in guardianship cases.
Sub-Categories
Estate Planning
- Estate Administration
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1998
Bar Number: 197956
Other Court Admissions
California
Association Memberships
California State Bar Association, Contra Costa Bar Association
Continuing Education
I regularly attend continuing education seminars in the areas of probate, conservatorship and guardianship law.
Example Cases
With regard to conservatorship cases, my client is often an adult child of a parent who has become unable to provide for his/her personal and health care needs and/or financial affairs. Quite often, it is the parent's child who will assume responsibility for his/her parent's affairs. In consulting with the client, I first make sure that a conservatorship is necessary. Depending on the circumstances, there may be less costly alternatives available that would resolve the matter. In probate cases, I generally represent the executor of the estate with the goal of distributing the beneficiaries' inheritance as quickly as possible.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
San Diego State University
City:
San Diego
State:
CA
Year:
1986
Focus and Accomplishments:
Psychology
Degree:
M.S.
School:
California State University Hayward
City:
Hayward
State:
CA
Year:
1991
Focus and Accomplishments:
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
John F. Kennedy University School of Law
City:
Pleasant Hill
State:
CA
Year:
1998
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I was admitted to the California State Bar in 1998. I am an associate with the Law Office of O'Malley & McKenna. My practice primarily involves probate, conservatorships and guardianships. Our firm also provides legal services in the areas of criminal defense and personal injury.
Previous Employment Summary
Bray & Bray, Associate, 2003 - 2005
Law Office of Judith Finch, Associate, 2002 - 2003
Law Office of Thomas F. McKenna, Associate/Office Manager, 1994 - 1997
San Francisco District Attorney's Office, Legal Intern, 1997
The Work Place, Inc., Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, 1991 - 1994
Office of Education, Counselor/Sub Teacher, 1989 - 1991
Activities and Awards
In addition to my probate, conservatorship and guardianship practice, I act as court-appointed counsel in conservatorship cases.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is great when clients take the time to educate themselves on legal issues. But it is my job to make sure the client understands the issues of his/her case and how the legal process works. It is very important to me to keep my clients well-informed of the status of their case.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Generally, no. It depends on the circumstances and the type of document. Since I do not generally coach clients who want to represent themselves, I would not review the documents related to their self-representation.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I became a lawyer because I wanted to help people. Legal matters are usually complex and the legal system is not always so easy to understand. I am good at explaining issues and the legal process, and I am attentive and available to my clients. I take the time to understand my clients' concerns and family issues with the goal of resolving the matter as quickly as possible and in the most cost-effective manner.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My work history is diverse. Most of my employment history has involved working with people, primarily in a teaching or counseling capacity. My teaching experience includes the areas of behavior modification, nutrition and exercise, and teaching art and enrichment classes to preschool and primary age children. While I was working on my Master's Thesis, I was a substitute teacher for Contra Costa Court Schools. My counseling experience includes counseling pregnant and parenting teens in the areas of educational/career development, job search skills, family planning and crisis intervention. I also worked as a vocational rehabilitation counselor within the California Workers' Compensation System. I also have extensive experience in the restaurant business in a food service and bartending capacity, which helped pay for my education.
I am open, approachable and honest. I enjoy working with people and my strong work ethic, compassion and "people skills" make me a good lawyer. I also believe that my court-appointed cases (in the areas of conservatorships and guardianships) have been and continue to be a valuable experience that makes me a better lawyer.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
After law school, I initially worked in the area of criminal defense with my husband. I decided I wanted to try a different area of law, and since approximately 2002, I have been practicing law in the area of probate, conservatorships and guardianships.
What do you like best about your career?
I like the helping aspect of my work, and I like to be an advocate for my client. I also like the negotiation part of my job when dealing with opposing counsel and family members.
Tell us about your law firm:
In the firm, there is also my husband, Tom McKenna and his our assistant/office manager Claudia Fernadez.
What are your strengths and style?
I am experienced and attentive to my clients. I am honest and compassionate, and I understand the clients' concerns and family issues that are involved in probate law. I get the job done so that they can move on with their lives.
I am friendly, open, and professional.
Personal Interests:
My family, reading, and travel.
Office Manager/Assistant
Claudia Fernandez
Fax
(925) 933-4515
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
My fees are usually by the hour.
Hourly Rates
$250
Free Initial Consultation?
I do have a free initial consultation that can be by the phone or in person.
Typical Retainer
In probate cases, my fee is statutory, which means it is set by law and based by the value of the estate.
In conservatorship and guardianship cases where a conservator or guardian will be appointed, the typical retainer is approximately $5,000. Out of that retainer, approximately $1,200 to $1,500 will be paid to the court for the filing fee and the court investigation fee. In conservatorship and guardianship cases where there is an estate, I will usually only request the filing and court investigation fee, as my fees will be paid in the future from the conservatorship or guardianship estate, subsequent to court approval.
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