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M. Jane Pearce
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M. Jane Pearce
Law Office of M. Jane Pearce
1430 Alhambra Boulevard
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 452-3883 | Fax: (916) 452-3881
http://www.lawyers.com/mjanepearce
Professional, Efficient & Focused on the Task at Hand
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Those who are ready to plan to protect the people who are important to them, including minor children and disabled adults.
Sub-Categories
Estate Planning
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1985
Bar Number: 117626
Other Court Admissions
State of California; U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
Association Memberships
Sacramento County Bar Association (Member, Sections: Probate; Family Law); State Bar of California (Member, Sections: Probate and Estate Planning; Family Law).
Continuing Education
I both attend and teach continuing education courses in my areas of expertise. I have also guest lectured at McGeorge and the University of California at Davis law schools.
Papers and Publications
I write articles when solicited for various organizations.
Example Cases
In the late 1980s I argued an appellate case on behalf of a non-biological lesbian parent. She lost, but it and other cases eventually lead to legislation which protects the rights of those parents. I have represented family members, partners and neighbors in estate contests, adoption disputes, conservatorships, guardianships, co-owner property disputes and partition and fraud actions.
Education
Degree:
J. D. (Doctor of Jurisprudence)
School:
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
City:
Sacramento
State:
CA
Year:
1983
Focus and Accomplishments:
Legal Studies
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Austin College
City:
Sherman
State:
TX
Year:
1979
Focus and Accomplishments:
Political Science
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
I have been a sole practitioner since 1990. My firm shares an office building with eight other attorneys. We share some support staff and common areas, but we each have our own paralegal or secretary to serve our individual clients.
Previous Employment Summary
Metrailer, Langenkamp & Kirk, Associate Attorney, 1986-1990
Activities and Awards
I participate in public education seminars sponsored by various organizations; I have served on boards of professional and nonprofit organizations.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I like to work with informed clients; it can make my job simpler. However, when they say they know nothing about the topic, I know where to start.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Especially with simple estate planning documents, it can cost them more for me to review it than to prepare it. However, I frequently review and advise regarding trusts prepared by others.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I have done that on an hourly basis, which seems to work well. It is a series of consultations in the office, without representation of record. Whenever they feel the need, clients can schedule to meet with me for the next phase of the case. They pay as they go.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
It is an honorable profession in an amazing constitutional system. I like the variety, the options, and the challenges in helping people sort their way through it.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I now have over 20 years of experience in litigation, transactional planning and consulting. I prefer to prevent problems for clients by planning but, when needed, will represent them in court to resolve problems that arise.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
My practice has evolved toward more of the planning end of law because it is more fun to prevent than to correct problems after they arise. That means more estate planning, prenuptial agreements, surrogacy/donor agreements and property agreements.
What do you like best about your career?
The diversity of my clients and their needs keeps me interested. The client contact is why I enjoy private practice.
Tell us about your law firm:
I have a paralegal who works closely with me and each client to deliver the best possible service. Various other legal staff is on site and other professionals are included when needed.
What are your strengths and style?
I have broad and lengthy experience. I enjoy clients of every age, race, culture, gender, income level, religion, sexual orientation, or political persuasion.
I like to think I am professional, efficient and focused with the task at hand, but I also want to hear my client's new joke or latest travel adventure.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy reading, hiking, gardening, sports, traveling, playing bridge, food and wine.
Office Manager/Assistant
Delores
Fax
(916) 452-3881
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Estate planning, uncontested adoptions and surrogacy contracts are flat fee and depend on the complexity of the matter.
Hourly Rates
$225
Free Initial Consultation?
$100 for the first 30 minutes, which is waived if I am retained for a flat fee service.
Typical Retainer
That depends on the complexity of the matter.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
