MaryClare Lawrence

For the last twelve years, MaryClare has focused exclusively on helping clients take care of their families and loved ones with estate planning, trust, probate, and trust administration services. She enjoys working with her clients to figure out the best ways to take care of their families' needs in the event of disability or death. She frequently speaks at seminars to educate the public and other professionals regarding estate planning and related issues. She serves on the board of directors for both the Redwood Empire Estate Planning Council and the Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire. She also serves on the Professional Advisory Board to the Community Foundation of Sonoma County.

MaryClare is the mother of a 21-year old girl and 18 year old boy.  Both are in college.  MaryClare is studying Latin through the junior college and conversational Latin in a non-academic group.  She enjoys reading history, biography, and science fiction, walking, watching the ocean, and riding her mower around while singing loudly.

For a limited time, new estate planning clients may have a FREE 1/2 hour consultation with MaryClare Lawrence about their estate planning situation. Click here to learn more.

Testimonials

"As a single person going through a transition and needing to create a new estate plan, I found MaryClare Lawrence's work to be invaluable. She guided me through a legal process that might otherwise have seemed complicated and overwhelming, with ease and humor. Because of her years of experience working with individuals and families, she was skilled at helping me think through future scenarios and constructing my wishes in such a way that all possible variables were covered. MaryClare often thought of things I couldn't, and I especially appreciated how she wrote key parts of the documents to read with a combination of clarity and power, and also sensitivity and compassion. After working with MaryClare Lawrence, I experienced the peace of mind that comes from being well prepared for the future, and I would recommend her highly."

Mary Beth

"MaryClare is an outstanding attorney and an outstanding person. She is professional, smart and has a good sense of humor, but above all, MaryClare is honest and trustworthy. Whenever I asked, I found her advice and counsel to be insightful and balanced. I trust MaryClare with all of my professional and personal legal affairs."

Chris O.

"Recently I retained the firm to formalize my Estate Planning and to prepare the necessary legal documents insuring my wishes and expectations are fulfilled once I am gone. I experienced great advice, service and value from MaryClare Lawrence, who handled the Estate Planning issues for me."

J. Douglas H.

"We were bereft when our Mother passed away unexpectedly, soon after the death of our father. Our family was reeling. We were eight siblings (and numerous grandchildren) from all across the country, suddenly dealing with the loss of a beloved parent, funeral arrangements and the huge task of processing an estate and divvying up the personal items that we all grew up with.

MaryClare was a godsend. She understood our need to accomplish these tasks with efficiency and without harming the integrity of the family unit. Prior to her death, our mother had the foresight to select MaryClare as her personal attorney to create revocable trust. What a gift from our mother! By placing the majority of her assets inside the trust, she ensured that we did not have to endure probate. Before her death, we were amazed and delighted with the time MaryClare took to make sure that Mom understood the planning process and was comfortable with each decision. Mom would never have accomplished this without MaryClare's thoughtful, skillful and kind guidance.

After Mom's death, MaryClare helped us resolve the estate issues, and just as importantly, helped us to find the best ways to handle the emotional issues of dividing personal assets. As business owners, we appreciate her quick, efficient responses to questions and legal guidance. As family members, MaryClare's advice has been our steadfast guidance through this emotional and difficult period of time. We highly recommend MaryClare for both her exceptional legal strength and her family counseling skills."

Suzanne and Barbara B.

Education

1976 Stanford University, B.A., History & Psychology (with distinction)

1982 U.C. Berkeley Boalt Hall, Juris Doctor

Licensing/Certification

1982 Licensed, State Bar of California, #104616

1982 Admitted to practice in Northern District of California Federal Court

Employment and Professional Activities

1985-present Partner, Conner Lawrence & Rodney LLP

1984-1985 Attorney, Private practice, Sonoma County

1982-1984 Attorney, Alameda County

1992-present Judge Pro Tem, Settlement Conference Panelist, Sonoma County Superior Court

1984-present Member, Sonoma County Bar Association (Board member 1987)

1984-present Member, Sonoma County Women in Law (Board member, 1986-1988)

1994 - 1999 Member, Alternative Dispute Resolution, Sonoma County Bar Association, (Steering Committee, 1994-1996)

1985-1992 Board member, Chrysalis Counseling Services for Women

1999-2003 Member, Richard Sangster Inns of Court

1985-1992 Sonoma County Peace Chorus, Soprano

2000-2001 Board Member Willow Wood Waldorf School

Seminar Series

Estate Planning for the Small Business Owner

Your Business and Your Spouse: Making Decisions and Dealing with Family Changes.

The ABCs of Wills and Trusts: What are they, really?

Mama's Little Baby Needs a New Will

Five Things Everyone Should Know About Buying a House With Someone You Love

Domestic Partners: Protecting Each Other In Case of Death or Disability