My Biography

After graduating from Stanford Law School and becoming a member of the California Bar, Donna spent most of her career working for endowed private foundations, including the David & Lucile Packard Foundation and the Walter S. Johnson Foundation. Donna is adept at recognizing potential legal issues that trusts, conservatorships, and estates are likely to encounter.

Donna has also served as Trust Administrator of a multi-billion dollar living trust established by a prominent Silicon Valley figure. This position involved working closely with the trustor’s family members, attorneys, and nursing staff, as well as the live-in staff of multiple vacation homes and working ranches. Donna brings the same qualities involved in that administration to her private fiduciary practice – accountability, financial expertise, ability to work with professionals in a variety of fields, sensitivity to the needs of the vulnerable client, and a dedication to open communication. Donna’s goal is to treat every client with the same individual care and respect that she experienced in her family.

Memberships:

• CA Bar Association since 1979 (#88158)
• Professional Fiduciaries Association of California (#1666
• San Mateo County Bar Association Estate Planning Section
• Silicon Valley Bar Association

Education:

• Purdue University, B.A. in Sociology, with highest honors
• Member: Phi Beta Kappa
• Named “Outstanding Senior Woman” by the American
• Association of University Women
• Stanford Law School, J.D.

Our Mission

“A fiduciary’s role is not merely that of business manager, decision-maker, or guardian. It is also a nurturing bond of trust, concern, and attentive care-giving. A fiduciary seeks to support mental and emotional well-being, reduce the stress of changing circumstances or unexpected events, and, most importantly, help each client, and their families, enjoy a fulfilling life.”