Areas of Emphasis
Estate Planning
Probate and Trust Administration
Conservatorships
Guardianships
Litigation Bar Admissions
California
U.S. District Court
Northern District of California
Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals
Practice Emphasis
Ms. Finnegan is certified by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in probate, estate planning and trust law. She drafts estate plans for individuals and couples, and works with the firm's business attorneys on coordinated business succession planning. She handles all aspects of post-death estate administration, and represents both conservators and conservatees (via court appointment) in conservatorship matters. Ms. Finnegan holds the highest rating, "AV", from Martindale-Hubbell.
Ms. Finnegan is also an experienced civil and probate litigator, representing fiduciaries and beneficiaries. She handles all aspects of estate, trust and elder law litigation, and specializes in crafting global resolutions for complex estate and trust disputes through creative negotiation and mediation.
Professional Affiliations
State Bar of California
Monterey County Bar Association
American Bar Association
Monterey Women Lawyers Association
Education
JD, University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1988
BA, Psychology, University of Delaware, 1983. Member, Phi Beta Kappa.
Community Service Activities
Ms. Finnegan served on the Iyengar Yoga Institute Board for five years, the San Carlos School PTO Board for eight years and the Legal Services for Seniors Board for two years. She served as Treasurer for the Monterey County Bar Association for two years, and as Chair of the Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Section for three years. This year Ms. Finnegan ended her terms on the Boards of Harmony At Home (7 years) and the Carmel Foundation (6 years).
Other Experience Highlights
Before moving to Monterey County and joining Noland Hamerly, Ms. Finnegan practiced in the San Francisco Bay Area for 13 years. She is a frequent speaker on the topics of estate and trust litigation, and elder abuse.