Rachel and Lara started Heisler Rosenfeld LLP in 2020 because their families were what was most important to them, and they shared a common goal of wanting to assist and support other individuals and families who felt the same way. Lisa Zaragoza joined the partnership in March 2024 after the three women recognized that not only did they collaborate successfully, but they had shared values and similar goals.
Heisler Zaragoza Rosenfeld LLP stands for zealous client advocacy and compassion. The Heisler Rosenfeld Zaragoza LLP team consists of legal professionals who share the core values on which the firm was built. The firm is well-rounded, handling all aspects of estate and probate law from proactive estate planning to conservatorships and guardianships.
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Lara Heisler has been practicing law for over twenty years and specializes in conservatorships and guardianships. She grew up in Contra Costa County and is passionate about serving the community where she grew up and is raising her children. She lives in Walnut Creek with her husband, daughter, and son. Lara is not only active in the local legal community, but she is committed to involvement in her children’s school, assisting with field trips and the annual fundraising gala.
Bar Admissions:
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California State Bar
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New York State Bar (Inactive)
Memberships and Associations:
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Contra Costa County Bar Association - Elder Law Committee Board Member
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Contra Costa County Criminal Conflict Program- Board Member Representing Probate Cases
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Rachel Rosenfeld focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probates, and inheritance disputes. She also represents clients in all aspects of conservatorship cases and trust and estate litigation. Rachel’s favorite part of her job is working proactively with her clients and empowering them to make informed, yet sometimes tough, decisions.
Prior to working in probate law, Rachel worked at a large and well-known financial institution handling joint tenant and trust disputes on behalf of the company. There, she managed a team of individuals who responded to third party actions. Rachel also has experience in general civil litigation and family law.
Rachel grew up in the Silicon Valley and currently lives in Contra Costa County with her husband, her son, and her two dogs. Her family is what is most important to her.
She loves being involved in the local legal and estate planning community which includes membership in several organizations.
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Bar Admissions:
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California State Bar
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Memberships and Associations:
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National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Northern California Chapter - President
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East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer- Vice President
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Contra Costa County Bar Association
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Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and 2023
​Lisa Zaragoza is a dedicated estate planning attorney with additional expertise in trust administration, probates, and guardianships. Ms. Zaragoza earned her Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and her JD from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston. After receiving her Juris Doctor in 2008, Ms. Zaragoza was admitted to the California State Bar and has been providing valuable legal counsel since.
Beyond her professional achievements, Ms. Zaragoza treasures her family time with her husband, two wonderful children, and her spirited Schnauzer, Zoom.
Ms. Zaragoza is an active member of her local community and is committed to providing excellent counsel to her clients.
Bar Admissions:
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California State Bar
Memberships and Associations:
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Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations
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Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley
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Professional Fiduciary Association of California
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Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill
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East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer
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Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, and 2023
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​Tyler Smith is a trial attorney with extensive civil and criminal defense experience. Mr. Smith helped secure a not guilty verdict for Max Harris in the GhostShip warehouse fire trial, and he represented Raymond “Shrimp Boy” Chow in trial against 162 federal felony counts.
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Mr. Smith earned his J.D. from Golden Gate University School of Law in 2012, where he was the Executive Articles Editor for the law review, and was heavily involved with the school’s respected litigation program. He earned his undergraduate degree in Sociology from Duke University in 2003, where he also competed on the wrestling team.
In his free time, Mr. Smith is an assistant coach for the Las Lomas High School wrestling team. He enjoys jiu jitsu, mountain biking, skiing, and gardening.
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Mr. Smith is focused on delivering the best possible result for his clients.
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Bar Admissions:
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California State Bar
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Memberships and Associations:​
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Contra Costa County Bar Association
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Contra Costa County Criminal Conflicts Program
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Princy Nechikat is a passionate attorney focusing in estate planning with a strong background in trusts. Ms. Nechikat obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of California, Merced and her JD from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 2019. Admitted to the California State Bar in 2020, Ms. Nechikat has been offering skillful legal guidance ever since.
Outside of the office, Ms. Nechikat cherishes her family time, especially with her husband and enjoys cooking and Bollywood dancing; she was even part of the UC Merced Tashan dance team.
Ms. Nechikat is devoted to providing outstanding counsel to her clients.
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Bar Admissions:
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California State Bar
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Memberships and Associations:​
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Contra Costa County Bar Association
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East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer
Sam Howard is a skilled paralegal and notary who assists all HRZ attorneys in providing top-notch legal services. Mr. Howard is most adept in transactional law, specializing in estate planning, probate, and trust administration. Mr. Howard graduated from California State University, Chico where he earned his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science & Legal Studies as well as his Paralegal certification.
Mr. Howard has lived in Oakland for the past 8 years where, outside of the workplace, he coaches club volleyball, plays recreationally, and hangs out with his cat, Chaunacy.