Dorothy M Bickford

After practicing law in the estate planning and probate areas for 33 years, I find that every client and every estate still present unique challenges and opportunities.  Every client's needs are different and it is my task to make sure those needs are met and in the most cost-effective manner possible. Especially in probating an estate, but also in planning for the welfare of a family, the client faces emotional decisions and needs experienced guidance to make sure the family is well-protected.  That is my job and I do it well.

It is important to give back to the community in whatever way our talents and time will permit.  For that reason, I try to commit to United Way when there is a fit between my interests and abilities and their needs.

I am a member of the ACLU Amicus group and have worked as a cooperating attorney, with one of my partners, on a reproductive rights case, pro bono.  Being a woman of a certain age and remembering how frightening it was to grow up in the 1960s, securing reproductive rights for women is dear to my heart so it was a privilege to represent a physician very successfully in this case.  I look forward to being of assistance to the ACLU again.

I also do some pro bono work for the Women's Bar Association Elder Law Project.  The Project identifies elderly and indigent men and women who are in need of such documents as health care proxies, durable powers of attorney and, in some cases, wills. The participating lawyers meet with the clients, prepare the documents needed, and supervise document execution.  Having their affairs in order is as important to this population as it is to millionaire clients.

But, the most enjoyable aspect of my life these days is my tiny grandson!  I am SO a grandmother and will bore you with tales of his 2 year old exploits and his pictures at the drop of a hat!