$ 500-500 per hour
also known as Rebecca, Secord
I absolutely love helping my clients buy their first home, sell their starters, upgrade to their next big adventure, or transition to their next phase of life. Whether you're a first-time buyer, a long-term couple, a single professional, or a family that doesn't look like the ones in the brochures, the confidence my clients have going into a transaction and through the whole process is one of the most rewarding aspects of practicing this type of law.
My very first class in law school was real estate law, and let me tell you, this was like nothing I'd ever experienced. I remember vividly cracking open that big red book and staring at the pages, not having the faintest idea what I was actually reading. Despite those initial scary moments, I grew to love real estate law.
My obsession with real estate law was solidified when I was working in Virginia at a law firm outside DC. I ran the settlement (escrow) department and learned the ins and outs of transactions and the unique needs of the parties.
My ex and I bought our first home in Virginia in 2012, and despite being an attorney, there was so much we didn't know, especially when it came to our HOA and our mortgage. Our real estate agent was a wonderful resource for finding our home and negotiating some of the key terms, but there was something missing in the process. I've spent the last 10 years helping those who were in the same situation we were in better understand the process—and helping them plan for what comes next.
That same drive to help people feel confident and prepared is why I also built out an estate planning practice. Buying a home is often the first time people think seriously about the future: what happens to this place, and to the people they love, down the road. That question doesn't have one right answer, and your estate plan shouldn't be built as if it does.
I'm passionate about creating inclusive estate plans for LGBTQ+ families and non-traditional families. The plans that too many attorneys still build around a template that assumes a straight, married couple with 2.5 kids. Your family might look like a long-term partnership without marriage, a chosen family, co-parents who aren't romantically involved, or a household that doesn't fit neatly into a box on someone else's intake form. Whatever it looks like, it deserves a plan that reflects it; one that names the people you trust, protects the people you love, and holds up when it matters most.
I work with single people, married couples, poly families and everyone in between, building plans for non-taxable estates without the unnecessary complexity (or price tag) that so often gets tacked on. You shouldn't need a seven-figure estate to deserve a thoughtful plan. Whether it's your first time thinking about a will, or you're finally getting around to updating one that's years overdue, I want you to leave my office knowing your wishes are documented, your people are protected, and nothing was left to guesswork.
When I'm not at my desk, you'll usually find me out on a softball field, brush in hand working on a watercolor, trying to get my giant cat to walk on a leash, or planning the next trip (Spain is still on my mind). I'm also almost always in the middle of a good book, and one of my favorite things in the world is going to concerts with my pre-teen. Music has become one of our favorite things to share together!
3
Practice Areas
16 years
16 years
16 years
$ 500-500 per hour
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
1901 1st Ave, Suite 204, San Diego, CA, 92101
5 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Cost of Services
Posted by Ryan | January 07, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Exceptional Experience
Rebecca was an incredible help in our FSBO home sale. She was responsive and easy to work with, offered sound advice throughout the process, and saved us a lot of money during contract negotiations. I can't recommend her or SoCal Realty highly enough!
"I endorse this lawyer. Rebecca is my "go to" lawyer for all legal real estate and real property issues. She has a deep and vast knowledge of the legal frameworks in and around all real estate/property issues...and knows how to efficiently and effectively solve problems for her clients."
"Without hesitation, I would recommend Rebecca. She is a dedicated and brilliant attorney. I look forward to collaborating on matters with Rebecca and strongly endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Rebecca is a particularly strong advocate for her clients in and out of the courtroom. I've seen her take on very demanding matters, dig in and come up with excellent results for her clients."
Divorce and separation lawyer
2016
Academy of Achievement, Illinois State University College of Applied Science and Technology
2021 - Present
Owner, Your Home Legal, APC
2019 - 2020
Shareholder, So Cal Realty Law, APC
2014 - 2017
Of Counsel, Redmon, Petyon & Braswell
2011 - 2013
Associate, Redmon, Peyton & Braswell LLP
2010 - 2011
Contract Attorney, Legal Source
2008 - 2009
Law Clerk, Bonner Kiernan Trebach & Crociata, LLP
2008 - 2009
Intern, Massachusetts Attorney General's Office
2007 - 2007
Law Clerk, Cook County State Attorney's Office
2006 - 2006
Law Clerk, Cook County State Attorney's Office
2019 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Alexandria Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Federal Bar Association (Northern Virginia chapter)Member
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Defendant prevailed on several counts and on appeal
2009
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BS - Bachelor of Science
2020
2014
English
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Will adding me onto a joint real estate deed and removing 1 person from the new mortgage and deed trigger a reassessment?
24 Mar 2021
I bought a house with my step daughter. She never lived in the house nor paid any mortgage. Is she entitled to money ?
22 Feb 2020
Do I have a right to see my grandmother's will before any property or money is dispersed?
31 Jan 2020