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Nicole Jenae D'Ambrogi

Estate planning Attorney at San Diego, CA

5.0   10 reviews

also known as Nicole Jenae Heffel

  • State Years
    Oregon - OR < 1 year
    Arizona - AZ 1 year
    California - CA 9 years
  • Licensed for less than one year
    State OR
    Acquired 2023
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 1 year
    State AZ
    Acquired 2022
    Status
    Active No misconduct found
  • Licensed for 9 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2013
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Nicole

Learn Nicole’s areas of practice.

Nicole D'Ambrogi is a San Diego based attorney focused on providing her clients with a comprehensive approach to their estate planning needs.

She was inspired to go into estate planning after learning that her grandmother’s estate planning attorney left out critical elements that left her grandmother vulnerable and unprotected.  Nicole learned the importance of what a well-developed, implemented and maintained estate plan can do for a person not just after death but during their life as well.

Her thirst for more knowledge on estate planning led her down the path of financial consulting. She realized that a properly developed estate plan doesn’t start at death. Nicole believes that planning from “today until death and then from death on” is the key to protecting an individual’s assets and preserving their legacy.

As a Navy veteran, Nicole lives the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment. She produces exemplary work backed by her passion for what she does and her dedication to her client’s goals.

Outside of her estate planning work, Nicole is dedicated to serving her brothers and sisters in the veteran community.

 

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Contact Nicole

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San Diego Legacy Law, PC
3517 Camino del Rio South
Suite 406
San Diego, CA, 92108

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  10 customer reviews
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Posted by anonymous | May 7, 2018
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Assualt and Battery Charge / Restraining Order
I must say that I have never been in a situation where I even needed a lawyer to represent me and guide me along what I needed to do. But Nicole Heffel made the whole "rather unpleasant" ordeal a breeze. Having been accused of "assault and battery" and having a restraining order filed against me, Nicole was awesome in gathering the facts, witnesses, documents and held my hand through the process. She kept me informed of what could happen ... but in the end ... we came out smiling. The full restraining order was dismissed and, as of today, I've heard nothing more from the person that accused me. I learned a lot in this process. Nicole Heffel is definitely one fine lawyer.
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Posted by Rachel | December 7, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Amazing depth of knowledge and comprehensive approach.
Nicole is truly amazing at what she does. I called her with a rather complex issue, which she took the time to talk me through. She was never in a rush and helped me to understand every angle that I was facing with the situation. She really helped me understand what I was walking into so that I could make an informed decision and explain it to everyone involved. When it comes to family matters and emotions are involved it gets really difficult to separate what is right to do from what the heart wants to do, Nicole made sure to keep me at a good balance so that I was able to not feel like I was losing out on one or the other in the decision making process. Truly, she's the best in this area, I wouldn't use anyone else!
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Posted by Robert | May 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly Recommend
My wife and I engaged the services of Nicole earlier this year for two reasons: 1) to create our estate plan document and 2) to help me navigate the VA system for a disability claim. We immediately felt that we were in good hands on both fronts. Nicole is extremely competent in both areas. She completed our estate plan in the time frame promised, answering our questions to our satisfaction, and providing the advice we needed. My claim with the VA was successful in record time. She is very knowledgeable about veterans rights and benefits and knows how to navigate the VA system. She continues to advise us when questions arise. We highly recommend Nicole.
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Posted by Don Roggensees | May 26, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Nicole understands Veteran's rights !
Nicole is a veteran and a veteran advocate that thoroughly understands Veteran issues. She is an expert in dealing with the confusing VA claims bureaucracy and assisted me step by step through this laborious process. The end result was a positive outcome with my claim being granted. Nicole has also assisted me in other legal matters with desirable outcomes. If you need someone to fight for your rights and interests call Nicole now!
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Posted by Ryan | April 7, 2015
Excellent Estate Planning
Being a business owner, it is very important that I have a good estate planner. Nicole answered all of my questions and guided me through the entire process. I couldn't recommend her any higher!
Posted by D'Ambrogi | March 30, 2015
Outstanding lawyer that will fight for you
Nicole Heffel is an amazing attorney that has no problem fighting for her clients. She is dedicated to the work and she believes in the cases that she chooses. I personally have only had one lawyer and i can honestly say that Nicole Heffel is the only lawyer that i will be using in the future. She is extremely knowledgeable and has always been able to answer any of my legal questions that i have for her. I recommend Ms. Nicole Heffel to any one who is seeking legal counsel.
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Posted by anita | March 5, 2015
consultation
I connected with Ms Nichole through a friend of mine. Nichole was experienced with her knowledge and professional in her delivery of the information that I was seeking. Through our discussion it became evident that because I was from out of state, that she was unable to assist me further in facilitating my needs. Nichole was however, able to provide me with information that would allow me to connect with the appropriate people who could help me. And although Nichole spend a good bit of time with me, she declined my offer of payment as she felt she was unable to care for my needs completely. I believe Nichole is truly in her profession to help people move forward in their lives. ....And yes, I recommend her.
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Posted by anonymous | March 4, 2015
jackson trust
I established my trust in 2001. I needed and wanted to update my executor, power of attorney, will and health care directive. Two of my closest friends recommended Ms. Heffel who had just recently created their trust. She was so amazing. I had so many questions and concerns. She answered each and every one. Her patience, understanding and incredible knowledge made me so comfortable. I also want to add that I needed help in writing a letter to my employer that I was retiring and submitting my resignation. This was not something that Ms. Heffel was required to do...but she so generously offered to do it for me. I am grateful to have met such a wonderful person. I would without hesitation recommend Ms. Heffel.
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Posted by Teresa | July 20, 2014
Outstanding Attorney
Nicole Heffel assisted me in a case against the SS Administration that was extremely challenging to say the least. Nicole Heffel made all the difference to win this case for me, she was informed, organized and a go getter... If I ever need legal assistance, I will call Ms. Heffel again and would recommend her highly as a very capable competent Attorney.
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Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2014
If we ever need legal services again we will be calling Ms. Heffel. She's amazing!
We found ourselves in a situation that no one wants to find themselves in. A false police report was filed against us and as a result the police further violated our civil rights in the most egregious way during the arrest. We were facing some rather serious charges. We hired Ms. Heffel to represent us and are so happy we did. She owned that courtroom, was polite but direct. She was professional and compassionate. The result of a 2 week jury trial was "not guilty" on all counts! It was a fair verdict but having Ms. Heffel to represent us was the best decision we made. She was able to relate to the jury and the witnesses in a way that she brought out the pertinent facts while being respectful at the same time. It is our opinion that she was born to do this work! Hopefully we won't find ourselves in this position again but if we ever need legal advise or representation again she will be the one we call!
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 15 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Heffel Law Firm
  • 2013 - Present
  • Financial Consultant
  • Axa Advisors, LLC
  • 2014 - 2014
  • SCRA Case Volunteer
  • San Diego Bar Association Lawyer Referral
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Certified Law Student
  • Veterans Legal Self-Help Clinic -Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • 2013 - 2013
  • Certified Law Student
  • Veterans Legal Assistance Clinic
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Law Clerk
  • Winslow & McCurry, PLLC
  • 2012 - 2012
  • Law Clerk
  • Law Offices of Robert Waller
  • 2011 - 2011
View all work experience

Education

  • Thomas Jefferson School of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2016
  • Thomas Jefferson SOL
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2013
  • Univ of Phoenix
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 2010

Legal Cases

  • People v. Miller
  • Not Guilty
  • Miller v. City of Sebastopol

Associations

  • Women Veterans Engaging the Nation
  • President
  • 2015 - Present
  • American History Theater
  • Chair of the Board
  • 2015 - Present
  • American Combat Veterans of War
  • Volunteer
  • 2014 - Present
  • Veterans Bar Association
  • President
  • 2013 - Present
  • San Diego Bar Association
  • 2012 - Present
  • WAVES
  • 2004 - Present
  • ScholarVet
  • Secretary
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Consumer Attorneys of San Diego
  • 2014 - 2015
  • Phi Alpha Delta
  • Vice President
  • 2010 - 2013
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Trailblazer
  • California Department of Veterans Affairs
  • 2016
  • Rising Star
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • President's Pro Bono Service Award
  • California State Bar
  • 2015
  • Resiliency Award
  • U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
  • 2015
  • Chartered Wealth Manager
  • Global Academy of Financial Management
  • 2015
  • Chartered Trust and Estate Planer
  • Global Academy of Financial Management
  • 2015
  • VIP Women Of The Year
  • National Association of Professional Women
  • 2014
  • Military Heroes Award
  • Channel 10 and Coleman University
  • 2014
  • Powerhouse Patriot Award
  • POWERHOUSE
  • 2014
  • Who's Who
  • Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities
  • 2013
View all awards

Publications

Speaking Engagements

  • AAUW Monthly Meeting
  • Women Veterans
  • 2016
  • She's Worth It
  • Self-Motivation
  • 2015
  • Military Womens Conference
  • Military Sexual Trauma
  • 2015
  • Powerhouse The Movement
  • Powerhouse Women and Confidence
  • 2014
  • Veterans Moving Forward
  • Self-Motivation
  • 2014
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (12)
Given (15)
Endorse Nicole
Military law Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nicole serves military families well because she listens and she cares. She is particularly well-positioned to provide these families with superb attention and care because she is a veteran."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nicole demonstrated herself to be knowledgeable and dedicated to her client's interests."
Litigation Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Nicole is a great lawyer and would be an excellent hire regarding veterans issues and financial issues more generally."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've only ever known Ms. Heffel to be a committed, energized, and competent lawyer in every aspect of her practice. Her love and knowledge of the law is mirrored by her compassion for her clients. Most impressive, Ms. Heffel has shown a long and sustained passion for assisting military veterans through individual and clinical work, enabling access to the law for an often marginalized and disadvantaged population. I endorse this lawyer."
Financial markets and services Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I first met Nicole when she was a law student and lead organizer of the Veterans' Clinic at the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. I was immediately impressed by her intelligence, maturity, and her strong desire to provide pro bono services to those most in need. She has recently opened up her own firm and I strongly endorse her. Her clients will be well served."
Unknown Attorney | Apr 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Nicole since our first year of law school, and in that time I've discovered her to be a driven, resourceful, and dedicated advocate. It's apparent that Nicole truly cares for the well being of her clients, and stops at nothing to advanced their best interests."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known her from the time she was a law student to present. She is a hard worker. Nicole helped lead the Veterans' Bar Association in San Diego."
Family Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nicole is one of the most passionate lawyers I know. She works hard for each of her clients to obtain the most favorable outcome. She is an asset to the legal community and committed to providing exceptional service."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've known Ms. Heffel for several years now. She has an unmatched passion for the law and is a fierce advocate for her clients rights. Her work is impeccable. I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly and without any reserve for any type of legal matter."
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have worked closely with Ms. Heffel and have been continuously impressed by her dedication, passion, and commitment to anything and everything she does. Ms. Heffel is an outstanding attorney and a genuine person."
Constitutional Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Nicole is the lawyer you want on your side when your rights have been violated. She truly goes to bat for her clients and works impossibly hard to ensure the best outcome. She is an amazing attorney and I highly endorse her skills."
View more endorsements
Criminal defense
Wills and living wills
Litigation
Estate planning
Criminal defense
General practice
Immigration
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Estate planning
Personal injury
Patent application