Rita Anne Holder

One of my passions is for the earth's ecosystems.  I went to UC Berkeley as an undergraduate and graduated with a BS in Environmental Science.  Before going to law school I worked for the City of Concord for a few years doing environmental planning.  I learned to draft blueprints and made maps of local flood plains, earthquake areas, waterways, the water district, waste management,  electrical power and streets. I loved the job.  My mom kept pushing me to go to Law School because no one else in my large extended family was a lawyer- that's 14 aunts and uncles and 60 first cousins.

After law school I worked at a firm doing family law, which I loved. I had studied family law under Professor Justice Donald King, who is often referred to as the father of modern California family law.  I was eventually recruited to work for a management consulting firm where I stayed for 20 years. They paid for me to get my LL.M. in taxation. This is a post-doctorate degree.  I found I loved taxes. We advised management for Fortune 100 public corporationson about the federal tax compliance of their retirement trusts.

The consulting firm in which I was a partner eventually went public.  Anyone shareholder over age 52 was offered a severance package and a large lum sum. I decided to take the package.  This turned out to be a godsend because my only sister, Jennie, had had a recurrence of breast cancer. Because I had the time, I was able to help care for my sister and spend time with her until she died at age 60.  I still miss her every day. The time I spent with her was the greatest blessing I ever received.

I was able to not work for 3 years. During that time I got a master's degree in Environmental Science.  I worked for 4 years for the Delta Vision Foundation doing legislative analysis of the implementation of the 2009 Great California Delta Water Act. It was a wonderful experience.

About 10 years ago I started my own law practice--just after Jennie died. I was able to use my knowledge and experience in family law matters and testamentary trusts. I decided to focuse on these two areas eventually expanding to wills and trust, probate and trust administration for individuals.

I am a volunteer park ranger for the Mt. Diablo State Park.  After training I receive a real authentic part vest and a hat, both of which I am extremely proud of. I am a "rover" meaning I hike the trails and help visitors with questions and problems.  I also volunteered to do environmental education activities.

Personally, I have a wonderful husband who is a retired Vet and retiree deputy police chief. We have 2 kids, both of whom are out of the house--mostly.  We have a 90 pound white goldendoodle named Romeo, who is serving as a replacement for the kids.