Franza Giffen, Juris Doctor

Raised as a Midwesterner, I graduated with a BA degree from Michigan State University. One semester was spent in Madrid, Spain, in a Spanish language immersive. My Spanish language skills secured a job as the only employee of the Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County, where I translated for Spanish speaking clients.  After passing the California State Bar, I practiced civil litigation and estate planning for many years.

Shortly after passing the bar, I was appointed by the State Controller to the Contra Costa County Probate Court as a Probate Referee. This involves appraising assets that were inventoried for probate estates.  I continue to hold this post which involves a re-appointment every 4 years.

In 2004 I was licensed as a real estate broker, learning more of the practical aspects of real estate. While I remain a broker, I have not been active in real estate sales but find this background helpful in appraising properties and selling  my clients’ real estate .

During this time, a few of my Will and Trust clients sought me out to help them when they became incapacitated. This led me to discover and become a part of the Professional Fiduciary Association of California in 2000. I remain an active member of the State Bar and a Probate Referee but have focused my law practice exclusively on fiduciary services, as this career has given me rewards far beyond financial security. Helping people in such a tangible way has satisfied my professional as well as spiritual goals in life. I look forward to beginning the next phase of my life as an activist retiree.