About Our Team
Heisler Zaragoza LLP stands for zealous client advocacy and compassion. The Heisler Zaragoza LLP team consists of legal professionals who share the core values on which the firm was built. The firm is well-rounded, handling all aspects of estate and probate law from proactive estate planning to conservatorships and guardianships.
LARA J. HEISLER, ESQ.
Partner
lara@hzllp.law
Lara J. Heisler, Esq., is a founding partner of Heisler Zaragoza LLP and brings more than 20 years of legal experience to her practice in conservatorships and guardianships. Recognized for her creative approach to litigation and her compassionate and effective advocacy, Lara is a trusted resource for families navigating some of the most sensitive legal matters concerning the care and protection of vulnerable loved ones.
Born and raised in Contra Costa County, Lara is driven by a genuine commitment to serve the community that has shaped both her personal and professional journey. She continues to raise her family in Walnut Creek, where she is deeply rooted in local civic and educational politics. In addition to her legal work, Lara dedicates time to supporting her children’s school activities and volunteering for community events.
Lara’s work is grounded in empathy, clarity, and excellence. She is proud to support families across generations with dignity and respect.
Bar Admissions:
- California State Bar
- New York State Bar (Inactive)
Memberships and Associations:
- Chair, Elder Law Section- Contra Costa Bar Association
- Board Member, Criminal Conflict Program (Probate Cases) – Contra Costa County
- Board Member, Independent Counsel, Inc. – Contra Costa County
RACHEL H. ROSENFELD, ESQ.
Partner
rachel@hrz.law
Rachel Rosenfeld focuses on estate planning, trust administration, probates, and inheritance disputes. She also represents clients in all aspects of conservatorship cases and trust and estate litigation. Rachel’s favorite part of her job is working proactively with her clients and empowering them to make informed, yet sometimes tough, decisions.
Prior to working in probate law, Rachel worked at a large and well-known financial institution handling joint tenant and trust disputes on behalf of the company. There, she managed a team of individuals who responded to third party actions. Rachel also has experience in general civil litigation and family law.
Rachel grew up in the Silicon Valley and currently lives in Contra Costa County with her husband, her son, and her two dogs. Her family is what is most important to her.
She loves being involved in the local legal and estate planning community which includes membership in several organizations.
Bar Admissions:
- California State Bar
Memberships and Associations:
- National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys Northern California Chapter – President
- East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer- Vice President
- Contra Costa County Bar Association
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, 2023, and 2024
LISA M. ZARAGOZA, ESQ.
Partner
lisa@hzllp.law
Lisa M. Zaragoza, Esq., is a dedicated estate planning attorney with additional experience in trust administration, probate, guardianships, and inheritance disputes. Her practice is distinguished by a thoughtful, client-first philosophy, providing clear guidance and long-term strategies for individuals and families navigating life’s most critical decisions.
Lisa earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, her Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law in Boston. After gaining admission to the California State Bar, she began a career marked by diligence, empathy, and outstanding client service.
Lisa currently serves as court-appointed counsel in Contra Costa County for conservatorship and guardianship proceedings.
Lisa is also deeply engaged in her community and professional circles. She is a respected member of several local legal associations and civic organizations and is committed to mentoring the next generation of legal professionals. Outside of the office, she enjoys family life with her husband, two children, and their energetic schnauzer, Zoom. She can often be found on the sidelines of her children’s sporting events, cheering them on with enthusiasm and pride.
Bar Admissions:
- California State Bar
Memberships and Associations:
- Alameda and Contra Costa County Bar Associations
- Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley
- Professional Fiduciary Association of California
- Rotary Club of Pleasant Hill
- East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer
- Super Lawyers Rising Star 2019- 2023
Princy P. Nechikat, Esq.
Attorney
princy@hzllp.law
Princy Prince Nechikat, Esq., is a trusted attorney with a practice centered primarily on estate planning, trust administration and probate. She occasionally works on conservatorship matters. She is known for combining legal precision with a warm, approachable style that makes clients feel seen, supported, and understood.
Princy earned her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Merced, and her J.D from the Thomas Jefferson School of Law. Her academic background in psychology enhances her ability to guide clients with empathy and emotional intelligence, especially during challenging life transitions.
Princy grew up in the Silicon Valley and is still a Bay Area local. Outside the office, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, exploring new recipes, and dancing. As a lifelong enthusiast of dancing from a young age, she eventually became one of the founders and served as a choreographer to UC Merced’s Bollywood dance team, Tashan. Her dynamic spirit and creative energy are evident in her professional and personal pursuits.
Bar Admissions:
- California State Bar
Memberships and Associations:
- Contra Costa County Bar Association
- East Bay Trust and Estates Lawyer
Miranda Fernandez, Esq.
Attorney
miranda@hrz.law
Miranda Fernandez, Esq., is an experienced litigator and estate attorney whose practice spans trust and estate litigation, conservatorship proceedings, probate administration, and estate planning. She brings a balanced, practical approach to legal advocacy, combining meticulous attention to detail with strong, principled representation.
Miranda began her career in the Sacramento region and now serves clients in both Sacramento and the Bay Area, representing fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and families with care and clarity. Her work is grounded in a deep respect for client relationships and the personal nature of estate matters.
She currently serves as court-appointed counsel in Sacramento County for conservatorship proceedings and is actively involved in the Sacramento legal community.
When she’s not in the courtroom or advising clients, Miranda enjoys reading, travel, and spending time with her close-knit family and beloved pets.
Bar Admissions:
- California State Bar
Professional Affiliations:
- Sacramento County Estate Planning Council
- Probate Section, Sacramento County Bar Association
- Court-Appointed Counsel, Sacramento County Conservatorship Cases
Wendy Ovalle
Paralegal
wendy@hrz.law
Wendy Ovalle brings over two decades of experience in estate planning and administration to her role as Senior Paralegal at Heisler Rosenfeld Zaragoza LLP. A dedicated presence for clients navigating the estate planning process, Wendy is known for her warmth, professionalism, and meticulous attention to detail.
After earning her B.S. from California State University, Hayward, Wendy pursued her ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate, which launched a fulfilling and successful career supporting attorneys and families through all stages of estate law. She takes pride in providing excellent and compassionate service for clients.
Originally from Alameda and now residing in Castro Valley, Wendy is a proud mother of two. Her daughter is currently attending the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!), and her son is active in high school athletics. Whether it’s a dance competition or a sports game, Wendy is often found enthusiastically cheering on both of her children from the sidelines.
Wendy also serves as Administrator of East Bay Trusts and Estates Lawyers, where she plays a vital role in coordinating continuing education and professional development events for the estate planning community.
Linda Suppanich
Paralegal
linda@hzllp.law
Linda Suppanich is a longtime Contra Costa County resident with over 25 years of legal experience including 4 years with Brobeck Pleger & Harrison and 22 years as a Probate Examiner for the Contra Costa Superior Court. She holds a B.A. in Government and Politics from the University of Maryland at College Park and an ABA-approved Paralegal Certificate from Cal State East Bay.
The focus of her career has been on customer service and training, where she has built a reputation for professionalism, clarity and support.
In her free time, Linda enjoys traveling, camping, hiking, bicycling and exploring new food and wine destinations with her husband and daughter.
Tiffany
Legal Assistant
tiffany@hzllp.law
A Legal Assistant with over 10 years of experience in Client Relations. I thrive on helping people feel supported-whether they’re navigating estate planning, probate and inheritance litigation, or elder abuse. Making a career out of keeping things organized, efficient, and people focused, I am Proud to work alongside brilliant minds in a firm that truly values its clients and the work we do on their behalf.
Born and raised in the Bay Area, I balance my work life with time spent wrangling my two dogs, Talia and Stella, and traveling to wherever my next flight will take me. I am the Office’s unofficial restaurant recommender -because whether it’s trust documents or tacos, I believe in making great choices.