About Us

RICHARD BURGER, ATTORNEY AT LAW

Richard began his practice in the areas of estate planning, trusts and probate in 1988, having spent the majority of his career as a solo practitioner (practicing under the name the Law Office of Richard Burger). He is widely recognized within and beyond California as an expert in the field, whose sophistication in legal and tax planning is matched by his warmth, integrity, humor and pragmatism.

Richard is certified as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. He holds a J.D. from the University of California, Berkeley, School of Law (1983) and a Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Music, from Sonoma State University (1979).

Richard now handles a greatly reduced caseload.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
Recognized as a Northern California “Super Lawyer” each year since 2006 by San Francisco Magazine
Rated “AV” (highest rating) in Martindale Hubbell
Served on the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar of California (2002 to 2008)
Editor, Executive Editor, California Trust and Estates Quarterly (2003-2005)
Contributing author to the following publications:
- “California Estate Planning” (California Continuing Education of the Bar)
- “Crossover Issues in Estate Planning and Family Law” (California Continuing Education of the Bar)
- “Estate Planning for Special Assets” (California Continuing Education of the Bar)

JEFFREY PIERCE, ATTORNEY AT LAW

Jeff has been practicing law since 2013, and has been working exclusively in the field of estate planning, trusts, and probate since 2021. He and Richard formed Burger & Pierce LLP in 2023, building on the foundation of a ten-year friendship. Jeff brings to Burger & Pierce both legal and intellectual acumen on the one hand and integrity, compassion, and emotional intelligence on the other.

Jeff holds a J.D. from Stanford Law School (2013), a Master of Divinity from Yale University School of Divinity (2006), and a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, in Biology, from Duke University (2001).

Recognized as a Northern California “Rising Star” in the Super Lawyers issue of San Francisco Magazine (2023)
Director of Enforcement, San Francisco Ethics Commission (2018-2021)
Judicial Clerk, Judge Joan Donoghue, International Court of Justice, The Hague, The Netherlands (2011)
Executive Editor, Stanford Journal of Animal Law & Policy (2011-2013)
Department Chair, Religious Studies, Mercersburg Academy (2006-2009)
Fullbright Fellow, Eswatini (Kingdom of Swaziland), Southern Africa (2002-2003)

JULIA GANDOLFO-MONK

Julia oversees the funding of clients’ trusts and the many demanding issues related to trust administration, probate, and related proceedings. In particular she handles real estate transfers, the titling of financial assets, and the coordination of beneficiary designations to ensure that clients’ assets are properly titled and clients’ estate plans are properly implemented. Her good humor and exceptional organizational skills contribute to the firm’s steady keel.

KATHI SCHNEIDER

Kathi oversees Burger & Pierce’s client communications and manages the firm’s substantial administrative operations. She brings to the office 30 years of experience overseeing the administration of the San Francisco office of a national accounting firm, plus additional experience in similar roles with local newspapers in Sonoma and Napa Counties. Kathi is a long-time Petaluma resident whose warmth and love of people positively impact our office and our clients.

JANIE KORBEL (EMERITUS)

Janie retired in the spring of 2024 after working alongside Richard for more than 30 years. The systems she built, and the goodwill she cultivated, continue to support the firm.