Kathleen Peiser

Specializes in Elder Law. Estate Planning, Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Probate.

Law clerk for the presiding probate judge. Researched issues of law, verified points of law cited in documents, provided input to and discussed pending cases with the Judge. Drafted Rule 32 related rulings and rulings on the Judge’s daily probate non-appearance hearings. Set appearance hearings when fiduciaries did not fulfill their legal duties, prepared the courtroom each day, and assisted with hearings. Primary contact for 60+ court appointed probate attorneys and investigators. This duty included assisting with the hiring process, preparing for annual trainings, processing pay claims, preparing rulings that appointed/discharged attorneys and investigators, and answering questions. Assisted the Judicial Administrative Assistant.

Covered various court hearings, such as arraignments, motions to modify conditions of release, change of plea, and sentencings in the Pima County Superior Court, Pima County Justice Court, Tucson City Court, Marana Municipal Court, and Sahuarita Municipal Court. Conducted jail visits and client interviews. Researched and wrote various motions/pleadings, including motions to dismiss, motions to modify conditions of release, motions to remand back to jury, and motions to amend sentencing.

Performed extensive legal research; drafted memos and pleadings; accompanied my supervising attorney on jail visits and to court hearings; shadowed an Assistant Public Defender at the Regional Court Center for Felony Case Processing and the Early Disposition Court (RCC/EDC). The RCC/EDC is a fast paced court system that primarily deals with drug and welfare fraud cases.

Domestic Violence Protection Order Clinic. Studied domestic violence law, learned how to interview domestic violence victims and the procedure related to Domestic Violence Protection Petitions/Orders. Assisted domestic violence victims with obtaining Domestic Violence Protection Orders under the student practice rule, Arizona Supreme Court Rule 38, with attorney supervision.

Assisted multiple attorneys; edited and filed pleadings; prepared letters and subpoenas; transcribed interviews; created/updated client case tracking information sheets and summary sheets; scheduled hearings, conferences, office meetings, and deadlines; contacted clients’ families; and assisted with investigations.

Legal assistant in a solo practitioner's downtown general law office. Assisted with matters relating to personal injury, bankruptcy, workers compensation, DUI, criminal defense, and domestic violence. Created and implemented a manageable and productive filing system; conducted legal research; edited and filed pleadings; prepared letters, bills, and new case files; handled a multi-line phone system; and assisted clients.

Legal assistant in a solo practitioner's downtown law office that specialized in estate planning, probate, conservatorships, and guardianships. Transferred and liquidated stocks and other items for probate; assisted with various tasks related to maintaining a conservatorship; edited and witnessed legal documents; and scheduled conferences and hearings.