Cherie Rita – Senior Paralegal (almost retired)

Cherie Rita has worked in the estate planning, probate and trust administration field in Davis, California, since 1979. She began working with Kulkarni Law PC (formerly Kulkarni Legal Services) in 2017, having worked for Roger Gambatese, Stan Wells, and Laura Stodden Parker previously. Ms. Rita is skilled in assisting the attorney with document preparation and managing timelines in probate and trust administrations.

Cherie (tried to) retire from Kulkarni Law in late 2022 but continues to provide her expertise to the office on an as-needed basis; thus, enabling the office to meet critical deadlines when necessary. She keeps her paralegal certification current and still provides services as Senior Paralegal for the firm. So, do not be surprised if you receive an email or message from her or if you see her signature on a document.

While working full-time and raising her sister’s children, Cherie earned her Bachelor of Science, Business – Managing Information Systems, in 2000 and her Master of Business Administration, with an emphasis in public administration, in 2007.

An active member of her local community, Cherie volunteered as Fire Chief for the West Plainfield Fire Department, bordering the City of Davis, for over 30 years and served as a volunteer firefighter/EMT for 12 years before that. She is past president and former board member for the Fire Districts Association of California and also served as Yolo County’s Operational Area Fire and Rescue Coordinator for the California Office of Emergency Services for many years. She continues to volunteer at West Plainfield Fire Department as Assistant to the Fire Chief and as Clerk of the Board of the West Plainfield Fire Protection District Board of Fire Commissioners, the governing body of the West Plainfield Fire Department.

Education

  • MBA, Focus on Public Administration, Golden Gate University – Sacramento, CA
  • BSB – MIS with Honors, University of Phoenix, Sacramento, CA

Legal Experience

  • Senior Paralegal, Kulkarni Law PC
  • Paralegal, Law Office of Laura Stodden Parker
  • Legal Assistant, Law Office of Stanley H. Wells
  • Legal Assistant, Law Office of Roger L. Gambatese

Professional Affiliations

  • Member, California Lawyers Association
  • Board Clerk, West Plainfield Fire Protection District
  • Administrative Assistant to the Fire Chief, West Plainfield Fire Protection District
  • Member, California State Firefighters Association

Certifications & Licenses

  • Executive Fire Officer – National Fire Academy
  • Firefighter I – CA State Fire Marshall

Publications

  • CA Public Safety, Ethics and Leadership curriculum development team (CA Community College System)