Chris Donica is a licensed California and Oregon attorney, working in the Estate Planning field of law since 1998. At one point, far in the distant past, Chris and his web design company designed and ran the CALDA website and forums, though now that is being well maintained by the real professionals. He is also a past Scoutmaster of Scout Troop 7 in Medford, OR, where his son attained the rank of Eagle Scout. His daughter is a teen writer who now works with the local ambulance company, Mercy Flights. He calls beautiful Southern Oregon his home, where he helps many dozens of people per year set up, update, and manage with their family estate plans.
Jeri Blatt, LDA
Jeri has been a member of CALDA since the year 2000. Since then she has served as Technology Chair, Vice President, President, Membership Chair, Conference Chair and Public Relations Chairperson. She has been the Secretary of the Bay Area Chapter for approximately 20 years (lost count!). Her LDA services mainly include Family Law, Trusts, Deeds, Prenups, and occasionally, Probate and Conservatorships.
While searching for a career after motherhood she enrolled at Canada College in the Court Reporting Program. After attaining a speed of 200 words a minute, she decided court reporting wasn’t the path she wanted to pursue. This skill, however, led her to an administrative career with an International Attorney which lasted for 25 years. In this capacity she traveled extensively throughout Europe on behalf of the company.
During her employment she enrolled in the paralegal program at Canada College (still searching for a career) and met two paralegals (one of which was Helen Bellamy) who spoke about the benefits of becoming an Independent Paralegal (CAIP). That was the beginning of her career as a future Legal Document Assistant. She has been the owner of Legal Documents Plus located in Foster City for 26 years.
Being an LDA and owning her own business has given her the flexibility to pursue other interests, such as volunteering for the local theater groups, playing bridge, participating in a local political group. Being a member of the Bay Area Chapter of CALDA has introduced her to an amazing group of LDAs that have not only shared their experiences and expertise, but have become lasting friends!
As a member of the Foster City Chamber of Commerce she received an award as Volunteer of the Year in 2014.