Attorney Spotlight: Amber M. Bridges
Welcome to our attorney spotlight series. In each installment, we interview an attorney at our firm to get to know them better. We will learn about their unique insights, experiences, and personal journeys within the legal landscape. Our series aims to shed light on the diverse expertise and rich narratives that shape our team, offering a unique window into the world of law through the eyes of those who navigate its complexities daily. Join us as we explore the stories behind the suits, one attorney at a time.
View Amber’s attorney bio here at this link.
Give an overview of your legal career.
Throughout my time in school I had a dual passion for law and education. By the end of 2012, I had graduated law school and held three teaching credentials. Opportunities to pursue that unique blend of interests have defined my career path thus far.
During law school I was a part of a program called the Tax Appeals Assistance Program, which I really enjoyed because it directly helped so many people. Tax issues can be scary, and confronting either the IRS or the FTB can be very daunting.
I began practicing law in April of 2013 at Baker Manock & Jensen after completing the summer intern program the year prior. I was very happy to get a job offer at the firm. As most new associates do, I did a wide variety of work including some tax and some civil litigation. I wanted to do more transactional work, but as it worked out, I was doing a lot of litigation. I did some medical malpractice defense, which was interesting, but ultimately made me realize that I do not want to be a litigator.
At that time I had the opportunity to go to a firm which specializes in education law, and so I thought it might be a great use of my specific skillset. While I gained great experience there, I began to realize that the elements of both teaching and practicing law were missing for me.
Coincidentally, there was an opening for me to teach in my son’s school district. I pursued it and was able to be my son’s teacher for one year, which I loved. I don’t know if he loved it, but that year was memorable. In total, I taught for seven years.
Returning to practicing law was always in the back of my mind, and it just so happened there was a position at Baker Manock & Jensen for an estate planning attorney—which was an area I really wanted to pursue, so I contacted the firm.
I was thrilled to rejoin the firm full-time in July 2022. My legal career has been unconventional, but I am very happy to be here.
Tell us about your current practice areas.
My practice is focused on estate planning and probate aspects. That entails drafting estate planning documents such as trusts, wills, powers of attorney, and advanced healthcare directives. I also handle probate administration matters. Probate is the process you must go through when an individual passes away and they have not created a trust. The probate process requires court supervision, so I will assist heirs with that process.
I am currently serving as court-appointed counsel for Conservatorships for the Fresno County Superior Court, and I have handled a few guardianship matters. Finally, I also handle general business matters, such as drafting and reviewing agreements and helping clients set up business entities.
What made you get into probate and estate planning?
I believe that a lawyer’s purpose is help people navigate through difficult matters. I am able to have a lot of one-on-one interaction with my clients, and I find it very satisfying to be able to help them through death and end of life matters. I want to bring comfort to people during a time when there is not always a lot of comfort.
What made you want to become a lawyer?
Helping people. It is why I wanted to be a teacher, why I enjoyed the tax program, and why I continue to be fulfilled by my current practice area. I find great joy in helping people.
I also enjoy reading, writing, and analyzing documents. The practice of law is very interesting and challenging, and I like to challenge myself.
Tell us about your favorite project.
A recent project stands out to me. I helped my clients obtain a permanent guardianship over their granddaughter. In this case, everyone was in agreement and worked together to make sure the granddaughter’s needs were met.
Navigating through a process like this—meeting with investigators, going to court multiple times, the sheer number of forms—was a huge undertaking for this family. When the judge granted the petition for the guardianship, it was so satisfying just seeing how happy my clients were. They were stepping up and filling a role that needed to be fulfilled.
I was so happy to be able to be a part of that, it made me feel really, really good. I was humbled to have been a part of that process, and I was thankful that my clients trusted me with such an important matter.
How do you spend your time outside of the office?
I spend a lot of time with my family. My son’s 16 years old, a junior in high school, so my husband and I are spending as much time as possible with him. That means a lot of sports! We spend a lot of time going to his sporting events or watching other sporting events. Saturdays right now are all about college football, then NFL on Sunday, and now basketball season. I love it. I’m excited for the Olympics this year. Truly anything sports.
I also substitute teach Sunday School for 5th and 6th graders at my church, which is always a great time. I am happy that I still get to put my “teacher” hat on every once in awhile.
I also enjoy reading, working out, and traveling, but I do not like to travel too much because I am also a homebody. I know that is kind of a paradox. I enjoy going out, but then I also enjoy just staying home.
What’s your favorite team?
Well, it depends. So I’ll say professional, 49ers. Big 9ers fan. I really hope they win the Super Bowl this year. [Interview took place prior to February 2024.] When I was young, they won a lot of Super Bowls, but there has been a drought for a long time. I am ready for another Super Bowl win! As for college, UCLA for everything. Baseball, I like the Dodgers. Basketball is tough, I used to like the Lakers, but I’m not a fan of LeBron James. The jury’s out on that one.
Do you have any advice for a potential client or a current client?
Tell your attorney everything and do not feel bad about it. I hear a lot of clients say, “This is a stupid question. I should know this.” Do not ever feel bad asking any questions about anything because we are here to provide information. We’re on your side.
