​  ​​​Hyden Zakheim, LLP​


Providing effective representation locally, since 1991.

​Tim Hyden, Attorney & Partner

​18 Crow Canyon Crt. Ste. 380
​San Ramon, CA 94583

​(925) 831-0636

Simona Zakheim, Attorney & Partner

18 Crow Canyon Crt. Ste. 380
​San Ramon, CA 94583​

(925) 831-0636

Tim Hyden, Attorney & Partner

Simona Zakheim, Attorney & Partner

Amanda Sinclair, Senior Attorney

JoAnn Maxcy, Paralegal

Ashley Eichenbaum, Paralegal & Notary




































​PRACTICE AREAS

  • Civil Litigation
  • Business and Real Estate, planning and litigation
  • Family Law
  • Probate and Probate Litigation
  • Personal Injury


I have had the pleasure of growing up and living all my life in the Bay Area. Over the years I have seen Northern California transform from a group of small cities to a multi-cultural metropolis. The growth and development of this unique area has played an important role in the way I practice law. Since 1986 I have provided legal counsel in a variety of areas to an ever emergent population. My approach to the practice of law is as distinctive as my clients:  1) Clearly identify the Client's legal problem, 2) Strategize with the Client to determine the most effective and least expensive approach to solving the Client's problem, 3) Attempt to resolve the problem informally outside of Court, 4) If informal resolution of the Client's problem is impossible, aggressively represent the Client in court proceedings, while protecting the Client and resolving the Client's problem.


Education

  • J.D., McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California, 1986
  • B.A., University of California, Davis, Davis, California, 1982

Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley, Board of Directors
  • Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council
  • Professional Fiduciary Association of California, Affiliations Member
  • Contra Costa County Bar Association, Member
    ​

Classes/Seminars

  • Adjunct Professor of Law, John F. Kennedy School of Law, Pleasant Hill, CA, 1999 - Present
  • Speaker, Continuing Legal Education, Contra Costa County Bar Association
  • Speaker, Brown v. Board of Education Seminar, John F. Kennedy School of Law



                                           







PRACTICE AREAS

  • Family Law
  • Immigration
  • Estate Planning


My family immigrated to the United States in 1978 when I was 8 years old. I still have childhood memories of life outside the United States. Some memories are pleasant, others are not. Growing up in the US under the watchful eye of hard working immigrants taught me to strive for success at every turn. I learned to fight for my beliefs, I learned perseverance and most of all I learned that I can define the direction of my achievements. These lessons helped me graduate toward the top of my class from Loyola School of Law, New Orleans in 1995.


My first position after law school was with a firm in down town Los Angeles, focusing on general civil litigation. In 1997 I moved to Northern California where I married my husband. After a few more years as an employee in the legal field, I decided to take some of my parents' lessons and strike out on my own.

My family background coupled with my experience in law and running a business provides my clients with an attorney who is strong, compassionate and has the resolve and determination to fight for her clients. As an attorney I have learned the law. But as a business owner, I have developed strategies to problem solve, negotiate and help my clients achieve their goals. When taking on a new matter, I work with my client to first determine the most effective course for the case. This includes defining the goals and objectives, but it also requires a careful analysis of my client's personality. Some clients are fighters and need an aggressive knight who battles for the client's beliefs. Other clients prefer a more collaborative approach and need an attorney who finds creative solutions outside the courtroom. Finally, I believe that as a good advocate I need to provide not only a "legal win" for the client, but a "win" that can actually translate to that client's real world.

In sum, I believe an attorney and her client share a bond that reaches a step beyond the law. It's no accident that attorney-client communication is privileged just as communication between doctors and religious leaders. Clients often share their confidences, their concerns and their fears. It's my job to tailor my representation for each client to independently match the needs of that individual. It is with these beliefs, convictions and human understanding, that I offer my services to my clients.

Mrs. Zakheim has been practicing law in California since 1996. Her areas of practice include family, immigration, estate planning and business. In the area of immigration her visa approval success rate is over 98%. Although there is no way to quantify success in family law cases (unfortunately almost all end in divorce) her typical client's have this to say about her:

"For me, the process of divorce was a confusing and often overwhelming experience. It was a relief to have Simona Zakheim representing me. Simona was a knowledgeable and reliable advocate for my interests. She was thorough, efficient and resourceful in reaching the best possible resolution for me." (Actual client 2010 case)

"Dear Simona, I want to thank you again for all of your help and expertise. I know your heart was really involved and I appreciate that more than anything." (Actual client 2009 case)

"Dear Simona, You have done a great job on my case. Thank you very much. I will recommend you to my friends." (Actual client 2008-2009 case)

"Simona, thank you for not only the thousands of dollars you saved me but for the countless hours of stress and heartache. Your guidance was invaluable." (Actual client 2007 case)

Education

  • J.D., Loyola University New Orleans School of Law, New Orleans, Louisiana, 1995
  • B.A., California State University, Northridge


Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Contra Costa County Bar Association
  • California State Bar
  • American Immigration Lawyers Association
  • Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council












PRACTICE AREAS

  • Estate Planning
  • Special Needs Trust Planning
  • Trust Administration
  • Probate


I was born in Augsburg, Germany and grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area. I received my Bachelor of Arts, cum laude, in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles in 1993. I received my juris doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law with a Tax Concentration in 1997. I was admitted to the State Bar of California in December 1997. I am also a licensed California real estate broker.

My practice focuses primarily on probate matters, including administrations and other matters before the probate court, conservatorship matters, trust administration, and trust & estate planning. Court accountings are of particular interest to me.  

I find deep, professional satisfaction assisting and advising clients during times of personal difficulty and stress. I am happy to interface with other service providers, such as, accountants, realtors, and financial advisors, to provide seamless client service. My clients include individuals, trustees, conservators, personal representatives, and non-profit agencies. 

I have been associated with Hyden Zakheim, LLP since March 2016. Prior to joining Hyden Zakheim, LLP, I was a parnter at Trust & Probate Law Group for nine years. Before joining Trust & Probate Law Group, I practiced in the areas of global stock planning, international corporate structuring, business entity formation, venture financing and corporate governance, including human resource, real property, and tax matters. 

My personal interests include volunteering for organizations assisting families with children with special needs and local libraries, running, and hiking.  Of particular interest to me is helping families with children living with autism, special medical needs, or developmental disabilities in order to maximize their potential, independence, security and happiness. In May 2013, I joined the Family Advisory Council at UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland as a council member.


Education

  • J.D., University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1997
  • B.A., University of California, Los Angeles, 1993


Professional Associations and Memberships

  • Estate Planning Council of Diablo Valley
  • Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council
  • Contra Costa County Bar Association, Member
  • California State Bar












Ashley graduated from UC Davis in 2011 with a B.A. in Sociology. She began her legal career working with Ms. Sinclair as an administrative assistant and bookkeeper in February 2014, then became a Notary in July 2014. After a year of legal experience, Ashley became a paralegal in August 2015. She then joined HZ in March 2016 as a Paralegal, Notary, and Bookkeeper.

Amanda Sinclair, Senior Attorney 

18 Crow Canyon Crt. Ste. 380
​San Ramon, CA 94583​

(925) 831-0636

​​Ashley Eichenbaum, Paralegal & Notary

18 Crow Canyon Crt. Ste. 380
​San Ramon, CA 94583​
(925) 831-0636


Attorneys & Staff

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925-831-0636