Stefanie M. Herrington
Stefanie is an estate planning attorney whose compassionate and caring approach has helped hundreds of families plan for their future over the past decade. Her practice focuses on estate planning, trust administration, and probate. She helps clients design plans that efficiently accomplish their goals and routinely counsels clients in crisis and following the loss of a loved one. Stefanie is also a licensed broker and represents buyers and sellers on real estate transactions.
Stefanie obtained her B.A. at the University of Colorado at Boulder, while working full time as a copy editor for the Boulder Daily Camera. Stefanie went on to receive her J.D. from the University of Oregon School of Law, where she served as editor-in-chief of the Oregon Law Review before clerking for the Hon. Daniel M. Taubman at the Colorado Court of Appeals. Stefanie founded Montecito Law Group in 2018, after serving as a partner in a Carpinteria law firm for six years.
Stefanie is an active, adventurous person who loves exploring the world with her dog Boulder. She is passionate about her hobbies, including live music, theater, yoga, gardening, and philanthropy work. She has been involved in Rotary for over a decade and even chartered the Carpinteria Sunset chapter and its charitable foundation. Stefanie devotes her time to supporting the Climate Protection & Restoration Initiative, a vital organization dedicated to restoring our climate system. Stefanie is past president of Girls Inc. of Carpinteria and led its largest fundraiser for six years. Stefanie also served as vice chair of the Santa Barbara County Commission for Women in 2021-22.
Stefanie is passionate about changing the stigma associated with mental health after learning at age 38 that she is in fact bipolar, something she had suspected in law school, but doctors convinced her otherwise. Stefanie boldly and publicly tells her story, and two months after her diagnosis, she was appointed to the Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Commission to use her experience to advocate for others. Stefanie hopes that through her own journey, she can empower others to doggedly pursue their goals in spite of challenges.
Education
J.D., University of Oregon School of Law, Eugene, Oregon, 2009
Editor-in-Chief, Oregon Law Review
Judicial Extern, The Hon. Michael Hogan
U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon
B.A., University of Colorado, Boulder, Colorado, 2005
Professional Affiliations
Member of WealthCounsel and Atticus Advantage
California Bar Member (SBN 279579), 2011-current
Real Estate Broker (DRE 02127282), 2021-current
Santa Barbara Association of Realtors, California Association of Realtors
Community Leadership
Santa Barbara County Behavioral Wellness Commission, 2023-current
Climate Protection & Restoration Initiative, Board Member, 2022-current
Santa Barbara County Commission for Women, Commissioner, 2021-2023; Vice Chair
Rotary Club of Carpinteria Sunset, 2017-current; President, Secretary, Charter Member
Rotary Club of Carpinteria Sunset Charitable Foundation, 2017-2022
Girls Rock Santa Barbara, Board of Trustees, 2019-2020
Girls Inc. of Carpinteria, Board of Trustees, 2012-2019; President, Bloom Event Co-Chair
Rotary Club of Carpinteria Morning, Member, 2011-2017; Secretary, President-Elect
Volunteer History: Plaza Playhouse Theater, Carpinteria Beautiful, Carpinteria Boys & Girls Club, California Avocado Festival, Planned Parenthood & Carpinteria Chamber of Commerce, Aliso Elementary School reading volunteer
Boulder is our 14.5-year-old Vizsla, who spends his mornings and evenings on an organic avocado ranch in Carpinteria, and his days snoozing in the office and greeting clients. His favorite tricks are “Die Like a Fly” and “Peekaboo.”
Boulder’s N Fusion’s Boy Who Cried Woof aka “Boulder”
Born in Boulder, Colorado
AKC Trick Dog (Novice, Intermediate & Advanced Trick Titles)
Ruben Lopez
Ruben Lopez is a dedicated estate planning attorney with over 25 years of experience in law, finance, and real estate. He helps individuals and families protect their assets through thoughtful estate planning. He also assists clients with probate and trust administration matters.
Ruben earned his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara, and his M.B.A. from the W.P. Carey School of Business at Arizona State University. He spent years in the finance industry, consulting with clients and collaborating with tax and financial advisors on real estate strategies. As an attorney in the Santa Barbara County Counsel’s Office, he advised on complex property tax valuation cases and handled civil litigation matters involving property, personal injury, and financial disputes.
Outside of work, Ruben enjoys boating, ocean sports, and beach volleyball. He volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and has served on the boards of Santa Barbara Middle School, Domestic Violence Solutions, and the Conflict Solutions Center. He is currently Treasurer for the Santa Barbara Barristers.
In the evenings, you might find him on the Mesa Lane steps, enjoying the sunset with his mini Labradoodle.
