About Nickerson Law
We help families plan for the future with clarity, compassion, and practical guidance. From estate planning to special needs planning and trust administration, our focus is helping people make confident decisions during important moments in their lives.
Our Mission
Our mission is to make complex legal planning understandable and accessible for families. We believe people deserve clear answers, thoughtful guidance, and a process that respects their values and circumstances.
- Clear Communication
- Family Focused Planning
- Long Term Relationships
Jeffrey C. Nickerson
Attorney
When my special needs son turned 18, I was told; “You need to set up an estate plan with a special needs trust”, so we found an attorney who prepared our plans. Even though I was an experienced attorney, I had no practical understanding of the legalese in our own estate plan & special needs trust. I made a commitment that day to become an estate planning attorney that provides clients an estate plan specifically designed for their unique family situation, but also simple and understandable.
I was raised in Southern California, obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Finance & MBA from Cal State University Long Beach. After several years preparing contracts for a major aerospace company, I returned to law school where I served on the law review and obtained a Juris Doctorate from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in San Diego. I utilized these skills in aerospace in managing a large contracts organization where responsibilities included contracts, export licensing, software licensing and patent applications.
My wife and I purchased our first home in Murrieta in 1990, where we raised our two sons. In 2010 I left aerospace and launched my law practice in Murrieta. The practice is focused solely on estate planning & administration and special needs trusts.
We are founders of Exceptional Sports, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing recreational sports opportunities to those with special needs. My passion is providing special needs advice & counsel to special needs families.
I am an active member of the Riverside County Bar – Estate Planning Section, Southwest Riverside County Bar Association, Temecula Estate Planning Group, Wealth Counsel and Academy of Special Needs Planners. I am an avid supporter of Special Olympics, Yellowstone Park Foundation and Yosemite Conservancy. I love spending time outdoors and with family & friends.
Meet the Rest of the Team
Our team works together to support families through every step of the planning and administration process. Each member plays an important role in making sure clients feel informed, supported, and cared for.
Cassandra
Senior Paralegal
Hello! I have been with Nickerson Law, APC since November 2017. As the Senior Paralegal, my main responsibilities are working directly with Jeff Nickerson to ensure the legal work of the office is addressed in a timely manner. I draft, file, update clients, and much more. My passion is Conservatorships and assisting families with the ins and outs of the Conservatorship process.
I graduated with an Associate in Science in Paralegal Studies in 2018. I later earned two additional degrees; an Associate in Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences in 2019, and then an Associate in Science in Administration of Justice in 2023. I love to learn and attend various educational institutions, with goals to earn additional degrees and/or certificates in the near future.
In the Autumn of 2023, I moved to the PNW and now work remotely for Nickerson Law, APC. In my free time, I love to go hiking and exploring in the multitude of trails that the PNW has to offer. I also enjoy watching movies (mostly crime/thriller/horror movies), spending time with my fiancé and our two dogs, Domino and Auroa, trying new restaurants, and reading.
Kaylee
Legal Assistant
Hi, my name is Kaylee, and as the Legal Assistant at Nickerson Law, I love supporting our team with a variety of administrative and legal tasks behind the scenes. Whether I’m reviewing and editing legal documents, working our Trust Administration process, or meeting with our clients, I strive to make every interaction helpful and positive.
Beyond the office, I love spending time with my family and friends. I enjoy a wide variety of hobbies, including serving at church, reading, photography, snowboarding, working out, and I always love a good cup of coffee. I have also been blessed to travel to a few different countries, and am always looking for a new adventure. I look forward to meeting you, and assisting you with your journey here at our firm!
Mariah
Legal Assistant
Hello everyone! My name is Mariah, and I am the newest member of Nickerson Law, APC. I strive to bring professionalism, warmth, and clarity to every client interaction. I am currently earning my Bachelor of Science in Business, along with a Financial Planning Certification, and I plan to continue my education in law after completing my bachelors degree in 2027.
My goal is simple: to make every conversation with our clients as smooth and supportive as possible. I truly value the relationships we build within our law office, and I’m committed to strengthening those connections-one client at a time. With my growing background in business and my passion for the legal field, I’m dedicated to providing an exceptional experience for everyone who walks through our doors.
Originally from Pennsylvania, I moved to Southern California in 2022. In my free time, I love spending time with friends and family, experimenting with new recipes, and exploring everything Southern California has to offer. Whether it’s discovering a hidden coffee shop or trying a new activity, I enjoy embracing new experiences and staying connected to the people and places around me.
Robert
Digital Marketing Manager
I am the second son of Jeffrey Nickerson. I’m the social media manager. It’s my duty to ensure that prospective clients and followers of the Nickerson Law Page are reading content. Okay, some of it is educational, but there’s a lot of fun stuff too. Memes, quotes, simple hellos, etc…
I’m also the technology expert. Not quite I.T. material, but if there’s a computer or software issue, I’ll be the first to get on it and fix it.
When I’m not in the office, I produce and host my own podcast called Behind the Bells. I also enjoy going to the movies, reading and going to events with my beautiful wife that I married in December of 2023.
Hannalee
Executive Assistant
Hi! I’m Hannalee, and I am the Executive Assistant at Nickerson Law. I have been with Nickerson Law since 2024, in various roles, and now I am helping ensure things run smoothly behind the scenes. I also have the privilege of helping whenever our firm does community events, supporting local special needs communities.
In 2023, I had the wonderful honor of marrying into the Nickerson family when I married Jeff’s son, Robert. When I’m not working, I love listening to a variety of historical podcasts, reading, watching British tv shows, visiting museums, traveling and going on adventures with my husband while keeping a lookout for the best sushi. We are self-proclaimed “Disney Adults”, so you will find us at the Parks whenever we have a spare moment!
Mary
Co Founder/CFO
Mary Nickerson is the Co-Founder and Chief Financial Officer of Nickerson Law, A Professional Law Corporation, which she established alongside her husband, Jeffrey C. Nickerson, Esq. In her role, Mary oversees the firm’s financial operations, strategic planning, and long-term business sustainability, ensuring that Nickerson Law operates with both fiscal strength and operational integrity.
Mary brings more than three decades of senior-level experience in finance, marketing, and corporate leadership. She has spent over 25 years at Toyota Motor Sales USA, where she has held national leadership roles including National Marketing Manager and National Advanced Products Marketing Manager. Her work has focused on advocacy marketing, communications strategy, and the development and implementation of innovative national programs, including advanced vehicle initiatives. Earlier in her career, Mary served as Director of Materiel at Delco Defense Systems, where she managed complex operational and procurement functions.
Mary holds a Master of Business Administration in International Business from the Drucker School of Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from California State University, Long Beach. Her background in finance and large-scale organizational management provides a strong foundation for her leadership at Nickerson Law.
In addition to her corporate and professional accomplishments, Mary has a long-standing commitment to community service. She previously served as Director of the Nature Education Foundation in Southwest Riverside County, supporting educational initiatives that promote environmental awareness and community engagement.
Mary’s combined experience in finance, marketing, nonprofit leadership, and executive management plays a critical role in guiding Nickerson Law’s mission, growth, and commitment to serving families throughout California.
Jessica
Business Manager/Effective Consulting Services
Jessica has worked with Nickerson Law for over 5 years, focusing on building systems that scale rather than quick fixes. She appreciates the thoughtful leadership of Nickerson Law and is proud to be a trusted partner in their organization.
When not working, Jessica enjoys time with her 4 boys, travel, reading, puzzles and flying.
Teddy
Chief of Dog-Perations
Hi! I’m Teddy. I’m a 5-year-old Golden Retriever / Great Pyrenees mix, which means I take my duties of guarding, greeting, and getting belly rubs very seriously.
You can sometimes find me roaming the office, offering free hugs to anyone who needs a little extra morale boost. I consider ear scratches and back pets essential parts of my daily workflow.
I’m also our self-appointed Head of Security — I bark at, well… everything. Deliveries? Bark. A leaf blows by? Bark. Someone walks past the window? Definitely bark. The team appreciates my vigilance.
While some dogs enjoy fetch, I personally find it unnecessary. I much prefer a good game of tug… and winning, of course.
Whether I’m on duty or working remotely from home, I’m always supporting the team with a wagging tail, protective spirit, and lots of love.
Let’s talk about your next steps
Whether you are planning ahead or dealing with an urgent situation, we are here to help.