
Business Manager

Estate Planning & Trust Administration Paralegal

Litigation & Conservatorship Paralegal

Probate Paralegal

Drafting Coordinator

Intake Specialist

Office & Administrative Coordinator

Attorney | Owner
Kevin is an estate planning attorney who views his role as a trusted guide, helping families secure and pass down what matters most. He believes that everything you accumulate in life—assets, memories, values—is like a wagon you pull along, carrying the things that define who you are. Kevin’s mission is to make sure that wagon is easy to handle, well-protected, and ready to pass down to the right people, with as little stress and IRS interference as possible.
With an LL.M from California Western School of Law, a JD from the University of Richmond School of Law, and a B.A. from Boston College, Kevin has the legal expertise to simplify even the most complex estates. His dedication to his clients shines through his active memberships in WealthCounsel, ElderCounsel, and the Trust & Estates and Elder Law sections of the Orange County Bar Association. He’s also been a contributor to OC Lawyer magazine, where he shares insights and guidance on estate planning and legacy protection.
Kevin’s commitment extends beyond his practice to his community, where he provides pro bono legal support to veterans through the Veterans Legal Institute, serves on the Board of Trustees for St. Joseph Hospital, and contributes to the Holy Family Cathedral Finance Committee. For Kevin, helping others secure their futures is both a professional mission and a personal value.
At home, Kevin is “Dado” to his kids, relishing the everyday moments that make life meaningful. Alongside his wife, Carolyn, he’s building a legacy of his own—a life rooted in service, integrity, and care for those around him. In his spare time, Kevin is also an explorer of flavors and ideas, whether in the form of new cuisines, writing, or cartooning.
For Kevin, life is a grand voyage, a journey shared with his family and driven by a deep-rooted mission to bring justice, compassion, and yes, a touch of adventure, to the world around him.

Director of Operations
Carolyn Snyder is the heart and organizer of Snyder Law, orchestrating schedules, details, and the countless elements that ensure each client feels valued and cared for. As both Kevin’s partner and the mastermind behind the firm’s daily operations, Carolyn brings a meticulous eye to every detail and a warmth to every client interaction—qualities that make each meeting feel as genuine as it is reassuring.
Beyond the office, Carolyn is deeply dedicated to her family and community. She leads Snyder Law’s annual Christmas toy drive, a beloved tradition that spreads holiday cheer to local children, and she is instrumental in the firm’s ongoing support for charities close to her heart. Carolyn actively champions organizations including Dolores Mission School, Bracken’s Kitchen, the Welles Remy Crowther Foundation, Veterans Legal Institute, the Alzheimer’s Association, and the Parkinson’s Foundation, each reflecting her commitment to giving back and making a difference.
Clients and colleagues alike feel Carolyn’s warmth and dedication in everything she does. With her, every client relationship is more than just a transaction—it’s a chance to connect, comfort, and make a lasting impact on the families Snyder Law is honored to serve.

Business Manager
Lara believes that the most meaningful work happens when people feel genuinely cared for. As Snyder Law’s Business Manager, she is passionate about creating an experience where families feel welcomed, supported, and confident from their very first interaction with the firm.
She understands that many clients come to Snyder Law during times of uncertainty, whether they are planning for the future, caring for aging loved ones, navigating a loss, or facing important family decisions. Lara is dedicated to ensuring that every person who reaches out to the firm feels seen, valued, and empowered with the knowledge they need to move forward with confidence.
A natural relationship-builder, Lara is deeply committed to strengthening the connections between Snyder Law, the families it serves, and the community it calls home. She believes that education is one of the greatest gifts a professional can provide, and she is passionate about helping families access resources, information, and guidance that bring greater clarity and peace of mind.
What drives Lara most is knowing that the work being done today can have a lasting impact on future generations. She takes pride in supporting a team that shares a common purpose: helping families protect what matters most and creating plans that reflect their values, goals, and legacy.
With a background in Marketing from California State University, Fullerton, Lara brings both creativity and heart to everything she does. Her commitment to service, connection, and excellence helps ensure that every client experience reflects the values that have guided Snyder Law from the beginning: family, trust, compassion, and community.
Outside of the office, Lara enjoys hiking the scenic trails around her hometown of Tennessee, discovering local restaurants and coffee shops, baking homemade sourdough treats, and spending quality time with her husband and dog.

Estate Planning & Trust Administration Paralegal
Melanie serves as Snyder Law’s Estate Planning and Trust Administration Paralegal, where she plays an integral role in helping clients navigate some of life’s most important planning decisions. Working closely with the firm’s attorneys, she assists individuals, families, trustees, and business owners with a wide range of legal matters, helping ensure each client receives thoughtful guidance and exceptional support throughout the process.
Originally from South Africa, Melanie holds a law degree and is an admitted attorney of the High Court. She brings a unique blend of legal knowledge, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine compassion to her work. Known for her organization, professionalism, and client-centered approach, Melanie is committed to making complex legal processes feel approachable and manageable for those she serves.
Whether she is assisting with the creation of an estate plan, supporting families through trust administration, or helping business owners with their planning needs, Melanie takes pride in delivering a seamless and positive client experience.
Outside of the office, Melanie enjoys spending time with her daughter, whose curiosity, resilience, and joy continually inspire her both personally and professionally.

Litigation & Conservatorship Paralegal
Deirdre thrives in matters that require persistence, critical thinking, and careful case management. She works closely with clients, attorneys, and court personnel to help keep cases moving forward while ensuring important details never fall through the cracks. Her calm demeanor and problem-solving mindset make her a valuable resource for both clients and the legal team throughout the process.
Born in Canada, shaped by decades of Southern California living, and a proud holder of an Irish passport through her Dublin-born father, Deirdre brings a unique perspective and appreciation for diverse backgrounds and experiences. She values building meaningful relationships and approaches her work with both professionalism and genuine care for the people she serves.
When she’s not in the office, Deirdre can usually be found near the ocean. Whether she’s paddleboarding, kayaking, freediving, or simply enjoying the coastline, the water is where she feels most at home. Her Rottweiler, Olive, wholeheartedly agrees that life is better with a little salt air and sunshine.

Probate Paralegal
Cassandra serves as Snyder Law’s Probate Paralegal, where she helps families navigate the legal and practical responsibilities that arise after the loss of a loved one. With more than 15 years of experience in the legal field and over a decade dedicated to probate matters, she understands that probate is about much more than court filings and paperwork. It is about helping families find clarity, direction, and support during a difficult chapter of life.
Cassandra is passionate about making a complicated process feel more manageable. She recognizes that many clients come to Snyder Law carrying not only legal responsibilities, but also grief, uncertainty, and the weight of important decisions. Her goal is to provide a steady presence throughout the process, helping clients feel informed, cared for, and confident that they have a team walking alongside them every step of the way.
Known for her patience, empathy, and attention to detail, Cassandra takes the time to listen to each family’s unique circumstances and concerns. She believes that every client deserves to feel heard, respected, and supported, regardless of how simple or complex their situation may be. Her ability to combine technical probate knowledge with genuine compassion helps create the personalized experience that Snyder Law strives to provide every client.
Cassandra earned her Bachelor of Arts in Government and Public Policy from the University of Redlands and later obtained her Paralegal Certificate from UCLA. She continues to be driven by a desire to serve others and help families move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
Outside of the office, Cassandra enjoys traveling, baking, watching baseball, and spending time outdoors with her children. Family is at the center of everything she does, which is one of the reasons she feels so connected to the work of helping other families through important life transitions.

Drafting Coordinator
Steffie serves as Snyder Law’s Drafting Coordinator, where she helps transform clients’ goals, values, and wishes into thoughtfully prepared legal documents that reflect the plans they have worked hard to create. She understands that estate planning is not simply about paperwork. It is about protecting families, preserving legacies, and ensuring that a client’s intentions are clearly documented for the future.
With a strong background in project management and client service, Steffie brings exceptional organization, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence to every matter she handles. She works closely with attorneys and the legal team throughout the drafting process, helping ensure that documents are prepared accurately, efficiently, and in alignment with each client’s unique circumstances and objectives.
Steffie is passionate about creating a seamless experience for clients during the planning process. She understands that legal matters can sometimes feel overwhelming, and she takes pride in helping bring clarity, consistency, and confidence to each stage of the journey. Her thoughtful approach, proactive communication, and dedication to quality help ensure that clients feel supported and cared for from beginning to end.
What Steffie values most is being part of a team that helps families gain peace of mind and prepare for the future with confidence. She is honored to contribute to work that has a lasting impact on generations to come and is committed to upholding the high level of care, professionalism, and personal attention that defines the Snyder Law experience.
Outside of work, Steffie enjoys spending time with her family, choreographing and teaching wedding first dances, and engaging with her community.

Intake Specialist
With a career rooted in hospitality, senior living, and client service, Giabela believes that people deserve to feel genuinely cared for, heard, and supported every step of the way. As a Client Intake Specialist at Snyder Law, she is passionate about creating a welcoming and positive experience for every person who reaches out to the firm.
Originally from San Jose, California, Giabela began her career in the hospitality industry with Marriott Hotels, where she developed a strong appreciation for exceptional service and the importance of creating meaningful experiences for others. She later brought that same service-focused approach to the senior living industry, supporting residents, families, guests, and clients and helping make their experiences as comfortable and seamless as possible.
Today, Giabela enjoys connecting with clients, listening to their individual needs, and helping guide them through the initial steps of their experience with Snyder Law. She understands that reaching out to a law firm can sometimes feel overwhelming, and she takes pride in helping clients feel welcomed, informed, and cared for from their very first interaction.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Consumer Affairs from California State University, Long Beach and a minor in Hospitality Management, Giabela brings a unique combination of organization, compassion, and service to her role. Her professional experiences have taught her the importance of listening, building trust, and treating every person with kindness and respect.
What she enjoys most about her work is the opportunity to make a positive difference in someone’s experience, even in the smallest of ways. She is committed to supporting the Snyder Law team and helping create an environment where clients and their families feel valued and confident as they take their next steps.
Outside of work, Giabela enjoys spending time outdoors, especially at the beach, riding bikes, traveling, shopping, and spending quality time with friends and family. She also has a special passion for animals and volunteers as a foster mom with Southern California Golden Retriever Rescue, helping dogs in need find loving forever homes.
Whether she is helping a client feel more comfortable, supporting her colleagues, or caring for a dog in need, Giabela brings the same philosophy to everything she does: lead with compassion, serve with purpose, and always make people and animals feel cared for.

Office & Administrative Coordinator
Elise is originally from San Juan Capistrano, California, and has always valued community involvement and meaningful connections with others. Her interest in supporting and working with people began at an early age through volunteering at a local elementary school and serving in church youth ministry. These experiences, along with her academic background in Psychology and Spanish, have shaped her thoughtful, personable approach to both her work and relationships.
Elise earned her degrees from the University of San Diego, where she was actively involved in Gamma Phi Beta and Phi Alpha Delta, a pre-law fraternity. Through Gamma Phi Beta, she participated in philanthropic initiatives including Girls on the Run and suicide prevention awareness, while also serving in leadership roles as Event Coordinator and Sisterhood Chair. These experiences strengthened her skills in communication, organization, leadership, and collaboration, while reinforcing her passion for making a positive impact in the lives of others.
Elise is organized, detail oriented, and dependable, and takes pride in approaching her work with care, thoughtfulness, and attention to detail. She enjoys being part of a collaborative team and values creating a welcoming and positive environment for those around her. Her background in psychology has also given her a strong appreciation for listening, understanding different perspectives, and building genuine trust and connection with others.
Outside of work, Elise enjoys an active lifestyle and spending time outdoors. She loves hiking, taking walks with her dog, playing tennis, and spending time at both the beach and in the mountains. She also leads a women’s Life Group, where she enjoys creating meaningful connections and supporting others. In her free time, Elise enjoys reading, learning, and spending quality time with friends and family.

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