Jennifer S. Rouse - a Sacramento, United States Estate Planning, including Trusts and Wills Lawyer

Sacramento Estate Planning, including Trusts and Wills Lawyer

Updated: 02/16/2026

Areas of Practice

Estate Planning, including Trusts and Wills
Probate Administration
Guardianship and Conservatorship
Special Needs Trusts

Attorney Information

Overview

I practice in the areas of estate planning and trust administration, probate, conservatorships, guardianships, and special needs trusts.

My Practice

Estate planning and probate are unique areas of law because they are quite personal—and my ability to build a rapport with my clients is the fundamental strength of my practice. With over 25 years of experience, I’ve managed countless cases of every variety, served on the board of the Sacramento County Bar Association, and served as president of Women Lawyers of Sacramento. But when you’re creating a plan for what happens when you die, you need an attorney who is more than just knowledgeable and experienced. You want to work with someone who can make you feel comfortable and earn your trust.

I prioritize connecting with my clients so that I can truly understand what matters to them. That helps me guide them as we shape their estate plans to reflect their wishes. Although estate planning can be complex, I pride myself in my ability to explain it clearly so that my clients won’t feel overwhelmed. On the contrary, they usually leave my office with a great sense of relief and security, knowing that their dependents will be provided for and their assets will be protected.

I enjoy handling estate planning and establishing and maintaining conservatorships, guardianships, and special needs trusts, because these processes give us the opportunity to set things right before anything can go wrong. Planning for your future needs will not only give you peace of mind now but will also ensure that matters are handled smoothly when it really counts. And when pre-planning is not possible, I assist with navigating the court process in establishing and maintaining conservatorships and guardianships. I also enjoy probate because I can make sure all parties respect and honor the wishes of the deceased. It is my privilege to protect those who need extra protection and those who have passed on.

My Story

I’ve lived in and loved northern California for most of my life. I grew up in Auburn, and then went to college in Napa Valley, earning a B.S. in History and Government from Pacific Union College. I returned to the Sacramento area to earn my Juris Doctor from McGeorge School of Law. I’m happily married, and our two children now go to the same school I attended as a child.

We enjoy travelling, especially to national parks. My favorite is Yosemite—it’s so beautiful and serene. I have many treasured memories of visiting it when I was young, so I love taking my own children there. At home, I love collecting wine and gardening, both flowers and food; both personally and professionally, I like the idea of nurturing something from the beginning and seeing it flourish just as planned.

I’ve been with Meissner Ruggles Thompson, Inc. since 2007, and I feel at home here because the other attorneys have values and philosophies similar to mine; I find the firm has a welcoming and friendly atmosphere.

In addition to working with clients directly, I teach seminars regarding estate planning, special needs trusts, and conservatorships for various organizations, including the National Business Institute, Continuing Education of the Bar, Senior Legal Hotline, Special Kids In Educational Settings, the Sacramento County Law Library, financial advisors and CPAs, and others.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Jennifer S. Rouse included in a Super Lawyers® list

Other Sources of Feedback About Jennifer S. Rouse

Included on the 2026 Northern California Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2024 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2012 Northern California Rising Stars Super Lawyers list
2011 Northern California Super Lawyers list
2010 Northern California Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California, May, 1998
  Juris Doctor
  Honors: Alumni Scholarship
  Honors: James Foundation Scholarship
  Honors: AmJur Award for Jurisprudence
  Honors: Gary V. Shaber Memorial Scholarship
Non Legal Education
- Pacific Union College, Angwin, California, June, 1995
  B.S.
  Honors: History Faculty Award, 1995
  Honors: Steven J. Seeley III Classic Croquet Tournament Champion, 1993
  Honors: Phi Alpha Theta-History Honor Society
  Honors: Sigma Tau Delta-English Honor Society
  Honors: Academic Administration Employee of the Year, 1992 & 1993
  Major: History & Government
  Minor: Business Administration

Current Employment Position(s)

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Attorney
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Past Positions

Drobny Law Offices, Inc., Associate Attorney, 2002 - 2007
Goralka Law Firm, Associate Attorney, 1998 - 2002
Community Legal Services, Sacramento, CA, Federal and State Court Certified Law Student, 1996 - 1998
Community Legal Services, Sacramento, CA, Governing Board Member, 1997 - 1998
Small Claims Advisors Clinic, Sacramento, CA, Small Claims Advisor, 1996 - 1997
Kelly Temporary Services, Roseville, CA, 1991 - 1995, 1998 - 1998
Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA, Student Assistant, 1994 - 1995
Pacific Union College, Angwin, CA, Secretary to the Assistant Academic Dean, 1991 - 1994
Adventist Health Systems West, Roseville, CA, File Clerk, 1993 - 1993

Languages

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English
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Classes and Seminars

Divorce and Death, California State Bar
Probate Start to Finish, NBI
Fiduciary Accountings, Legal Secretary Institute
Conservatorships, Various

Bar Admissions

California, 1998

Specialties and Certifications

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate law as determined by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization

Other Affiliations

California Bar Association
California State Bar, Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Section, Member
Sacramento County Bar Association, Former Board Member
Sacramento County Bar Association, Probate & Estate Planning Section Member
Senior Legal Hotline Former Volunteer
California Women Lawyers, Member
Women Lawyers of Sacramento, Past President
California Conference of Bar Associations, Former Delegate

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Contact

Sacramento, CA

1555 River Park Drive
Suite 108
Sacramento, CA 95815 - 4666

Directions

Phone: 916-282-5033

Fax: (916) 258-6387

Email: Send a message

Websites:

Hours: 8-5 M-F

Credit Cards Accepted

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Jennifer S. Rouse - Sacramento, CA