Skip to content
Thomas C. Lawler, Attorney
tcl@fayandlawler.com
Mr. Lawler is a founding partner of the firm with nearly 30 years of experience in all aspects of estate planning. He graduated from University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology, minor in Philosophy, and earned his law degree from Western State University College of Law (now known as Thomas Jefferson School of Law.) While at Western State University, Mr. Lawler participated in a study program at Downing College at Cambridge University, England in summer of 1984. Mr. Lawler was admitted to the California State Bar in 1986. Mr. Lawler is Certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law since 1995. He has also been accredited by the Department of Veterans Affairs to represent veterans in their efforts to obtain government benefits. Mr. Lawler is a member of the San Diego County Bar Association, the California Bar Association, National Care Planning Council and Better Business Bureau.
Elena K. Dietrich, Attorney
ekd@fayandlawler.com
Ms. Dietrich earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Modern Languages (English and Spanish) from the Moscow State Linguistic University in her native Russia. She graduated Magna Cum Laude from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in May 2014 and was admitted to the California State Bar in January 2015. Prior to attending law school, she enjoyed a fruitful career in commercial real estate involving sales, leasing and property management. Ms. Dietrich continues to draw on her real estate expertise in evaluating clients’ assets and recommending innovative estate planning strategies. She is fluent in Russian and proficient in Spanish, and welcomes the opportunities to communicate with clients in their native language.
Karel L. Flickinger, Paralegal
klf@fayandlawler.com
Ms. Flickinger is the firm’s paralegal and administrator. She oversees the day-to-day operations of the firm and provides assistance to Mr. Lawler and Ms. Dietrich. Ms. Flickinger has extensive experience in working with trust and probate administration. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Flickinger worked in various areas of the real estate and construction industries.
Dennis E. Fay, Attorney (1956-2011)
Mr. Fay was a founding partner of the firm. Mr. Fay earned his law degree from California Western School of Law in 1986 and was admitted to the California State Bar in the same year. He subsequently became Certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. He enjoyed a long and prosperous career in estate planning that spanned over 20 years. Mr. Fay passed away in 2011.
