Thomas A. Haeuser

Partner Emeritus

Our Partner Emeritus, Thomas A. Haeuser, practiced law for fifty years. A pillar of the community for 50 years, Tom helps make our town a special place for businesses and families to thrive across multiple generations. He started as an associate with Bob Parmelee and never looked back. SLP lawyers and clients alike rely on Tom’s legacy of influence and historic legal counsel as they resolve thorny business issues and assist clients with the transfer of family wealth and business interests.

Focus on Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law
Tom was a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State of California, Board of Legal Specialization, as well as an Accredited Estate Planner certified by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Highly regarded by peers and clients, Tom met the complex estate planning needs of families and individuals. He handles trusts, wills, and estates cases throughout Northern California and adeptly navigates the challenges implicit in guardianships, conservatorships, probate, and all critical aspects of estate planning.

Local Knowledge Bolsters Business Law Expertise
Tom has preserved a legacy of more than 100 years of lawyering, helped several generations grow and prosper. Today he continues to focus on non-profit service and the SLP team move forward and succeed in their business ventures and personal goals.

Professional Involvement
Attune to the ever-evolving tapestry of the law, Tom’s long-standing community service experience informs various aspects of his life, including his counsel for nonprofit organizations. Tom’s legal memberships include the California State Bar Association, the Sonoma County Bar Association, and the Redwood Empire Estate Planning Counsel. He served on the Trust and Estate Section Steering Committee of the Sonoma County Bar Association. Tom parlays his years of involvement in the legal profession into a strong working knowledge of the local court system and the strengths and weaknesses of opposing counsel.

Community Focused
Over the years, Tom has selflessly helped build and sustain the community where he lives and works. He was recently appointed to a 3-year term as Vice Chair of the Sonoma Library Commission. A long-time advisor/volunteer for Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH), Tom served as President of the board of directors. Tom is also a member of the Professional Advisory Group of Community Foundation Sonoma County and a past Secretary/Treasurer of its Sonoma affiliate, Sonoma Valley Fund.

Life Beyond the Firm
Tom raised his family in Sonoma where he still lives with his wife. A true family man, for many years, Tom was in charge of the Sonoma Fourth of July Parade and he was the chair of the First Annual Building Fund for St. Francis Solano School, further contributing to the fabric of his community.

Education
Hastings College of the Law, J.D., 1973
University of California at Davis, A.B., 1968

Memberships
Member, California State Bar Association
Member, Sonoma County Bar Association
Member, Redwood Empire Estate Planning Counsel

Present Affiliations
Tom continues to serve as a community leader, including:

Community Foundation Sonoma County Professional Advisory Group
Friends in Sonoma Helping (FISH), President, Board of Directors
- Finance Committee and Newsletter
Sonoma Library Commission, Vice Chair

Former Affiliations
Tom has served in community leadership roles throughout his career, including:

City of Sonoma Parks and Recreation Commission – Chairperson
Friends of Sebastiani Theatre
General Vallejo Memorial Association
Sonoma City Opera
Sonoma Community Center, Board of Directors and President
- 4^th of July Committee
- Concert Series Committee
Sonoma County Bar Association
- Board of Directors; Trust and Estate Section Chair
Sonoma State Historic Park Association – Director & Treasurer
Sonoma Valley Chamber of Commerce – Director & Vice-President
Sonoma Valley Visitors Bureau
Francis Solano School Capital Fund Drive
United Way of Sonoma-Mendocino-Lake
Vintage House Senior Center
- Capital Fund Drive Committee
Home Care Connections, Long Range Planning Committee – Member
St. Francis School, First Annual Building Fund Chairperson
Sonoma Valley Historical Society
Friends of the Sebastiani Theatre
Sonoma Community Center Concerts