It is not often that I meet someone, living a very full personal and professional life, and who has figured out how to spread around the weight of emotional labor. But after speaking with my guest, Patricia De Fonte, I walked away from that conversation thinking that, wow, here’s a role model for delegating, dialoguing, and anticipating what’s coming up.
Patricia De Fonte is the brains and heart behind De Fonte Law PC, where “Estate Planning With Heart®” isn’t just a tagline—it’s the ethos of the practice. Listen in on our conversation and you’ll hear how Patricia practices the principles of work and home equality in all of her affairs. My favorite example … many years ago Patricia read an article on the work of the household, prompting a new narrative in her in own home. Rather than asking her sons and husband to “help” her with the chores, she reframed and said that the “house needs help.” To function properly, the house needs help to the laundry done, toilets scrubbed, etc. So ‘help the house’ is now my rally cry to GSD!! {get stuff/sh*t done!}
At her law firm she institutes planned time off from clients, shortened work days, and scheduling boundaries. With an LL.M in Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration and a JD from Golden Gate University, plus a BA in Communication from Santa Clara University, Patricia’s academic credentials are just the beginning.
Eight years ago, she set out to create a law firm where happiness is a priority—for her, her team, and most importantly, her clients. And it’s working! Patricia has not only contributed a chapter to a Wealth Counsel book, but she’s also been named a Super Lawyer multiple times and even snagged the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. When Patricia’s involved, you know you’re in good hands!