Our Philosophy
I am Rachel Bernstein Sheikh, the owner and founder of RBS Law. I am a Mom, Wife, Daughter and Sister. Family has always been everything to me, but becoming a mom in 2013 made me realize that I would do anything for that little person and that her needs now came before mine. This is the same philosophy behind having a well-organized estate plan in place. One of the most important gifts you can offer your loved ones is a clear plan for the future. Helping individuals and families ensure that their loved ones are adequately protected is my passion and the reason I started RBS Law. I feel so lucky to be able to provide our clients with peace of mind.
At RBS Law, we believe that estate planning is essential for people of all ages, regardless of their wealth. It gives you the opportunity to make decisions about many of the most important issues in your life and the people you love--from naming a guardian for your child or fur baby to appointing someone to carry out your wishes with respect to your health and finances. While it is impossible to control many aspects of your life, it is possible to make your wishes known and make sure your loved ones are protected through an estate plan.
Meet Rachel
Rachel Bernstein Sheikh (she/her), Owner & Founding Attorney. I graduated from Villanova University School of Law in 2005 and have two decades of legal experience. While I practiced criminal and civil law in the beginning of my career, my focus since 2013 has been on wills, trusts, and probate. This area of law is rewarding because I am able to help people with what is often considered an overwhelming and intimidating process. I have worked with clients at all different stages of life--young and single, couples purchasing their first home and starting a family, individuals after divorce or the death of their spouse, blended families and seniors. Estate planning and probate administration allow me to draw upon my prior legal experience and my long-time commitment to helping and educating others.
I fell in love with Colorado when we moved here from the east coast in 2011 and immediately embraced my new community. I am a member of the Arvada Chamber of Commerce where I work with other local leaders to support our community members. I am a member of multiple bar associations including the Colorado Bar Association (CBA), the Jefferson County Bar Association, as well as the Solo and Small Firm, and Trust & Estates sections of the CBA. I graduated from the Colorado Bar Association's Leadership Training Program in 2015 and have continued to participate in the planning of the program ever since. I am always looking for ways to challenge myself to be better at what I do and how I lead. I serve on the Board of Continuing Legal and Judicial Education to foster and promote competence and professionalism among Colorado lawyers. I consistently volunteer at the Jefferson County Senior Law Day during their Ask-A-Lawyer Program. I truly enjoy giving back to my community, and I look forward to working with you.
When I’m not practicing law, I like to spend time with my daughter, husband and crazy dog. I enjoy gardening, cooking, coaching my daughter’s soccer team, and exploring all that Colorado has to offer!
Meet Kiera
Kiera Schwartz (she/her), Senior Attorney. After graduating from college with a BA in Psychology, I knew I wanted to work in a field where I could help people in a personal and impactful way. During law school, I found myself drawn to wills, trusts, and estates and the personal aspect of providing such services to people with a variety of different backgrounds. This area of law allows personal relationships to be built with clients – it often involves listening and learning about someone’s unique situation and building their trust in us to provide our expertise. I enjoy being able to help clients work through these otherwise intimidating discussions and decisions and educate them about their options based on their wishes. Clients often ask, “don’t you just fill in a form with my information?” While a template full of legalese forms the skeleton of an estate plan, working with RBS Law allows you to tailor your documents to your wishes and not the other way around!
During the summer of 2018, I applied for an internship with Rachel. I was attracted to her philosophy – estate planning is really about protecting your loved ones no matter who you are or what you have. After graduating from University of Denver’s Sturm College of Law, I joined her team at RBS Law. She continues to teach me how much I value offering a professional service that is tailored to the needs of the individual client, which often means getting creative. Family is deeply important to me for many reasons and leaving them with your wishes clearly spelled out is the greatest gift.
While I was born in Iowa and grew up in North Carolina, I visited Colorado for most of my life. I moved to Colorado full-time to attend law school and I’m happy to call it my home! Skiing, camping, and the 300+ days of sunshine per year are some of the reasons I fell in love. I look forward to discovering new ways to get involved and give back to my community.
Meet Kaleigh Rose
Kaleigh Rose Thacker (they/them/she/her), Attorney. I was raised on the Space Coast of Florida and graduated magna cum laude from the University of Central Florida. I earned my law degree from the University of Memphis, Cecil C. Humphreys School of Law.
Fluent in the language of grief, I am honored to guide my clients through the estate planning process. I have personally witnessed the additional burdens families face when they have not completed any estate planning. I use an educational approach to demystify the probate and estate planning processes and empower clients to make the best decisions for their lives.
With more than a decade of legal experience, I have engaged in a broad scope of practice including family law and divorce, contracts, civil litigation, real estate closings, guardianship and conservatorships, civil litigation, some business formation, and estate planning. Gaining experience in many areas of law and working on a variety of legal issues has made for a well-rounded experience. I have volunteered doing estate planning for first responders, completed a judicial externship for United States Federal Magistrate Judge Diane K. Vescovo, worked as a law clerk for the American Civil Liberties Union of Tennessee, and served as the volunteer coordinator for the public action law society organizing an alternative spring break program which aided low-income individuals in need of legal representation.
My area of law has changed over time, but my goal never has: to help people. As a “planner” myself I love helping others plan and strategize for their future and protect their legacy. It is a privilege to support you and your family (both chosen and legal).
I moved to Colorado in 2021 and am proud to call this gorgeous state my home. I am a member of the Colorado LGBTQ+ Bar Association, the Colorado Bar Association (CBA), the Denver Bar Association, and the Trust & Estates, and the Solo and Small Firm sections of the CBA. I am passionate about mutual aid and community building. I also enjoy skiing, crafting, meditating, traveling, writing poetry, kayaking, hiking, playing ukulele, volunteering, and cuddling my cat.
Meet Abby
Abigail Levitt (she/her), Legal Assistant.
I graduated in 2018 from the University of Colorado, Boulder with a BA in Psychology and a BA in Women and Gender Studies. Since college, I have been interested in working with families and the law. I joined RBS Law in 2020 as a way to start exploring what the legal field has to offer. I had no experience with estate planning, but throughout my time at RBS Law I have developed a deeper interest not only in the legal field, but helping families accomplish their goals through estate planning.
I am a Colorado native and grew up in the Lakewood and Littleton areas. I love living here and experiencing everything Colorado has to offer. In my down time I enjoy reading, writing in and doing small art pieces in my journal, spending time with my three cats, and experimenting in the kitchen.
I am honored to work at a law firm that helps all kinds of families. I love helping our clients accomplish their goals when it comes to caring for their families now and in the future!
Meet Dianna
Dianna Ferrer (she/her), Client Care Coordinator. I am a New Jersey native who now resides in Georgia with my husband, two kids, and our ShorkiePoo. In my spare time I enjoy baking, reading, and spending time with family.
Before venturing into estate planning in 2022, I worked in real estate and other areas of law. While the specifics may differ, the skills I acquired during my time at other law firms, such as document preparation, client communication, and professional discretion, enable me to support RBS Law’s busy practice.
With over a decade of administrative experience, my professional core values are honor, integrity, and relationships built on trust. I recognize and value the trust our clients place in us.
I have a genuine passion for helping people. I am committed to assist in ensuring that your wishes are honored and securing your legacy to provide peace of mind for you and your loved ones!