H. Christopher Heritage, Esq.
Chris is the Founder and Principal of Heritage Legal, PC, with offices in Palm Springs. Heritage Legal,
PC offers legal services in the general areas of Estate Planning (Wills and Trusts), Trust Administration,
Trustee and Executor services, Probate, and Family Law. Chris has focused an important part of his
practice on the unique estate and relationship planning needs of the LGBT community and other non-traditional
families. Chris earned his B.A. in Russian Area Studies from the University of Maryland, and his Juris
Doctorate from The American University, Washington College of Law, in Washington, D.C.
Chris is a member of the bar of the Supreme Court of the United States; California Supreme Court; and all
Federal Courts in California. Chris is also a member of the Family Law and Trust & Estates
Sections of the California State Bar.
Chris is a frequent contributor of feature articles for publication and is oftentimes asked to speak on various
legal topics. Chris is actively involved in local and national issues, and contributes his time and resources to
supporting the community.
Randall S. Ahrens, Director of Operations
Rand was a global and domestic Fortune 100 executive with a track record for leading new, strategic ventures
and multimillion-dollar enterprises. He has consistently built and managed deft and efficient teams who have
confronted some of the most vexing challenges, from strategy, marketing, business development and business
optimization to governance, finance, restructuring and re-direction. A resident of the Coachella Valley since
2006, his present-day interest shifted to local opportunities and he has now turned his attention to the legal
profession. Rand is responsible for practice growth, innovation, overall management, and customer satisfaction.
Tara Hazher, Paralegal
Tara lives in Joshua Tree near the entrance to the National Park with her daughter who will soon
graduate from college. In 1992 she moved to California from Long Island, New York. She first worked
in the desert as a legal assistant and then
obtained her paralegal certificate in 2007. Tara’s extensive work experience in legal support
services covers various areas of the law such as Estate Planning, Trust Administration, Probate, Family Law and
Real
Estate. Tara has been a Commissioned Notary Public since 2005. She is a nature lover, an animal
lover, and a voracious reader. She loves to spend her free time volunteering, hiking in the Joshua Tree
National Park, and playing with her pup.
 Lesley Renner, Trust
Administrator
Lesley’s broad-based experience in senior-level administrative support, operations management and human
resources have proven essential in the legal field, where she has over six years of experience assisting
attorneys in estate planning. A native of Canada, Lesley holds a Bachelor of Education degree from the
University of Alberta. She spent two years teaching English in Osaka, Japan before moving to the United States.
She has lived in the Coachella Valley since 2006. In her free time, Lesley and her husband foster homeless
animals. They share a home with their two whippets, Violet and Kylie, and a tortoiseshell cat named
Clementine.
 Pat Baughman, Legal
Assistant
After growing up in the Chicago area and living in Minneapolis for 25 years, Pat and her husband decided they
had lived long enough in the cold and snowy weather. It was time to move. After visiting the Coachella Valley
over the last 30 years, they decided to make Palm Springs their full-time residence.
Pat’s legal career began in 1989 when she worked as a Judge’s Clerk. After working in the Court system for over
5 years, Pat joined various law firms where she worked as a Legal Assistant in corporate, business
litigation, employment law, real estate and tax. Pat joined Heritage Legal in August 2016, where she helps
manage estate planning matters, and trust administrations.
Pat has two grown children living in the Bay Area, and loves tennis, biking and hiking in her spare time.
 Kelly O’Keefe, Legal Assistant/Paralegal
Kelly brings nearly a decade of paralegal experience to Heritage Legal, with a strong background in legal document
preparation, case management, and client service. She earned her Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies in 2016 and
is recognized for her precision, efficiency, and ability to guide clients with confidence and care.
Now beginning her first year in Estate Planning, Kelly is excited to expand her expertise in this new practice area
and
is proud to join Heritage Legal, where the team shares her dedication to quality and professionalism.
Kelly lives in Beaumont with her husband of 14 years, their three daughters, their dog Cooper, and a bearded dragon
named Milo. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, building furniture, and cheering on her daughters at softball
games.
 Shylee Palazzo, Administrative Assistant
Born and raised in Orange County, Shylee relocated to the Coachella Valley in 2007 when her husband’s career brought
them to the desert – a place they quickly fell in love with and proudly call home. She brings 15 years of experience
with the Riverside Superior Court’s Criminal Department, where she served as a Court Services Assistant II, and earlier
experience as a small business owner and hairstylist in Downtown Huntington Beach, where she developed her talent for
connecting with people in a warm, genuine way.
Clients appreciate Shylee’s approachable nature and calm presence, which makes the estate planning process feel far less
daunting. Behind the scenes, her strong organizational skills keep matters on track and the office running smoothly,
ensuring consistent support for both clients and the team.
Outside of work, Shylee and her husband of 30 years enjoy with their two grown children and their grandchildren,
traveling, concerts, cooking, and planning lively get-togethers.
 Tassos, Director of Public Relations
Tassos is Director of Public Relations at Heritage Legal, PC. He has been with the firm since early puppyhood, and is
an experienced meeter and greeter who understands the importance of the legal services we provide to our clients.
Tassos brings smiles of joy to the faces of everyone he meets. |