After growing up in Warren, Ohio, Elizabeth Palmer earned a bachelor’s degree in political economy of natural resources from UC Berkeley and a law degree from Golden Gate University. “After college, I spent several years working for Coopers & Lybrand (now PricewaterhouseCoopers) in the firm’s retirement plan consulting group. I acquired a familiarity with ERISA (the federal laws that govern certain types of employee benefits) that serves me to this day.
“I began my legal career in San Francisco [but], five years later, I was lured to Sonoma County by its beauty and lifestyle, and the opportunity to transition to transactional [nonlitigation] work with Merrill, Arnone & Jones. I spent 12 years with MAJ, during which I acquired a master’s degree in taxation and an interest in wine industry-related legal matters. Late in 2011, I moved my practice to Dickenson, Peatman & Fogarty to focus on wine industry business and taxation matters, although I continue to represent all types of businesses.”
What got you interested in a legal career?
I was about 12 when I decided to be a lawyer. I had no idea what it actually meant to practice law, but I wanted to be as wise and unwavering as Atticus Finch.
What do you love to do outside of work?
Much of my free time is spent with my horse, Greycie. For many years, we pursued the challenging and occasionally rewarding sport of dressage. Greycie is now semi-retired and we’re exploring the fabulous equestrian trails in this area. When I’m not at the barn, I like to swim, do yoga, hang with friends and visit wineries.
Describe one of your life’s happiest moments.
I have a really good life, so it’s hard to identify the happiest moments. One day that stands out is a birthday I spent with my family on my sister and brother-in-law’s farm in Ohio. It was a beautiful fall day; my sister and I went for a long trail ride through the woods and ravines on their property (even fording a river). The leaves were starting to turn and we picked buckeyes from horseback. We had a lovely birthday dinner, complete with homemade ice cream (and California wines). It was a wonderful day!
Have you ever seen a ghost?
No; however, I’m pretty sure [my husband] Mike [Harkins] and I stayed in a haunted castle in Ireland. We just thought the place was eerie and creepy, but about a year later, we saw it featured on TV as an international destination for ghost-seekers.
How has your birth order affected you?
I have an older sister and a younger brother. I’ve never given much thought to the theories of birth order, but I can say that several of the stereotypical descriptions of middle children (peacemaker, negotiator) may hit close to home.
If you could be invisible for a day, what would you do?
I would head for the White House and probably several other buildings in Washington, D.C. Short of that, I’d infiltrate the jury room of an interesting trial.
What drives you crazy?
Drivers in the left lane going the same speed as the car in the right lane. Need I say more?
What book(s) are you currently reading?
I recently finished The Orchardist by Amanda Coplin. I am heading into The Light Between Oceans by M. L. Stedmen, but I have Carl Hiassen’s Bad Monkey nearby for levity.
What’s your most memorable line from a movie?
“You just keep thinking, Butch.” It’s from “Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.”
What’s your greatest extravagance?
I like good wine; however, it’s astounding how much money one can spend on a horse.
If you could have any music group play at your next birthday party, who would you choose?
Counting Crows or Paul Simon. I love the energy and lyrics of Counting Crows, and Paul Simon is a national treasure. Perhaps I need to have two parties.
