Meet Brett Rhodes
Brett Rhodes, Esq.
Principal Attorney
Brett Rhodes, voted Best Attorney 2025, is a dedicated estate planning attorney whose passion lies in safeguarding and strengthening his clients’ financial legacies. With deep ties to Sonoma County, California, Brett founded Rhodes Law in Santa Rosa, focusing exclusively on estate planning for clients throughout Sonoma County and the broader North Bay Area. His firm is a testament to his commitment to community and his unwavering dedication to providing peace of mind.
Raised in a family of distinguished attorneys, Brett developed a profound respect for the legal profession from an early age. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Sonoma State University before pursuing his legal education at Empire College School of Law. There, he earned both a Juris Doctorate and a Master’s in Legal Studies, graduating with cum laude honors and receiving accolades for his academic achievements, including the Pro Bono Award from the Sonoma County Bar Association and the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence.
As the founder of Rhodes Law, Brett’s mission is to assist individuals and families in protecting and transferring their assets to future generations. His approach to estate planning is characterized by honesty, clarity, and strategic insight, ensuring clients feel confident and secure in their legal decisions.
Brett is honored to be recognized on the Super Lawyers Northern California Rising Star list for 2024, a testament to his expertise and compassionate approach. His philosophy revolves around building enduring relationships with clients, understanding their unique needs, and crafting customized estate plans that honor their wishes and protect their assets.
Rhodes Law is renowned for its exceptional legal service, as demonstrated by a 5-star rating on AVVO, an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau, and top rankings from Super Lawyers. Rhodes Law was also featured in Sonoma Magazine’s Wealth Management Spotlight “Building a Secure Future”, showcasing professionals dedicated to serving and guiding their communities. These accolades underscore the firm’s dedication to excellence and reliability. At Rhodes Law, clients receive not only expert legal counsel, but also a committed advocate who is passionate about securing their peace of mind and financial future.
Outside of his professional achievements, Brett is actively involved in his community, supporting local events and contributing to pro bono work and legal workshops. In his leisure time, he enjoys the scenic beauty of Sonoma County’s wine country with friends and family.
Admissions to Practice Law
- Supreme Court of California
- United States District Court, Northern District of California
- United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
- United States Supreme Court
Education
- Empire College School of Law (J.D., 2015, cum laude)
- Empire College School of Law (MLS, 2014, cum laude)
- Sonoma State University (MPA, 2004)
- Sonoma State University (BA, 2001)
Professional Associations
- The State Bar of California (Section of Estate Planning Probate and Trust Law)
- California Lawyers Association
- American Bar Association
- Sonoma County Bar Association
- Marin County Bar Association
- National Notary Association
Awards, Recognitions & Academic Distinctions
- Super Lawyers – Rising Star List
2024, 2025
Recognized as a top-rated attorney by Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters rating service. - “Voted Best Attorney”
The Press Democrat’s Readers’ Choice Awards, 2025
Honored by local readers for excellence in legal services. - Lawyers of Distinction – Excellence in Estate Planning Law
2025
National recognition for outstanding work in estate planning. - Honored Listee – Marquis Who’s Who
2025
Included in Marquis Who’s Who for professional and academic excellence. - Pro Bono Award Recipient
Recognized for dedication to providing exceptional pro bono legal services. - Witkin Award for Academic Excellence
Awarded for achieving the highest grade in a law school course. - Empire College School of Law – Graduated Cum Laude
Honors graduate reflecting strong academic performance. - Dean’s Scholarship Recipient
Empire College School of Law
Merit-based scholarship awarded for academic achievement and potential.