Mary M. Rudser

Mary M. Rudser is Of Counsel at Donahue Fitzgerald, where she concentrates her practice on estate planning, trust administration, and probate law. A former longtime co-chair of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Practice Group, she is highly experienced in preparing comprehensive estate plans, minimizing tax burdens, and guiding families through complex legal processes. Her work also includes succession planning for family-owned businesses.

Mary earned her Bachelor of Arts from Carleton College, her Master of Library Science from the University of Maryland, her Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from Boston College Law School, and her LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law. This distinguished academic background provides her with the expertise to handle sophisticated estate and tax matters with precision.

In her probate and trust administration work, Mary has managed estates, served as a court-appointed guardian ad litem for minors and conservatees, and guided families through complex and sensitive legal transitions. She is also a respected lecturer on tax and estate planning and remains an active member of the East Bay Tax Club.

Mary’s leadership extends beyond her legal work. She has chaired the Trusts and Estates Section of the Alameda County Bar Association, served on its board of directors, and held leadership roles in the Rotary Club of Oakland, including serving as president. She has also served on the boards of the Peralta Colleges Foundation and Alameda Health System Foundation.

Recognized annually as a Super Lawyer since 2005 and AV Preeminent peer-review rated by Martindale-Hubbell, Mary M. Rudser is widely respected for her professional excellence. She continues to serve clients with dedication, providing tailored legal strategies that safeguard assets and honor family legacies.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Donahue Fitzgerald LLP
• Former Chair, Trusts & Estates Section, Alameda County Bar Association
• Former Chair, Trust Committee, Alameda County Bar Association
• Two-Term Member, Board of Directors, Alameda County Bar Association
• Member, East Bay Tax Club
• Member, Former Board Member, and Former Board of Trustee Member, Rotary Club of Oakland
• Former President, Rotary Club of Oakland (2009-2010)
• Former Board Member, Peralta Colleges Foundation
• Board Member, Alameda Health System Foundation

Licensed State

• California
• New York

Education

• New York University
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• Boston College Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD) Magna Cum Laude
• University of Maryland
  Master of Legal Studies (MLS)
• Carleton College
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges