January 2007

“I, being of sound mind, do hereby declare this instrument to be my last will and testament.” We don’t like to think about it, but like death, creating a will & testament is inevitable. Writing a compilation of your last wishes can feel uneasy. Rachel Tolly’s (JD‘06) mission, however, is to make certain that her clients’ life plans and wishes are articulated and fulfilled. “Wills and trusts involve a lot of client contact. You have to be an outgoing person, interested in talking to other people and learning about their lives. It also helps to be detail oriented. One word can change the meaning of an entire document.” Rachel, who works at Green and Hite, PL. in Miami, drafts wills and trusts, attends probate court and handles all probate filings.

Rachel graduated in 2003 from Radford University in Virginia with a major in history. Before starting law school, Rachel drove down from Virginia to Miami with her boyfriend. “I ended up at UM because I wanted to go wherever my boyfriend, wanted to go. So we packed up our two cars and a U-haul and drove to Miami.” It did not take long however, before Rachel fell in love with South Florida. “I love the fact that the night never ends in Miami. No matter what hour, there is always something open. The restaurants down here can not be beat and if you are looking for something to do you will never be bored.”

While at UM, Rachel took a trust and estates class with visiting Professor David Powell. After attending his class Rachel realized how much she enjoyed trust and estates. “I love the client contact; it is fun learning what people want to do with their money after they pass on and why.” Rachel’s favorite part of her job however, is going to probate court on a weekly basis. “Many first year associates never get to see the inside of a court room, or if they do they go with partners and don't have the opportunity to speak. My job is great because I attend the hearings by myself and am charged with the responsibility of explaining our case and getting the orders signed. The judges and other attorneys in the probate court are the best part. Everyone works together to accomplish the goals.”

Before working at Green and Hite, PL, Rachel clerked for Steve Edelstein who represents companies in asbestos litigation. “Working for Mr. Edelstein gave me the opportunity to learn about the legal field.” At UM, Rachel was involved with HOPE (Helping Others through Pro Bono Efforts), where she had the opportunity to be a project leader at the 'Canes Carnival and the Hope Auction.  In addition, she served as an Admissions Ambassador and participated in HOPE Books and Buddies.

So whatever happened to her boyfriend that she came to Miami with? “We got married our third year of law school.” Michael Tolly (JD’06), works for Richard and Richard PA in Miami specializing in complex commercial litigation. In their spare time, Rachel and Michael enjoy cooking and belong to a sommelier guild to learn about wine from different regions.