The personnel of J. Douglass Jennings, Jr. law firm consists of a well educated team of professionals backed by an efficient and hard working support staff. In addition to individual success, our professionals bring a diverse background representing a vital component to the overall success of this law firm. The strength of this law firm is based on an outstanding combination of paralegals, legal assistants, legal secretaries, and administrators complementing the skills of attorneys and certified public accountants.
The vision of a specialized law firm with very broad financial objectives was a direct outgrowth of Douglass Jennings' formative years. Upon graduation from the University of Southern California with his major in accounting, Mr. Jennings was employed by the trust division of Union Bank as a Trust Tax Specialist while he attended the University of San Diego School of Law. Upon receipt of his Juris Doctorate degree, he then joined Peat, Marwick, Mitchell & Co., certified public accountants, and practiced as a tax accountant. Presently, Mr. Jennings is the president and founder of his own professional law corporation in San Diego, California, specializing in taxation, estate planning, corporate law and real estate. Additionally, Mr. Jennings was the founder of the La Jolla Bar Association serving as the original treasurer, and as an original member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Jennings has authored two books. The first book entitled Estate Planning from A to Z has been widely cited as one of the finest and most complete estate planning treatises published to date. The second book, entitled Techniques for Financial Survival is intended to provide the reader with an in-depth analysis of all major investment alternatives while still providing safety in both inflationary and recessionary times. Mr. Jennings takes particular pride in monitoring clients' progress on a regular basis. Since state and federal regulations frequently change, clients are assured of receiving up-to-date advice and counsel.
Mr. Alexander graduated from the University of California Santa Barbara in 1999 with a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology. He obtained a juris doctor from St. John’s University School of Law in New York graduating 2002. During law school, Mr. Alexander was recognized on the Dean’s List as focusing on tax law. After obtaining a juris doctor, Mr. Alexander attended the University of San Diego of Law Masters of Law program in taxation and obtained an LLM in taxation in June 2003. For 3 years, Mr. Alexander then worked as a solo practitioner in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, taxation, entity formation, trust litgiation, and civil litigation. Mr. Alexander now focuses on taxation, estate planning, entity formation, and pensions. With enthusiasm and attention to detail, Mr. Alexander ensures his clients desires and goals are met.
Mr. Cronin is an Associate Attorney who received his undergraduate degree in Social Welfare from San Diego State University. He holds a Master of Social Work from San Diego State University. After he obtained his juris doctor, Mr. Cronin worked for a number of years in private practice as an attorney with Senior Citizens Legal Services and the Law Offices of Kenneth Stone. Mr. Cronin’s personable and dedicated approach to his clients ensure goals and nuances of their estate planning are met.
Mr. Haswell graduated from California State University, San Marcos with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accountancy in 1994. After graduation, Mr. Haswell passed the California Uniform CPA Examination. After becoming a Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Haswell focused on taxation, preparing income tax returns for individuals, partnerships, corporations, trust, and nonprofit entities. Eager to expand his knowledge to better serve clients, Mr. Haswell attended the University of San Diego School of Law, graduating in May, 2003. Mr. Haswell passed the California Bar Examination in July, 2003 and is licensed to practice law in the State of California and 9th Federal District Court. While attending law school, Mr. Haswell also passed the Internal Revenue Service’s Enrolled Agent Examination, which focuses on all areas of taxation as well as IRS administrative rules and procedures. Mr. Haswell has worked in public accountancy for over ten years and brings enthusiasm and a desire to continually learn and grow professionally. Mr. Haswell strives to provide the highest level of service to every client of the Law Office of J. Douglass Jennings. Mr. Haswell’s experience and responsive attitude will help to ensure and maintain client satisfaction.
Mr. Jameson graduated from San Diego State University in 1980 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Finance. After working as a financial accountant with Teledyne Ryan Electronics in San Diego, he went on to attend National University, San Diego campus in 1985. His course work was designed with a specific emphasis in the accounting and taxation curriculum. Upon completing his two years of required work experience in public accounting, Mr. Jameson received his license to practice as a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California in August of 1988. Mr. Jameson is a Certified Public Accountant with the Law Office of J. Douglass Jennings, Jr. and specializes in all facets of personal and corporate taxation. His area of expertise includes representing clients in issues with the Internal Revenue Service, Franchise Tax Board, State Board of Equalization, and Employment Development Department. In a constant effort to keep his clients updated with the newest information on changes in the tax laws, Mr. Jameson will attend up to 80 hours each year in tax seminars put on by the California Society of Certified Public Accountants.
Mr. Puma received his undergraduate degree from the University of California, Berkeley in 1980 and his Juris Doctorate degree from Western State University in Fullerton in 1998. He is both a Tax Attorney and Certified Public Accountant. He is admitted to practice law in California, in the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. District Court. Additionally, he has represented clients before the I.R.S., and in bankruptcy, employment and contract litigation. Early in his career he worked as an auditor for Ernst & Young and as a budget analyst for Ocean Pacific. Since 1989 he has specialized in complex corporate, partnership, trust and individual taxation. He is also experienced in the formation of corporations, partnerships, limited liability companies and trusts as well as estate, gift and charitable planning. Mr. Puma's income tax planning strategies emphasize tax savings combined with the reduction of common risk factors that expose clients to lawsuits and lead to audits. By preparing clients' business and individual income tax returns, Mr. Puma ensures that income tax savings are realized in a manner consistent with income tax planning.
Mr. Rich obtained an undergraduate degree in Business Administration from Arizona State University in 1975 and his juris doctor from the University of Arizona. Prior to joining the Law Office of J. Douglass Jennings, Jr., Mr. Rich conducted work as a research attorney for the San Diego Superior Court. He also worked as a sole practitioner for 24 years with a focus on estate planning and civil litigation. Mr. Rich works diligently to meet the estate planning goals of his clients.
Mr. Zupfer is a Certified Public Accountant with over twelve years experience in accounting and taxation. He graduated from San Diego State University in 1991 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting and a minor in Psychology. He started his career in accounting with the Certified Public Accounting firm Considine & Considine in San Diego. While there, he obtained a wide variety of accounting and tax experience. He specialized in the accounting and tax planning for closely-held businesses, high net-worth individuals and assisted owners with the buying and selling of their businesses. Mr. Zupfer joined the Law Office J. Douglass Jennings, Jr. in June of 2003 where he brings personal service, innovative thinking and dedication to his clients. He is responsible for all areas of accounting, tax planning, and business strategies for his clients to assist them in achieving their personal and professional goals.
counseling as well as Internal Revenue Service compliance documentation including individual, partnership, corporate, pension, and estate tax returns. Our firm is recognized as one of the leading Estate Planning law firms in the United States. 