Attorneys & Staff
ROD W. BURTON, III, ESQ.
Mr. Burton’s practice focuses on business and personal transactions, probate, estate planning, tax, real estate matters, securities, trust litigation and general civil litigation. In the course of his practice Mr. Burton has represented a wide variety of businesses. He has extensive experience advising on sophisticated business tr
Mr. Burton’s practice focuses on business and personal transactions, probate, estate planning, tax, real estate matters, securities, trust litigation and general civil litigation. In the course of his practice Mr. Burton has represented a wide variety of businesses. He has extensive experience advising on sophisticated business transactions and complicated estate and tax issues.
Mr. Burton was an associate at the law firms of Coleman & Horowitt, LLP and Dietrich, Glasrud, Mallek & Aune prior to moving to Sutter Creek in 2009. Before practicing law, Mr. Burton worked in the Private Banking and Securities divisions of Bank of America. In his free time, Mr. Burton enjoys boating, travel, and wine.
EDUCATION
- The University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2004
- Roanoke College, B.A., 1993
BAR ADMISSIONS
- All California State and Federal Courts
COMMUNITY
- Board of Trustees - Preston Castle Foundation
- Board of Directors - Hospice of Amador & Calaveras
THOMAS M. SWETT, ESQ.
Mr. Swett’s practice focuses on general business litigation, real estate matters, and land use law. He has handled cases covering a wide variety of business and real property disputes, including access easements, purchase and sale contracts, and title claims for clients ranging from homeowners to national title insurance companies. Mr. S
Mr. Swett’s practice focuses on general business litigation, real estate matters, and land use law. He has handled cases covering a wide variety of business and real property disputes, including access easements, purchase and sale contracts, and title claims for clients ranging from homeowners to national title insurance companies. Mr. Swett has also shepherded to approval several large purchase and sale agreements and land-use entitlement projects in Amador County.
Mr. Swett’s family is on its fifth generation in Amador County. In addition to the practice of law, Mr. Swett’s career has also spanned the mining and forest products manufacturing industries. In his free time, Mr. Swett enjoys fly-fishing in the Sierras and travel.
EDUCATION
- The University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2004, with Great Distinction (Salutatorian).
- Oregon State University, M.S., 1997
- University of Nevada, Reno, B.S., 1994
BAR ADMISSIONS
- All California State and Federal Courts
COMMUNITY
- Jackson Lions Club (Past Board Member)
- Ione Rotary Club
- Ione Business & Community Association Board
- Italian Benevolent Society
JAMES D. WIGGEN, ESQ.
JAMES D. WIGGEN, ESQ.
Mr. Wiggen's practice is focused on family law while providing support for probate, estate planning, business entity formation, unlawful detainer, and other general civil litigation cases.
Prior to the practice of law, Mr. Wiggen held numerous positions in Information Technology as a programmer and project manager. Upon completing the MB
Mr. Wiggen's practice is focused on family law while providing support for probate, estate planning, business entity formation, unlawful detainer, and other general civil litigation cases.
Prior to the practice of law, Mr. Wiggen held numerous positions in Information Technology as a programmer and project manager. Upon completing the MBA program at UC Davis, Mr. Wiggen worked as an independent consultant residing in the suburbs of Sacramento.
Mr. Wiggen has lived in many areas of the country while pursuing educational and professional goals, but has found a new home in the Foothills. In his free time, Mr. Wiggen enjoys wine tasting, travel, and outdoor activities throughout the U.S. and bey
EDUCATION
- University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, J.D., 2014
- University of California, Davis, M.B.A., 2006
- University of Arizona, B.S., 1995
- University of Arizona, B.A., 1995
BAR ADMISSIONS
- All California State and Federal Courts
COMMUNITY
- Volunteer work with several organizations, including Boys & Girls Club, Rotary Club, Ronald McDonald House, Special Olympics, multiple school districts and numerous youth sports teams.
SETH A. NUNLEY, ESQ.
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
JAMES D. WIGGEN, ESQ.
Mr. Nunley's practice focuses on real estate matters and land use law, as well as civil harassment restraining orders and unlawful detainers, while providing support for general civil litigation matters.
Mr. Nunley was previously an associate attorney in the Labor and Employment Department at Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C., representing first
Mr. Nunley's practice focuses on real estate matters and land use law, as well as civil harassment restraining orders and unlawful detainers, while providing support for general civil litigation matters.
Mr. Nunley was previously an associate attorney in the Labor and Employment Department at Mastagni Holstedt, A.P.C., representing first responders and public sector employees in their administrative disciplinary investigations, critical incidents, grievances, and criminal allegations.
Mr. Nunley started his professional career in the United States Marine Corps. He deployed twice to Southeast Asia and earned an Honorable Discharge in 1998.
Prior to becoming a member of the bar, Mr. Nunley served the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. During his first few years he worked the southwest county patrol division. He was later accepted into the elite Special Enforcement Bureau ("SEB"). After several years on SEB, Mr. Nunley became a member of the Southwest Division Special Enforcement Unit conducting vice, narcotics, and major crimes enforcement. During his last year with the office, Mr. Nunley worked in Court Services to prepare for law school.
Mr. Nunley resides in Amador County and enjoys spending free time with his wife and children.
EDUCATION
- University of San Diego School of Law, J.D., 2012
- University of Phoenix, B.S., 2006
BAR ADMISSIONS
- All California State and Federal Courts
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
Ms. Valletta provides support in several practice areas, including real estate litigation, unlawful detainers, civil harassment and domestic violence restraining orders, estate planning, trust litigation, family law, and a range of general civil litigation matters.
Ms. Valletta was previously an associate attorney at Harrison LLP in the
Ms. Valletta provides support in several practice areas, including real estate litigation, unlawful detainers, civil harassment and domestic violence restraining orders, estate planning, trust litigation, family law, and a range of general civil litigation matters.
Ms. Valletta was previously an associate attorney at Harrison LLP in the Trusts & Estates Litigation Department. She has prior experience in workers’ compensation, insurance defense, and estate planning departments.
Ms. Valletta is a Bay Area native from the San Francisco Peninsula. After becoming a member of the Bar, she and her husband relocated to be near his home town in Amador County. In her free time, Ms. Valletta enjoys hiking and spending time with her husband and her cat.
EDUCATION
- Lincoln Law School of San Jose, J.D., 2024
- University of California, Davis, B.A., 2018
BAR ADMISSIONS
- All California State Courts
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
ZOE I. VALLETTA, ESQ.
KATHRYN GARANT
KATHRYN GARANT
KATHRYN GARANT
Katie Garant is the Office Manager and a Paralegal for Burton & Swett.
A graduate of California State University, Stanislaus, Katie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice.
Katie handles a broad range of responsibilities for Burton & Swett, providing essential support to all of our att
Katie Garant is the Office Manager and a Paralegal for Burton & Swett.
A graduate of California State University, Stanislaus, Katie received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Juvenile Justice.
Katie handles a broad range of responsibilities for Burton & Swett, providing essential support to all of our attorneys.
When she's not coordinating our busy office, Katie enjoys traveling, hiking, and spending free time with her husband, two dogs, and her cat.
CHELSEA FAUST
KATHRYN GARANT
KATHRYN GARANT
Chelsea Faust serves a dual role as both a Paralegal and Law Clerk at Burton & Swett. A third generation native of Amador County, she is also a valuable local resource.
Chelsea is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.
Chelsea's responsibilities are wide-ranging, pr
Chelsea Faust serves a dual role as both a Paralegal and Law Clerk at Burton & Swett. A third generation native of Amador County, she is also a valuable local resource.
Chelsea is a graduate of California State University, Sacramento, where she received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology.
Chelsea's responsibilities are wide-ranging, providing essential litigation support to all of our attorneys.
Outside of the office, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband and two dogs, crocheting and watching movies.