The Livens Law Firm
Stephen J. Livens is the founder and principle shareholder of the Livens Law Firm. Mr. Livens graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1974 earning his Bachelor of Science in Business and Economics. Mr. Livens continued his education in business and in 1979 graduated from Drake University earning his Masters in Business Administration. Shortly thereafter, in 1982 Mr. Livens became a licensed Texas Certified Public Accountant.
In 1987, Mr. Livens received his Juris Doctorate degree from Southern Methodist University School of Law and is an active member in several national, state and local professional organizations including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Texas Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Bar Association, Texas State Bar, Tarrant and Dallas County Bar Associations, Dallas Bar Estate Planning Section, Tarrant County Estate and Tax Planning Section, Wealth Counsel, the Dallas Estate Planning Council, the National Study Group on Family Wealth Planning, National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and AARP.
Mr. Livens is a co-author of the best seller Generations - Planning Your Legacy and Ways and Means - Understanding Retirement Plans. Both publications are available at local bookstores. Mr. Livens' most current project, Love, Control and Money was published January, 2004.
Mr. Livens was named as one of the top estate planning attorneys in Texas by Fort Worth, Texas magazine.
The Firm has offices in Bedford, Addison, and Austin, Texas. Mr. Livens is available for speaking engagements throughout the state of Texas.
Rhonda Downing joined the Livens Law Firm in March, 2003. She is the firm's Senior Legal Administrator, Estate Planning Paralegal, and Legal Assistant to Stephen J. Livens. She primarily works with clients in the design and drafting of their individual Estate Plans. She proudly and honorably served in the United States Air Force for six years, where she worked as an Avionics Specialist and a Paralegal. She holds an Associates of Science in Avionics Systems Technology, is near the completion of her Bachelor's Degree of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Texas, and plans to attend law school after graduation. She is happily married to John Downing and enjoys spending time with her family and beloved pets, exercising, and traveling.
Laura Mansour joined the Livens Law Firm in February, 2011. Laura previously worked for an Independent, Assisted Living and Memory Care Community in Sales and Marketing. She is originally from Scotland and moved to the United States in 2005. She was a Corporate Flight Attendant for almost ten years and enjoyed traveling the world and living in different countries. She has a 14 year old daughter who keeps her busy. She also enjoys spending time with family and friends, as well as exercising and shopping.
Lina Martinez joined the Livens Law Firm in June, 2010 as our Special Needs Consultant. She primarily works with Special Needs Families to preserve family assets and benefits in order to provide special needs children with the best future. Lina was an active member of the March of Dimes in Florida and organized all the charitable events for First Union. Lina graduated from FIU in 1981 with a bachelor's degree in Finance and worked in the banking industry as a Senior Vice President/Manager for 25 years. In her spare time she enjoys riding her bicycle, dancing and spending time with her son, Jonathan.
Judy Pugh joined the Livens Law Firm in 2011. She received a Master of Science from the University of North Texas in Office Technology Education and taught in public schools for ten years. She is also a graduate of Texas Wesleyan University. She is married, has two grown children and recently celebrated the birth of a grandchild. Judy is active in her church choir and enjoys scrap booking, traveling and playing golf with her husband.
Nickie Rainwater joined the Livens Law Firm in January, 2010. She is a Medicaid Consultant, Estate Planning Paralegal, and Legal Assistant to Stephen J. Livens. She primarily works with families during the Medicaid planning and application process. She worked as an Administrator Assistant and Quality Assurance Director Assistant in a Long Term Care facility for several years prior to joining the firm. She is blessed with one young daughter. In her spare time she enjoys watching her daughter play sports, outdoors activities, and spending time with family.
Chad Reed joined the Livens Law Firm in December, 2005. He assists our clients with Medicaid planning and VA benefits. He has personally assisted hundreds of families with governmental benefits. He received his Bachelors of Business Administration from Texas Tech University. While attending Texas Tech he met his beautiful wife, Lindsey Reed. After a five-year courtship, they married in November, 2006. Chad plans to attend law school in the fall. His favorite past times are duck hunting and retriever training. He and his black labs, Kate & Belle, frequently compete in AKC field trials on the weekend.
Lindsey Reed, beloved daughter of Stephen J. Livens, joined the Livens Law Firm in August 2006. She is the firm's Funding Coordinator, Accountant, and Legal Assistant to Stephen J. Livens. Lindsey graduated from Texas Tech University in 2006 with a Bachelor of Science. She holds a degree in Retail with a minor in General Business. She met her husband, Chad Reed, while attending Texas Tech and they were married in November, 2006. In her spare time, she enjoys shopping, spending time with family & friends and playing with her poodle, Jewels.
Rachel Stehr joined the law firm in March 2011 as the firm Receptionist and Legal Assistant to Stephen J. Livens. She was adopted from South Korea and is a graduate of South Grand Prairie High School. She attended to Stephen F. Austin State University where she studied English and Psychology. She obtained her Paralegal certificate in 2009 from Arlington Career Institute. In her spare time, she likes to go shopping, go to the lake, and play with her Chihuahua, Zeus.
Darla West retired from the State of Texas in May, 2010 and joined the Livens Law Firm in July, 2010. She worked for Health and Human Service Commission where she determined Long Term Care Eligibility and community eligibility for 25 years. There, she reviewed the case work of Medicaid Eligibility Case Workers to ensure that procedure, policy and documentation were handled accurately. Her multifaceted experience in the field of Medicaid eligibility makes her a valuable addition to our team, and she is pleased to continue a career in assisting families in application for benefits. She has two children, eight grandchildren, and two dogs. She is also a daughter of an Air Force retired of twenty three years have one brother and one sister. She loves interacting with her clients and the providers.
