About Us Richard H. Zimmerman graduated from Wayne State University in Detrooit, Michigan in 1973 with a B.A. in Political Science.  After 24 years in Detroit, Rich moved to San Diego where he attended law school at the University of San  Diego.  In 1978, he graduated third in his class from the University of  San Diego.  Following graduation from law school, Rich went to work for the law firm of O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles, California, a firm for which he worked both as an associate and partner for a total of approximately 13 years.  While at O'Melveny & Myers, Rich's practice emphasized tax, real estate and business planning.  Although O'Melveny & Myers provided excellent training and opportunities for high profile work, the pace was demanding and not particularly well suited to family life.  In order to address these quality of life concerns, Rich left O'Melveny & Myers and moved to Colorado Springs in 1991.  Zimmerman & Michel, LLP was formed in 1992.  Rich is an active member of the Colorado State Bar and the El Paso County Bar Association.  He is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court.   Trudi L. Michel graduated summa cum laude from the University of California at Los Angeles in 1978 with a B.A. in Psychology.  Trudi attended law school at UCLA as well.  In 1982, she graduated 9th in her class from UCLA.  Trudi went to work at O'Melveny & Myers in Los Angeles, where she was a member of the Tax and Estate Planning department.  Trudi worked in the Los Angeles office for one year, and then moved to the newport Beach office of O'Melveny & Myers in 1983.  Trudi also moved to Colorado Springs in 1991, and Zimmerman & Michel, LLP was formed in 1992.  Trudi is an active member of the Colorado State Bar and the El Paso  County Bar  Association.  Trudi has been active in the probate section of the El Paso  County Bar Association   and served as the President of the Probate Section from 1998 to 1999.  She is also admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. Diane Underwood has been the legal assistant at Zimmerman & Michel, LLP since January 2007.  She has a bachelor's degree in Technical Journalism with an emphasis in public relations from Colorado State University, Fort Collins.  Prior to expanding her horizons in the legal field, Diane worked at newspapers and other publications and as a free-lance writer for many years. Taylor is the office mascot.  She has attended Pikes Peak Obedience Academy and earned a Canine Good Citizen degree.  She looks forward to runs in the park, greeting the mailman and her next biscuit. On a More Personal Note, we have both enjoyed the outdoor life that the move to Colorado made possible.  We are avid  hikers, campers, runners, golfers,skiers and snowboarders.  In 2004, Rich completed his first marathon in San Diego.  Both Rich and Trudi ran the Chicago Marathon in 2005, followed by the Pikes Peak Ascent in 2006 and 2007.   Home | Our Practice | About Us | Contact Us Copyright © 2009 Zimmerman & Michel, LLP, All Rights Reserved