Legal Expertise

Probate law focusing on disputed and contested probate and trust matters, estate and trust administration, and estate planning.

Representative Matters

• Handled principal and ancillary probate administrations for the executor of the estate of an international businessman in the U.S., Hong Kong, and the Philippines and successfully transferred assets governed by the laws of Liberia, Panama, and China; negotiated favorable tax treatment for the estate in multiple jurisdictions and participated in negotiations for sale of multimillion dollar global business in which the decedent was part owner.
• Assisted in invalidating a purported trust disinheriting the adopted daughter of a deceased woman on grounds that the trust resulted from undue influence exerted by the woman's neighbor. The favorable ruling was upheld by the Court of Appeal and the California Supreme Court. Through subsequent probate court proceedings, the daughter was determined to be entitled to inherit her mother's estate through intestacy.
• Served as first-chair trial counsel in successful effort to remove an ex-husband trustee on grounds of imprudent investments and hostility to beneficiaries. 
• Analyzed operative pleadings and key documents in pending will contest on behalf of a prominent charity; drafted a formal response letter to the contestants' counsel resulting in the complete and voluntary withdrawal of the suit.
• Assisted with successful prosecution of a claim and defense of all counterclaims regarding ownership of over $10 million in artwork improperly held by breaching fiduciary. An even better verdict was obtained after appellate proceedings (including a successful opposition to review in the California Supreme Court). The client was ultimately entitled to all artwork she sought plus a significant damages award.