I am an attorney with over 35 years of experience and have expertise handling difficult and contentious cases. I represent beneficiaries, elders, and relatives or friends of elders, trustees, executors, and agents under durable powers of attorney.
I do a thorough and well thought-out analysis of every case I work on. Whenever possible, I take a problem solving approach, which I generally believe better serves my clients. However, when necessary, I am a forceful advocate for my clients in settlement negotiations, mediations, and trials. I have had numerous successful mediations and trials.
Additionally, I prepare customized estate plans for single and married clients and utilize my direct knowledge of litigation practices and the law applicable to challenges to trusts to avoid potential pitfalls.
I treat my clients the same way I would want to be treated if I were in their position, and, with this in mind, bill conservatively.
Education
University of the Pacific – McGeorge School of Law
Doctor of Law (JD), 1984
University of California, Los Angeles
Bachelor of Arts (BA), Honors, 1979
Training
LLM (Masters level) classes in: Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, and Probate Procedure and Litigation at Golden Gate University Law School, San Francisco.
Mediation: 40-hour Steven Rosenberg Mediation Training
Honors & Awards
Northern California Super Lawyers – Estate and Trust Litigation
Michael has been recognized as a Northern California Super Lawyer in Estate and Trust Litigation since 2014. Super Lawyers is a rating service of lawyers who have distinguished themselves in their legal practice that is limited to no more than five percent of attorneys within California. Their selection process is rigorous and results in third-party validation of professional accomplishments.
Organizations
State Bar of California Trusts and Estates Section
Contra Costa County Bar Association Elder Law Section
Prior Chair of the Board of Directors.
Contra Costa County Bar Association Estate Planning and Probate Section