Top State Lawyers Near Me in Oakland Area

Virginia is a partner in Wendel Rosen’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. She focuses her practice on estate planning, trust administration, probate and elder law and mediating matters in her practice area. She has particular expertise in estate planning for LGBT families, as well as representation of individual and professional fiduciaries in the administration of living trusts, conservatorships of the person and estate and decedents’ estates.. A frequent author and speaker on estate planning related issues, including LGBT estate planning, powers of attorney, estate planning in the context of dissolutions, and end of life decisions, she has presented before a wide variety of legal, professional and private organizations.. She is a former Certified Family Law specialist and mediates matters in her areas of expertise and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estates Lawyers.

Verleana D. Green is the founder and senior partner of her estate planning and probate law firm located in her home town of Oakland, California. She focuses her practice on the areas of estate planning, probate, trust administration, trust litigation and contract review and negotiation.. After graduating with a bachelor's degree from the University of California, Berkeley, Ms. Green earned her Juris Doctor from the University of San Francisco School of Law. Ms. Green received her Maters of Law in Taxation (LLM) in 2014. She was certified as a contract advisor by the National Football League Players Association since 2009.. Before opening her own law firm, Ms. Green gained valuable legal and business experience in several different positions. She focused on securities litigation as an associate at a major international law firm headquartered in San Francisco and spent time in the mutual funds contracts department at Charles Schwab. She also worked in the general counsel's office of Robert Half International Inc., helping to negotiate and draft sophisticated employment agreements.. Ms. Green stays abreast of the latest developments in her fields of legal practice through her memberships in a variety of professional organizations, including the State Bar of California, the Alameda County and Charles Houston bar associations, the Black Women Lawyers Association of Northern California and the University of San Francisco School of Law American Inn of Court. She is also active in the Students Rising Above college scholarship program.

Sophia L. Johnson is an Associate at Roisman Henel + Adams LLP. Her practice includes estate planning and representation of trustees and executors in the administration of trusts and probate estates. She is a member of East Bay Trusts and Estates Lawyers, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the Trusts and Estates Section of the California Lawyers Association.. Sophia graduated with a double honors degree in Law and Advanced Science from the University of Sydney, Australia. Following graduation, she completed additional finance and accounting classes through Deakin University.. Prior to joining RHA, Sophia worked for PwC LLP (formerly PricewaterhouseCoopers) in Sydney, Australia in the Tax and Legal division for five years. She focused on providing tax advice in the field of mergers and acquisitions. Sophia has volunteered with Ashby Village in Berkeley, Open Door Legal in Bayview, and with the Alameda County Bar Association VLSC Guardianship Clinic.

Since 1975, the law offices of Mark E. Rubke has successfully represented people facing an extensive variety of legal issues using litigation, arbitration, mediation and negotiation methods.. Our ApproachMark E. Rubke, Attorney at Law, is committed to helping you navigate complex legal matters. Our founder, Mark E. Rubke, has decades of experience as an advocate and representative for people who live and work in Oakland and the surrounding area.. During your initial consultation, Mark E. Rubke will take the time to understand your problem and gather the information he needs to advise you of your rights and options.. We understand that a legal dispute can leave you feeling anxious and uncertain, and we make it our goal to reassure our clients, handling their legal issues so they can focus on their lives and their families.. Contact Mark E. Rubke, Attorney At LawWe believe that maintaining strong, candid communication is the key to a successful attorney-client relationship. We offer personalized representation tailored to your unique needs so we can solve your problem in the most effective way possible.. Mark E. Rubke is a native of San Francisco, California, and has practiced law in the Bay Area for nearly 40 years. He is familiar with the state and local regulations that affect your case, as well as the nuances of the real estate market.. To learn more about how our experience and record of success can help you, we invite you to call us for a free initial telephone consultation. Please contact us at.

Rob Levy resolves legal issues creatively and effectively. Wheneverpossible, he negotiates a favorable outcome for you, resolving yourmatter without time-consuming, costly litigation. When necessary, heaggressively pursues every reasonable civil remedy available toefficiently achieve your goals.. His highly specialized law practice includes business law and business litigation, real estate law and real estate litigation, and loan modifications and foreclosure avoidance.

Philip Bazzano’s current practice focuses on construction litigation and real estate.  He has extensive experience with general liability litigation including construction defect, personal injury and workers compensation, toxic mold exposure, insurance subrogation and coverage, real estate boundary disputes and water rights, professional licensing matters, and general business disputes.  His expertise includes all aspects of civil litigation and alternative dispute resolution proceedings, such as mediation and arbitration, as well as risk management and preventative counseling for clients.. Mr. Bazzano strives for the effective and efficient representation of his clients’ interests whether during litigation, risk management counseling, contract review, or general representation.  He is licensed to practice law in California, and is admitted to the U.S. District Court of Northern California.

Mr. Lofton received his B.A. from the University of Texas at Austin, and went on to obtain his J.D. from University of California at Berkeley (Boalt Hall). He has clerked for Chief Justice Veasey of the Delaware Supreme Court and co-authored “Computer Security Publications: Information Economics, Shifting Liability and the First Amendment” (Whittier Law Review, Vol. 24, No. 1).. Mr. Lofton’s practice is dedicated exclusively to representing individual plaintiffs against large corporations, unscrupulous employers, and anyone who seeks to defraud members of the public.

Most people think estate planning is simply passing wealth to your heirs tax-free.  But this makes estate planning sound as if it is for the super-wealthy when in fact it applies to everyone. Although planning for death and taxes are important, it is just one aspect estate planning.. When individuals create an estate plan their primary goals should be (1) protecting their assets; (2) ensuring their affairs (personal and financial) are efficiently managed upon their incapacity and death; (3) conflicts between beneficiaries are minimized; and (4) taxes are minimized.. As an estate planning attorney, I counsel clients on these issues. I advise them on the necessity and the method of creating a plan that will manage their financial and personal affairs in the most legally efficient way possible and I help them create a legacy for their beneficiaries.. Sometimes, however (no matter how thorough the estate plan), legal disputes arise over the disposition and administratoin of an individual's estate.  And when that happens, I represent beneficiaries and fiduciaries through all phases of litigation, including discovery through trial.  Such disputes include issues as to the validity and interpretation of a trust or will, and breach of fiduciary duty claims against an executor or trustee.

In our practice we advise clients on all aspects of estate planning, with a focus on practical planning and administration. Our work primarily consists of preparing estate plans (wills, trusts, and ancillary documents), administering trusts, and probating estates.We pride ourselves on providing practical and accessible counsel for Bay Area individuals and families. The clients we serve have a range of needs, from simple estate plans to more complex planning for larger estates, distinct family circumstances, and complicated distributions.. I am honored to have been selected by my peers as one of Northern California’s “Rising Stars” for 2018, 2019, and 2020, a distinction held by only 2.5% of attorneys. I am also honored to be on the short list of trusted attorneys for many financial advisors, CPAs, and real estate agents throughout the Bay Area.. I am a Bay Area native and love living in Oakland. I take every opportunity to travel and explore the world, but love calling the Oakland Hills home. When I’m not working or traveling, you’re likely to find me exploring local restaurants with my wife Shayla, playing with my son Reuben, or lamenting the recent Cal football season.

In addition to the practice of law, I am active in several non-profit organizations.  I was on the Head Royce School Board of Trustees for 13 years and served as President of the Claremont Country Club.  The experience with these organizations have enhanced my practice in many ways as I have had to deal with critical issues.

I have practiced over 20 years in the Bay Area representing athletes, entertainers and high-profile businesses.  After representing hundreds of athletes in their Workers' Compensation cases against teams for their injuries, we opened our practice to all workers. Our firm specializes in great client services to get the best results for all of our clients.  We represent hundreds of workers from all walks of life, health care, union workers, police officers, firefighters, tech workers and farm workers.  We pride ourselves on client service and aggressive advocacy.. Pacific Workers' Compensation Law Center is a wholly owned division of Farber & Company Attorneys.  We are 100% dedicated to serving injured workers.. We accept and have done all kinds of injured worker cases from smaller injuries to death claims. The law firm is AV Rated by Martindale-Hubbel, the highest level of competence and ethics bestowed on a firm.  I have been named a Northern California Superlawyer 4 times and to the Best Lawyers in California multiple times.

I have over 20 years experience fearlessly defending clients against criminal charges, including everything from DUIs to murder!

I earned my law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in 2006, where I received awards for Best Brief in Moot Court for excellence in written argument and the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Negotiation and Mediation. During the summer of 2004, I worked as an extern for the Honorable Maxine M. Chesney in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. I am a member of the State Bar of California and the Alameda County Bar Association.

I am an attorney practicing exclusively in the area of trust and estate law. I prepare estate plans from the simple will to the complete family complex trust package. I advise and assist trustees in administering trusts. I advise beneficiaries of trusts as well.  When an estate requires a probate administration, I guide and represent the executor or administrator through the entire process. I am experienced in litigating will and trust contests, trustee challenges, and other probate litigation issues.  I will also consider conservatorship matters.. I practice primarily in Contra Costa and Alameda counties but I am capable of providing service throughout the northern California Bay area. Home and hospital visits are available with fully mobile draft, print, notary and copy capability for clients needing urgent planning and administration services. I run a low overhead office so that I can provide prompt and compassionate legal services at very competitive hourly and flat fee rates.

Garret is a partner at Nomos LLP in Oakland, California where he specializes in construction, real estate and related business disputes.. The son of an architect, Garret grew up around blueprints and drafting tables. And, while he didn’t follow in his father’s footsteps he didn’t stray far either. He worked as a lobbyist in Sacramento and later Washington, D.C. where he represented the design profession and construction industry before the California state legislature, Congress and executive bodies including the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.. Since then, Garret’s practice has focused almost exclusively on construction, real estate and related business disputes. He has represented owners, developers, architects, engineers, general contractors, subcontractors, material suppliers and sureties from contract negotiations through trial on numerous public and private projects from state-of-the-art solar projects to the most iconic landmarks in the state including the Golden Gate Bridge.. Recognized as a Rising Star in the area of construction litigation in Thompson Reuter’s annual list of Northern California Super Lawyers, Garret has written and spoken before many of the leading construction organizations in the state and is a contributing author on topics related to construction law for the Continuing Education of the Bar sponsored by the State Bar of California and published by the University of California.. Garret is also the author of the California Construction Law Blog () which provides an informative yet wry look at legal issues affecting the California construction industry.

Eric Firstman is a Principal with Meyers Nave and the head of the Construction and Facilities Practice Group.  He focuses his practice on construction litigation, construction project planning, procurement of professional services and contractors, regulatory compliance and facilities plans.. Before joining Meyers Nave, Eric was a Principal at a Construction and Real Estate Law firm in Northern California, where he handled large public and private construction and development matters, complex construction litigation, and virtually every aspect of design and construction projects.. Eric is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, a trial lawyer honorary society limited to the top .5% of trial lawyers, and is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell for reaching the height of professional excellence and the highest levels of skill and integrity.

Davidson Estate Law is a Bay Area family owned and operated estate planning practice specializing in trusts, wills, trust administration, and probate. “A family serving families with expertise, compassion, and integrity since 1975.”. Eric and his father Steven are the firm’s estate planning attorneys, while Joelle (Steve’s wife of over 45 years), is the voice of the firm and handles client services. This arrangement works extremely well, creating a cohesive office environment allowing us to give our clients unparalleled personalized representation and communication that is often missing in larger firms.. Our main office is in Oakland City Center, with branch offices in Berkeley, San Francisco, Walnut Creek, San Jose, and San Mateo.

Christine Chigbu is a modern attorney with a global perspective, having pursued her education in France, England, and the United States. She augmented her international studies with courses at prestigious institutions such as Harvard University and the University of California, Berkeley, where she delved into Psychology, Sociology, and Film. Christine firmly believes that her background in Psychology and Sociology uniquely equips her for the role of "Counselor.”. As the founder of the Law Offices of Christine Chigbu, Christine leads a minority and woman-owned firm committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her practice embraces a holistic approach to law, recognizing that the legal process can be both healing and transformative for her clients.. Driven by her passion for accessibility and inclusivity, Christine is dedicated to making legal services available to all, regardless of income or background. Through innovative initiatives such as sliding scale pricing and one-on-one coaching, she ensures that everyone has the opportunity to receive quality representation and guidance.. With her diverse educational background and experience in real estate law, Christine brings a unique perspective to her practice. She takes pride in serving as a trusted advisor and advocate for her clients, guiding them through the complexities of property ownership, rental agreements, HOA agreements, and various real estate transactions.. Christine's personalized approach to client representation includes translation services and flexible consultation options, reflecting her commitment to meeting the diverse needs of her clientele.. Outside of her legal practice, Christine enjoys spending time with her extended "Modern Family," which spans China, Africa, America, Canada, and Brazil. She is an avid traveler and enjoys experimenting with fusion cuisine in her kitchen. Her hobbies include hiking, yoga, embroidery, writing poetry, and singing. Currently, Christine is expanding her language skills by learning Japanese, adding to her basic understanding of French and Spanish.. Whether you're a homeowner, landlord, renter, or prospective buyer, Christine is here to provide you with the expert guidance and support you need to navigate the real estate landscape with confidence and peace of mind.

Carolyn E. Henel is a partner at Roisman Henel + Adams LLP.  She represents individuals in estate planning, probate and trust administration, family business planning and charitable giving.  In addition, she advises trustees, executors, and beneficiaries in the administration of decedents’ estates, preparation of estate tax returns, and the administration of revocable and irrevocable trusts.. Carolyn is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.  She serves on the Alameda County Bar Association Volunteer Legal Services Corporation (VLSC) Board of Directors.. Carolyn has been selected to the Northern California Super Lawyers list every year since 2004 and to the Northern California Super Lawyers Top 50 Women Lawyers list in 2007, 2010, and 2011.  She was named one of “The Top 100 Attorneys in the United States” attending to affluent families by Worth Magazinein 2006 and 2007.  Carolyn has held an “AV” preeminent ranking from Martindale-Hubbell for over 15 years.. Carolyn is a contributing author to CEB and speaks to professional groups on topics relating to trusts and estates.. Professional Memberships:. State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section. EastBay Trusts & Estates Lawyers. Alameda County Bar Association. Education & Professional Background:. Roisman Henel + Adams LLP, Partner, May 2002 to present. Crosby, Heafey, Roach & May PC, Associate, October 1996 to May 2002. University of VirginiaSchool of Law, J.D., 1996. YaleUniversity, B.A., 1992

Brooke Wilson is an associate at Roisman Henel LLP. Brooke concentrates her practice in the fields of estate planning, trust and estate administration, and federal estate and gift taxation.  She advises clients on all aspects of estate planning, including guiding clients with family-owned businesses on succession planning, assisting with philanthropic goals, and preparing plans for traditional, non-traditional and blended families.. Brooke was selected by her peers and the publishers of Super Lawyers Magazine and San Francisco Magazine as one of Northern California’s “Rising Stars” for 2015.. Brooke is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust, and probate law. She is a member of the Trusts & Estates and Tax Sections of the State Bar of California, the East Bay Estate Planning Council, and the Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF), an LGBT bar association.  She previously served on the Legislative Committee of the Probate & Trust Law Section of the Philadelphia Bar Association.  She holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Temple University Beasley School of Law, where she was the recipient of the Faculty Award in Taxation for her graduating class.. Brooke lives in Alameda and serves on the board of directors for the Berkeley-East Bay Humane Society.. Professional Background:. Roisman Henel LLP, Associate, 2013 to present. Sideman & Bancroft LLP, Associate, 2012 – 2013. Schiff Hardin, LLP, Associate, 2010 – 2012. Heckscher Teillon Terrill & Sager, P.C., Associate, 2007 – 2009. Professional Memberships:. State Bar of California:    Taxation Section, member    Trusts and Estates Section, member. EastBay Estate Planning Council. East Bay Trusts & Estates Lawyers—Vice Chair of the Estate Planning & Administration Committee. EastBay Tax Club. Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF). Admissions:. Brooke is admitted to practice in California, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. Education:. TempleUniversity, BeasleySchool of Law:    LL.M. in Taxation 2008 (Faculty Award in Taxation)    J.D. 2006. University of California, Berkeley, B.A., 2000. Speaking Engagements:. CEB Conference:  How to Administer a Revocable Trust, 2015. East Bay Tax Club:  Portability—Worth All The Fuss? 2013. Bell Investments Advisors Women’s Roundtable:  Giving with a Plan, 2013

As the founder and driving force of Hills Law Firm, with over 15 years of legal experience, I represent clients in wide range of practice areas including commercial and residential real estate law, foreclosure, contract claims, Landlord-Tenant dispute and neighbor dispute. I am licensed to practice international and in California. I earned my Master’s degree from the University of California Berkely. For many years, I have specialized in real estate and foreclosure law. I am proud to say that I have successfully stopped multiple foreclosure of clients’ home and properties. I have litigated against big lending institution including banks like Well Fargo, JP Morgan Chase, US Bank, the Bank of New York Mellon and Bank of America.Prior to founding Hills Law Firm, I worked in both the public and private sector. I strongly believe in a proactive, client-first approach.I understand that facing foreclosure or dealing with real estate disputes can be very stressful. I collaborate with clients helping them navigate the complexities of the real estate matters by making it seamless for clients and achieving their desired legal goals effectively accomplishing the best outcome in the matter.For consultations, case evaluations, or to seek how I can assist you with your legal needs, contact me today by sending me a message.I am here to advocate for you.

Anne Bruner Nash is of Counsel to the firm of Roisman Henel + Adams LLP.  She is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law.  Each year since 2005, Anne has been selected by her peers and the publishers of Law & Politics and San Francisco Magazine as one of Northern California’s “Super Lawyers.”. Anne’s practice focuses on estate planning, estate and gift taxation, and probate and trust administration, including administration of special needs trusts.  She enjoys working with a wide variety of clients, and has experience planning for and administering all kinds of estates.. Anne is a fifth-generation native of the Bay Area and fourth-generation lawyer.  She previously worked with her father in a law practice begun in San Leandro in 1915 by her great-grandfather, J. A. Bruner.  Her grandfather, Judge “Watt” Bruner and her father, Lee Bruner, practiced in San Leandro for many years.  Many of her clients have been represented by two or more generations of Bruners, and Anne enjoys advising multiple generations of families.. Anne is a contributing author to several CEB publications and speaks to professional groups on a number of topics relating to trusts and estates.. Professional Memberships:. State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section. EastBay Trusts & Estates Lawyers. Estate Planning Council of the EastBay. EastBay Tax Club. Education:. University of California at Berkeley, BoaltHallSchool of Law, J.D., 1987.. Stanford University, B.A., with Distinction, 1984, Phi Beta Kappa.

Alex has a B.S. in Finance from San Diego State University and a J.D. from John F. Kennedy School of Law.  Prior to working with Horton, West & Bowman, Alex was a solo practitioner with his firm Bowman Law Offices for three years, and worked at Trutner Law Offices in Livermore for five years. Alex enjoys helping his clients establish a new business, creating diverse estate plans, and helping his client's through a difficult time after they have lost a loved one through trust or probate administrations.

Agnieszka K. Adams is a partner at Roisman Henel + Adams LLP.  Agnieszka is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law.. Agnieszka has been selected by her peers and the publishers of Law & Politics and San Francisco Magazine as one of Northern California’s “Rising Stars” from 2012 through 2017.  She is a vice-chair of the Estate Planning Section of the East Bay Trusts and Estates Lawyers and a member of the Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Barristers Club Section of the San Francisco Bar Association.  She is a co-author of Chapter 11 in CEB’s new guide on Real Property and Taxation.. Agnieszka attended University of Southampton in the United Kingdom where she earned a Bachelor of Laws degree.  Agnieszka continued her legal education at University of California Hastings College of the Law.  She graduated cum laude with a concentration in Taxation and a distinction for Pro Bono.. Agnieszka lives in San Francisco with her husband and son.. Education & Professional Background:. Roisman Henel + Adams LLP, January 2011 to present. University of California Hastings College of the Law, J.D., cum laude, 2009. University of Southampton, LLB, 2006. LeeUniversity, B.A., summa cum laude, 2004. Speaking Engagements:. CEB Estate Planning Intensive Course, 2017. NBI Probate Bootcamp Training Seminar: Probate Problem Areas, 2016 and 2017. California Association of Winegrape Growers:  Estate and Succession Planning for Families, 2015. San Francisco Bar Association:  Alternatives to Probate and Initial Probate Filings, 2015. PFAC 20th Annual Conference:  Starting Probate and Trust Administration After Death of Client, 2015. EBTEL Probate Bootcamp:  Alternatives to Probate and Initial Probate Filings, 2014. Bell Investments Advisors Women’s Roundtable:  Giving with a Plan, 2013