Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Central Valley Legal Partner Since 1973
Founded in 1973, Gianelli | Friedman | Jeffries | McKernan has established itself as a trusted legal institution in California's Central Valley. Our firm combines over 200 years of collective experience with a deep commitment to community impact, offering tailored legal solutions in estate planning, business law, litigation, and probate. We pride ourselves on fostering long-term client relationships through collaborative problem-solving and a dedication to ethical, client-centered service. Our team of seasoned attorneys brings specialized expertise in complex estate planning, business succession strategies, and civil litigation, ensuring comprehensive legal support for individuals and businesses.With offices in Modesto and Sonora, we remain deeply rooted in local communities, actively supporting organizations like the Modesto Junior College Foundation and Community Hospice. Our approach emphasizes innovation while maintaining the personal touch that has defined our practice for decades.
Services
Estate Planning
Probate Administration
Business Law
Civil Litigation
Succession Planning
Real Estate Law
Details
- Year established: 1973
Highlights and features
- We offer 50+ years of combined legal expertise in estate and business law
- Our team provides personalized solutions through collaborative attorney-client partnerships
- We maintain a strong track record of successful probate and trust administration
- Our firm offers comprehensive business succession planning services
- We combine technical legal knowledge with deep community understanding
What people say
Great to work with
Invaluable advice
Thorough and professional
Exceptional guidance
Strong community commitment
Services
Estate Planning
Establishing an estate plan protects your assets and ensures your wishes are honored. Our attorneys create customized strategies to avoid probate, minimize taxes, and provide clear directives for asset distribution. Clients benefit from our expertise in complex estate structures and coordinated planning with financial advisors.
Probate Administration
We guide executors through California's probate process while minimizing delays and costs. Our team handles asset inventory, debt settlement, and distribution according to wills or state law. Clients appreciate our clear communication and proactive management of court requirements.
Business Law
From entity formation to succession planning, we support businesses at every stage. Our services include contract review, compliance guidance, and strategic exit planning. Clients value our integrated approach combining business operations with estate planning considerations.
Civil Litigation
We represent clients in business and personal litigation matters, focusing on asset protection and dispute resolution. Our approach prioritizes negotiated settlements while maintaining readiness for courtroom advocacy. Clients benefit from our experience with complex commercial disputes and alternative dispute resolution.
Succession Planning
Our firm specializes in creating seamless business and family wealth transitions. We develop strategies using trusts, partnerships, and tax-efficient structures. Clients receive ongoing support to update plans as family and business circumstances evolve.
People
Michael L. Gianelli
Attorney
With decades of experience, Michael Gianelli specializes in estate planning and business law. He continues the family legacy started by his father in 1973, combining traditional values with modern legal strategies to serve Central Valley clients.
Louis Friedman
Attorney
Former CFO of Gallo Winery, Louis Friedman brings tax expertise to complex estate and business planning. His background in corporate finance enhances strategic planning capabilities for high-net-worth clients and business owners.
Amy Abid Jeffries
Estate Planning Attorney
Amy Jeffries focuses on estate and business planning, providing personalized solutions for families and entrepreneurs. She joined the firm in 2021, contributing fresh perspectives while maintaining the firm's established standards of excellence.
Steven G. Pallios
Attorney
Steven Pallios specializes in estate planning and business law, serving clients from the Modesto office. With extensive experience in trust administration and business succession planning, he helps clients protect their legacies through comprehensive legal strategies.
Carrie M. McKernan
Estate Planning Attorney
Based in Sonora, Carrie McKernan focuses on estate planning and litigation. She brings specialized expertise in trust administration and probate matters, serving clients throughout California's Central Valley with personalized legal solutions.
Questions
What is estate planning and why is it important?
Estate planning ensures your assets are distributed according to your wishes while minimizing taxes and legal complications. It's crucial for protecting loved ones and maintaining control over your financial legacy.
How can probate be avoided?
Properly funded living trusts, joint ownership arrangements, and beneficiary designations can help avoid probate. Our attorneys create tailored strategies to streamline asset transfer after death.
What business legal services do you offer?
We provide comprehensive business services including entity formation, contract review, compliance guidance, and succession planning to support companies throughout their lifecycle.
How does your firm approach civil litigation?
We prioritize negotiated settlements while preparing for courtroom advocacy. Our approach focuses on protecting client assets and achieving cost-effective resolutions through strategic legal representation.
What makes your succession planning unique?
We combine tax-efficient strategies with family business considerations, creating customized plans that ensure smooth transitions while protecting both business interests and family relationships.
