Business Details
14 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Southern California
Founded by Justin Alvarez, our firm was established with a clear mission: to deliver high-caliber legal counsel characterized by skill, character, and integrity. Over the years, we have expanded from advising small businesses and individuals to managing complex planning, transactions, and disputes across Southern California. Our team combines decades of collective legal and business expertise to offer proactive strategies that help clients navigate disputes, avoid costly litigation, and secure positive outcomes.We work closely with entrepreneurs, property owners, and individuals, tailoring solutions to each client's unique goals. Central to our commitment is advocacy for the aging and those with disabilities through compassionate, comprehensive plans. By integrating in-depth knowledge with active community involvement, we ensure our clients receive guidance that fosters peace of mind and lasting success.
Services
Business Transactions
Real Estate Litigation
Estate Planning
Probate Litigation
Corporate Governance
Details
- Year established: 2012
Highlights and features
- We have decades of experience negotiating multi-million-dollar business transactions.
- Our legal counsel combines dynamic strategy with unwavering focus on client goals.
- We specialize in compassionate estate planning that reflects personal values and priorities.
- Our team includes attorneys with advanced tax law certification and litigation expertise.
- We prioritize community involvement and transparent, client-centered communication.
What people say
Highest level of legal services
Compassionate and understanding
Highly skilled attorneys
Peace of mind during challenges
Thorough and honest charges
Services
Business Transactions
We negotiate and draft customized business agreements, including purchase/sale contracts, joint ventures, and mergers & acquisitions. Our attorneys protect client interests in high-stakes deals across industries like technology, healthcare, and real estate. With decades of experience, we ensure contracts align with strategic goals while mitigating legal risks through meticulous due diligence and tailored governance structures.
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services include wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. We help clients preserve wealth, minimize tax exposure, and create compassionate plans for families and businesses. Specialized expertise in special needs trusts and faith-based directives ensures personalized solutions that honor individual values and provide long-term security for beneficiaries.
Real Estate Litigation
We resolve complex real estate conflicts involving breach of contract, boundary disputes, and government regulatory challenges. Our litigators combine trial experience with transactional knowledge to protect property rights and negotiate favorable settlements. Services cover commercial and residential cases, including title disputes, lease disagreements, and development-related litigation across Southern California.
Probate Litigation
Our team handles contested probate matters, fiduciary duty breaches, and conservatorship proceedings. We represent beneficiaries, executors, and trustees in resolving inheritance conflicts while preserving family relationships. With expertise in California probate courts, we address issues like asset mismanagement, will contests, and guardianship arrangements through mediation or courtroom advocacy.
Corporate Governance
We provide strategic governance counsel for businesses at all growth stages, including board advisory services, shareholder agreements, and regulatory compliance. Our attorneys maintain corporate records, advise on fiduciary duties, and serve as outside general counsel. Specialized services include nonprofit organization guidance and succession planning for family-owned enterprises to ensure operational continuity and legal adherence.
People
Justin Alvarez
Founder
Justin Alvarez established the firm with a mission to deliver high-caliber legal counsel combining skill, character, and integrity. He specializes in business transactions and estate planning, guiding clients through complex deals and legacy creation.
David A. Shaneyfelt
Attorney
With nearly four decades of litigation experience, David Shaneyfelt specializes in complex civil matters across state and federal courts. His expertise includes business disputes and probate litigation, providing strategic courtroom advocacy for high-stakes cases.
John M. Grijalva
Senior Attorney
John Grijalva focuses on estate planning and probate litigation, combining legal expertise with a psychology background. He navigates complex inheritance disputes and creates compassionate plans for families, emphasizing long-term security and client dignity.
Charles Kaupke
Associate Attorney
Charles Kaupke specializes in estate planning, business transactions, and tax matters. With advanced tax law certification from Chapman University, he provides integrated solutions for clients seeking asset protection and tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies.
Lydia Najim Smith
Associate Attorney
Lydia Smith represents clients in estate planning, probate, and special needs trusts. She emphasizes compassionate guidance during difficult family transitions, creating tailored plans that honor client values while ensuring legal compliance and long-term care provisions.
Questions
What documents should I gather before our first meeting?
No assembly needed. Our initial consultation focuses on discussing your family, circumstances, and goals to determine the most appropriate estate planning strategies.
How long does business litigation typically take?
Timelines vary depending on case complexity. While some resolve through demand letters, complex trials may take 3-5 years. We provide personalized timelines after reviewing your specific situation.
Do you handle real estate transactions across Southern California?
Yes, we serve Ventura, Los Angeles, Orange County, and the Inland Empire, handling sales, acquisitions, financing, and development deals with expertise in local market complexities.
What makes your probate services unique?
We combine litigation experience with compassionate guidance, focusing on preserving family relationships while protecting assets through strategic probate and trust dispute resolution.
Can you help with business succession planning?
Yes, we create tailored strategies for family-owned businesses, including governance structures, buy-sell agreements, and phased transition plans to ensure smooth leadership changes and long-term stability.
