Allison Gordon Promoted to Senior Associate | | |
Law Stein Anderson, LLP is pleased to announce the promotion of Allison C. Gordon, Esq. to Senior Associate.
Allison is a litigation attorney with over ten years of experience representing clients in will and trust disputes, trust administration, and probate matters. She is known for her strategic approach and unwavering advocacy in complex inheritance, fiduciary duty, and fraud cases.
“Allison is an exceptional litigator whose skill, judgment, and dedication reflect the professionalism and loyalty we value at our firm,” said Partner Matthew G. Stein, Esq. “She has a strong command of the courtroom and an ability to make strategic decisions under pressure. Allison’s promotion further strengthens our trial-ready litigation team as we continue delivering the highest level of advocacy for clients throughout Southern California.”
| | ‘I Love You’ Wills Aren’t Enough | | |
Valentine’s Day is a reminder to express love to the people who matter most, and for many, that includes taking care of their family’s financial future.
One common tool people turn to is the so-called “I love you” will, a simple document that leaves all assets to a surviving spouse and otherwise to children. It’s straightforward, easy to understand, and better than having no will at all.
But while leaving assets outright to a spouse may feel like the ultimate gesture of love, it comes with consequences. Beneficiaries who receive assets outright are exposed to creditors, divorces, and even lawsuits. Assets that seem protected while you’re alive can quickly be lost if they become someone else’s legal responsibility...
| | | | Thomas R. Pedersen, Esq. is an Associate practicing business, probate, and civil litigation. He has handled cases ranging from family law and bankruptcy to civil rights and probate disputes. | | High-Stakes Trust Win by Partner Christine Allen | | |
A long-running trust dispute over a childhood home and other assets had reached a standstill. One sibling had lived in the property rent-free for years, allowing it to fall into disrepair while refusing to honor a prior agreement to buy out the other siblings’ interests. As both occupant and trustee, he retained control of the property and the trust while disregarding his fiduciary obligations.
Law Stein Anderson Partner Christine M. Allen, Esq. advanced the case by identifying a decisive turning point. The sibling relied on a purchase option that allowed him to acquire half of the home at a discounted price, but only if he completed the buyout, causing the discounted purchase clause to lapse...
| | | | Christine M. Allen, Esq. is a Partner and Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law. She advises on trust administration, probate, and estate planning and fiercely represents clients in litigation. | | Meet Associate Aimee Paja | | |
Aimee C. Paja Esq. is an attorney specializing in civil litigation, with emphasis on defending clients against personal injury, negligence, and premises liability claims.
She brings to her work a unique blend of prosecutorial, judicial, and appellate experience, along with a proven record of representing corporate clients in complex litigation across multiple jurisdictions, giving her clients the benefit of both courtroom expertise and strategic insights.
Before joining Law Stein Anderson, Aimee defended companies against claims under federal and state consumer protection statutes, including the Consumer Legal Remedies Act, the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act, and the Telephone Consumer Protection Act.
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Shauna Anderson Celebrates 10 Years as a CEPS
Partner Shauna R. Anderson, Esq. received a certificate recognizing 10 years as a Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the California State Board of Legal Specialization.
The certification is an achievement less than 1% of California estate planning attorneys have accomplished.
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Zebulon Law Starts New Semester at Chapman
Partner Zebulon Law, Esq. began a new semester at Chapman University’s Dale E. Fowler School of Law, marking his 24th year as an adjunct professor.
Since 2002, he has taught Estate and Gift Tax and Wills and Trusts, sharing his deep experience with the next generation of estate planning attorneys.
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Matt Stein Podcast Appearance on LMTYQS Out Now
Partner Matthew G. Stein, Esq.'s podcast appearance on Let Me Tell You a Quick Story (LMTYQS) is now available. He discusses the emotional and financial toll of trust disputes with host Chris Chudacoff.
Watch the full podcast episode here.
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LSA Begins Fundraising for Walk4ALZ 2026
LSA kicked off its campaign for Walk4ALZ, a charity event hosted by Alzheimer’s Orange County. The non-profit funds critical resources for older adults and families and supports a cause that resonates deeply with many of the clients we serve.
The team will be walking on March 14, and those interested in supporting the cause can make a donation here.
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Law Stein Anderson, LLP represents families, businesses, and fiduciaries in complex estate and trust matters, combining proactive planning with decisive litigation when disputes arise.
If you have questions, need guidance on a legal matter, or would like to schedule a review of your estate or business plan, we invite you to contact us at (949) 501-4800 or visit LSALawyers.com.
| | This information is for educational purposes only and cannot be considered legal advice, nor does the receipt of this newsletter create an attorney-client relationship. | | | | |
