Senior Associate
Trust and civil litigator advising families, trustees, and fiduciaries in complex, high-stakes disputes.
Janet Li focuses her practice on trusts and estates and civil litigation, representing families, trustees, and fiduciaries in complex, high-stakes disputes. She works closely with clients to navigate contentious matters, with an emphasis on achieving efficient and practical resolutions.
Janet is a skilled advocate with strong analytical and writing abilities, which she brings to both litigation and settlement strategy. She has experience managing lawsuits from initial filing through resolution, including overseeing trust disputes through mediated settlement and handling complex probate administrations involving multiple beneficiaries across jurisdictions. In addition to her trusts and estates work, she has achieved favorable outcomes in civil litigation, including prevailing on dispositive motions in high-exposure cases.
Janet contributes to the development of the bar as an update co-author of Continuing Education of the Bar’s California Trust and Probate Litigation, where she focuses on procedural issues. She is an active member of the California Lawyers Association and the Orange County Bar Association, and she regularly participates in bar association and alumni activities.
Janet earned her Bachelor of Arts from the University of California, Berkeley, and her Juris Doctor from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), where she received Witkin and CALI Excellence Awards in Trial Advocacy. She is fluent in Cantonese Chinese.
Managed a $600,000 trust dispute from initial complaint through negotiated resolution. Developed litigation strategy, conducted discovery, and guided the matter to a mediated settlement that resolved contested issues among beneficiaries and avoided prolonged litigation.
Obtained summary judgment on behalf of a national car rental company, resolving the matter in the client’s favor without trial.
Successfully vacated a pending motion for summary judgment on an ex parte basis in a contract litigation matter, allowing the client to continue litigating key claims.
Administered a probate estate exceeding $1 million involving multiple beneficiaries located in different countries. Coordinated communications across parties, addressed cross-border considerations, and ensured efficient administration and distribution of estate assets.
Update co-author of California Trust and Probate Litigation (CEB), focusing on procedural issues
California State Bar
Outside of her practice, Janet enjoys running and remains actively involved in professional and community organizations.
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