Partner
Trust and estate litigator representing trustees and beneficiaries in complex, high-conflict disputes involving fiduciary duties, capacity, undue influence, and contested estate plans.
Practice Focus
Lauren focuses her practice on trust and estate litigation, representing trustees and beneficiaries in contested matters involving fiduciary duties, capacity, undue influence, and disputed estate plans. She handles high-conflict disputes where both the financial stakes and personal dynamics are significant, guiding clients through litigation, discovery, and trial.
She is known for her direct, strategic advocacy and her ability to cut through competing narratives and weak evidence, particularly in cases involving retrospective capacity claims and allegations of fiduciary misconduct. Lauren approaches each matter with a clear focus on positioning the case for resolution or trial, depending on what best serves the client.
In addition to her trusts and estates practice, Lauren has experience in business and real estate litigation, bringing a practical and results-oriented perspective to complex disputes. Over the course of her career, she has achieved seven-figure settlements, secured favorable trial outcomes, and successfully defended judgments on appeal.
Represented a trustee in litigation to recover real property transferred through a forged deed. Served as lead trial counsel and obtained judgment including double damages and attorney’s fees, resulting in recovery exceeding $1 million.
Represented a beneficiary in litigation involving claims against non-professional fiduciaries overseeing a $100M+ family asset tied to a nationally recognized brand. Supported the successful prosecution of breach of fiduciary duty claims, including findings of gross negligence, in a highly contested, multi-party dispute.
Represented co-owners in a partition action involving disputed real estate interests. Positioned the matter for resolution through sale, resulting in an above-market outcome and efficient liquidation of the properties.
Represented a high-net-worth individual and his company against claims brought by a family member alleging incapacity in an effort to invalidate his estate plan and obtain control of assets. Successfully defended against the claims, preserving the client’s estate plan and control over his affairs.
Obtained ex parte relief suspending trustees who were dissipating trust assets through excessive litigation spending and failing to administer the trust. Negotiated resolution that included recovery of attorney’s fees and transition to a neutral professional trustee to move the trust toward distribution.
Represented a beneficiary in a dispute with a sibling over ownership of trust real property based on an alleged side agreement. Served as trial counsel and secured judgment confirming the agreement was ineffective to modify the trust, preserving the client’s interest in property valued at over $700,000.
Articles, speaking engagements, panels – none
University of San Francisco School of Law, J.D.
University of Michigan, B.A., Political Science and English
Outside the office, Lauren enjoys long walks with her husband at the dog beach.
If you have questions or want to explore potential opportunities, we’d be glad to hear from you. Connect with our team to start the conversation, or learn more about what we offer and how we can support your goals.
