Thomas Cushing Aikin

Mr. Aikin is an associate in the Probate and Trust Administration department.  His practice is focused on  representing both fiduciaries and beneficiaries of trusts and estates in administration, as well as contested matters. Mr. Aikin places a particular emphasis on representing charities, universities, and other non-profit organizations.  He has successfully represented clients through trial, as well as on subsequent appeals.  Successes include drafting a petition to have an adverse appellate result heard by the California Supreme Court resulting in the landmark case concerning beneficiary rights, Estate of Giraldin (2012) 55 1058.

Mr. Aikin has expertise in trust and estate litigation including contests (lack of capacity and undue influence), accountings, and the interpretation of estate planning instruments.  In one matter, he defeated an attempt to have a document interpreted as an amendment to a trust which would eliminated his clients, several charitable organizations, as beneficiaries of a large estate.

Mr. Aikin is experienced in all phases of probate and trust administration including inventories, accounting, closing, and the judicial interpretation and modification of trusts.  

Mr. Aikin is also experienced in all phases of civil litigation, including jury trials and arbitration.

Mr. Aikin was named a Super Lawyers Rising Star for 2014 by the Super Lawyers attorney rating service. Only 2.5% of the attorneys under age 40 in Southern California are selected for this honor.