As the son of two military officers, Samuel B. Ledwitz learned organization, pride, discipline and a desire to help others at a very young age. After living in England, Germany and Washington State until the age of 8, Mr. Ledwitz grew up in Southern California and graduated from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona with a bachelor's degree in finance, real estate and law.
Mr. Ledwitz attended Pepperdine University School of Law with an emphasis in estate and income tax. Mr. Ledwitz served as a judicial extern in the Superior Court of Los Angeles.
It was through this experience that Mr. Ledwitz was able to see the legal hardships that families endure when loved ones passed away. This inspired him to find ways to avoid these situations and then teach others how to avoid them.
Once graduating with a law degree from Pepperdine, Mr. Ledwitz attended the University of Miami School of Law, earning his master of law in estate planning. Enabled with his post-doctorate degree, Mr. Ledwitz returned to the Golden State and started helping families throughout the many communities of Southern California.
In 2000, Mr. Ledwitz joined one of the largest estate planning firms in Southern California, where he helped more than 1,000 clients provide for a responsible transition of wealth from one generation to the next.
Mr. Ledwitz was also in charge of advising high net worth individuals regarding sophisticated tax strategies designed to provide the best tax results for their loved ones.
Samuel B. Ledwitz merged the Ledwitz Law Firm with Bezaire and Associates, and created the new entity Bezaire, Ledwitz & Borncamp. Bezaire, Ledwitz & Borncamp is building on a foundation of executing and handling trusts and estates for more than 40 years.
In addition to practicing Law, Mr. Ledwitz has always had a passion for helping others by teaching. While at Pepperdine, he served as the student director of the South Central Los Angeles Youth Development Project, where he coordinated its entire tutoring program.
Mr. Ledwitz also taught history and English night school classes to academically challenged students for a local school district.
His passion for teaching is directly related to his passion for the law. While teaching disadvantaged youth, Mr. Ledwitz became interested in various charities that help children. This motivated him to learn about estate planning techniques that would not just help the client, but also the community as a whole.
Mr. Ledwitz currently teaches estate planning and administration to paralegals at Cerritos College.
Married to Kamila in 2003, they are now the proud parents of Emily, who was born in 2006, and Charles, who was born in 2008.
Practice areas
Probate is the process in which a Will is administered by the court. It takes a lot of time and the fees are set forth by statute. For example, a $400,000 house would cost at least $11,000 in probate fees. Living Trusts can avoid the need for probate and save you $1000's in fees.
20 years, 200 cases
Estate planning includes Trusts, Wills, Durable Power of Attorneys, Advanced Health Care Directives, HIPAA/CMIA Waivers, General Assignments, Qualified Personal Residence Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Charitable Remainder Trusts, and other estate tax planning devices.
24 years, 4,000 cases
Single Person Trusts, A-B trust, A-B optional trust, ABC(Qtip) trust, ABC (Qdot) trust, Qualified Personal Residence Trust (QPRT), Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust (ILIT), Charitable Remainder Trust (CRT), etc.
24 years, 4,000 cases
Estate and Probate Litigation. You have rights that are very time sensitive. I can help you make sure you are taken seriously.
14 years, 50 cases
Languages spoken
English, Spanish
The Law Firm Of Bezaire Ledwitz & Associates Ledwitz, APC
4401 Atlantic Ave., Suite 200
Long Beach, CA, 90807
The Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC
2780 Skypark Drive
Suite 295
Torrance, CA, 90505
The Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC.
482 N. Rosemead Blvd.
Suite 203
Pasadena, CA, 91107
The Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC
6080 Center Drive
6th Floor
Los Angeles, CA, 90045
The Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC
555 Anton Blvd.
Suite 150
Costa Mesa, CA, 92626
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
DC | Good Standing | 2009 | 06/08/2022 |
CA | Active | 1998 | 06/14/2022 |
Legal answers | 18 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
10 Best Attorneys | American Institute of Legal Counsel | 2020 |
Top 100 Trusts & Estates Lawyer in the State of California | The American Society of Legal Advocates | 2019 |
Five Star Wealth Manager | Crescendo Business Services | 2018 |
Top 100 Lawyers | The National Advocates | 2017 |
Top 100 Estate Planners | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2017 |
2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award | Crescendo Business Service | 2013 |
2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award | Crescendo Business Services | 2012 |
2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award | Crescendo Business Services | 2011 |
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law | California State Bar | 2010 |
American Jurisprudence Award: Remedies | Pepperdine University School of Law | 1998 |
Moot Court Board Member | Pepperdine University School of Law | 1997 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
President | Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC | 2007 - Present |
Adjunct Professor | Cerritos Community College | 2021 - 2022 |
Adjunct Professor | Cerritos Community College | 2013 - 2016 |
President | Law Offices of Samuel B. Ledwitz | 2006 - 2007 |
Senior Associate | Kavesh, Minor & Otis | 2000 - 2006 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Long Beach Trust and Estate Council | Member | 2011 - Present |
Long Beach Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
Pasadena Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
South Bay Bar Association (LA) | Member | 2011 - Present |
South Bay Estate and Trust Council | Member | 2010 - Present |
Los Angeles County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
District of Columbia Bar | Member | 2009 - Present |
United States Tax Court | 2008 - Present | |
United Sates Court of Federal Claims | 2008 - Present | |
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit | 2008 - Present | |
United States District Court for the Northern District of California | 2008 - Present | |
United States District Court for the Southern District of California | 2008 - Present | |
United States District Court for the Eastern District of California | 2008 - Present | |
United States Supreme Court Bar | 2008 - Present | |
State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section | Member | 2000 - Present |
State Bar of California | 1998 - Present | |
United States District Court for the Central District of California | 1998 - Present | |
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2011 - 2012 |
Beverly Hills Bar Association | Member | 2011 - 2013 |
Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners | Member | 2011 - 2013 |
Los Angeles Trust and Estate Council | Member | 2011 - 2013 |
Board of Directors | Doris Alvard Academy | 2011 - 2013 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Fontana Herald News | What Should Go Into Your Trust | 2021 |
Fontana Herold News | Going Through a Divorce? Check Your Estate Plan | 2021 |
Fontana Herold News | Make Sure Your Advance Health Care Directive is Up to Date | 2021 |
Fontana Herold News | Infrastructure Bill (No Free Lunch) | 2021 |
Fontana Herold News | California Proposition 19 | 2021 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Miami School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 2000 |
Pepperdine University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1998 |
California Polytechnic University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Monthly Meeting | Pet Trusts: You, Your Bird, and Forever After | 2013 |
Updates in Estate Planning | Eliminating the Mandatory "B" Trust--Saving Time and Money | 2013 |
Estate Planning for Professionals | IRA and Life Insurance Estate Planning | 2013 |
Century 21 Broker's Meeting | 1031 Exchanges and Real Estate Sales During Probate | 2012 |
Estate Planning and You | Estate Planning | 2012 |
Year End Meeting | The History of Estate Tax | 2012 |
Coldwell Bankers Broker Meeting (Palos Verdes) | Real Estate Issues in Probate | 2012 |
South Bay Trust and Estate Council Focus Session | Pet Trusts and QPRTs | 2012 |
Focus on the Youth of Rosemead, CA | Estate Planning | 2011 |
Pinnacle Wealth Monthly Meeting | Changes in the Estate Tax Laws | 2011 |
Tom Gau's Monthly Seminar | Estate Tax Laws for 2011 | 2011 |
Year End Meeting | Estate Tax Laws | 2007 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
Estate Litigation | Summary Judgment Motion was granted in our favor. Judge determined that we were "logical" and the opposition was "illogical". |
M.A. Estate | Positive |
Conservatorship Case | Positive |
Posted by Jenny
June 19, 2014
Posted by Gerardo
February 23, 2012
Posted by anonymous
November 6, 2011
Donald Hammond, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam is a great estate planning attorney. I would happily refer clients to him, as I know he takes good care of his clients and provides excellent service.
Somair Alam, Litigation Attorney on Feb 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer.
Donald Hammond, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 11, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Sam is a great estate planning attorney. I would happily refer clients to him, as I know he takes good care of his clients and provides excellent service.
Somair Alam, Litigation Attorney on Feb 12, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer.
Laura Bromlow, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 22, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sam is wonderful. He is a pleasure to work with as he truly cares about his clients. Sam is knowledgeable, surrounds himself with good people and takes the time to carefully understand each client's needs.
Brian Sterzer, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 1, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter
Sam is an extremely intelligent estate planning attorney who explains complex legal issues in plain english. He is excellent at what he does!
Thomas Vidal, Unknown Attorney on Apr 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Samuel and I were classmates in law school, and I endorse him without qualification. I have tremendous respect for his responsiveness, his efficient office procedures, and his professionalism. Samuel has a great sense for how to protect his clients and develops effective strategies for achieving their objectives. He really does care about his clients and puts their needs first. What impresses me most, though, is his tenacious, "leave no stone unturned" approach to practicing law.
Stephen Uriarte, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 2, 2012
Relationship: Friend
Over the twelve years that I have known Sam Ledwitz, Sam has been prompt in providing well researched answers in his area of expertise. He shows much passion for his profession, and this passion seems to fuel his energy and focus in maintaining a practice that is responsive to to his clients needs. Also, he has been helpful in finding highly specialized tax attorneys in his network on the occasions when my clients required these specific referrals.
Barbara Wolodzko, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 1, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I highly endorse Samuel Ledwitz as an estate planning lawyer. I have known Samuel for over 12 years as both a friend and a fellow estate planning/probate professional. We attended the same Master of Laws Program in Estate Planning and I was confident in his legal abilities from the beginning. I have worked with Samuel on many estate planning matters and have always been impressed with his vast knowledge, dedication to his clients, and drive for excellence. He not only provides his clients with a professional estate plan, but he takes the time to make sure his clients fully understand the estate planning documents before leaving his office. He renders that same professional caring service to his probate clients - taking the time to fully answer any questions they may have.
Timothy Pickart, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 24, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Sam and I have been friends for many years--since attending law school together. He is knowledgable, professional, and easy to work with. He makes clients feel at ease while at the same time provides excellent legal service. Also, Sam has a wonderful staff who are all considerate and proficient at what they do.
Jeffrey Townsend, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 18, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Samuel Ledwitz for close to 20 years and he has always impressed me with his intelligence, wit and having a genuine concern for helping others. I would consider him to be the best estate planning attorney in Southern California. He is very well-respected by his peers and is known for really taking caring of his clients in a very ethical and professional manner.
Gayle Carson, Estate planning Attorney on Nov 15, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I give Mr. Ledwitz my highest endorsement. As an attorney licensed in Ohio and Florida, I worked with many estate planning attorneys. Mr. Ledwitz is by far one of the most professional and knowledgeable estate planning attorneys I have met. He will go to great lengths to insure that his clients are handled conscientiously and that they are totally satisfied, not only with their estate plans, but also with their understanding of those plans. I have recommended many of my Ohio and Florida clients to him and will continue to do so.
Nadine Jett, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 8, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated, honest, hard working. I highly recommend Attorney Ledwitz. I trust him with my own family. Cannot say enough good things about this lawyer.
Caroline Borncamp, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 26, 2011
Relationship: Co-worker
I have known Sam since I graduated from law school and have had the pleasure of working with him during most of my legal career. Sam is a caring, thoughtful person and treats his clients and employees as he would treat a friend or his own family. He is very fair and extremely resourceful. Sam has a unique ability to relate to people. In addition, Sam has the education and life experiences to guide clients through the entire estate planning and administration processes. I highly recommend Sam to you and your family.
Brian Chou, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 24, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
Sam is not only a great boss, but he is a great attorney as well. I've worked with him on numerous cases and have had a chance to observe the care and compassion with which he handles his clients. He really takes the time to make sure his clients understand their options and how their goals are being accomplished, which is especially important for since many of our clients are older and appreciate the extra attention. A conversation with Sam is not like a normal conversation with a normal attorney. His conversations with clients often take an informal, friendly tone, with topics ranging from food, politics to even the latest celebrity gossip. This is one of the qualities that sets Sam apart from other attorneys, his ability to connect with his clients and become their friend, rather than just their attorney. I'm proud to be a part of a firm that espouses such values and I'm glad I have such a qualified and compassionate attorney to learn from.
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