Samuel Bruce Ledwitz

Samuel Bruce Ledwitz

also known as Samuel Ledwitz, Samuel B. Ledwitz

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 27 years

Probate Lawyer at Long Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Probate, Estate Planning, Trusts, Litigation

4401 Atlantic Ave., Suite 200, Long Beach, CA

About Samuel

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Probate 50%

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.

23 years | 200 cases

50%
Estate Planning 20%

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.

27 years | 4,000 cases

20%
Trusts 20%

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.

27 years | 4,000 cases

20%
Litigation 10%

Estate and Probate Litigation. You have rights that are very time sensitive. I can help you make sure you are taken seriously.

17 years | 50 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 300-400 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 16 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2009

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 27 years

State: California

Acquired: 1998

Active

No misconduct found

Location

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

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Samuel Bruce Ledwitz's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

3 Client Reviews

5 star (3)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Jenny | June 19, 2014

Estate Planning with Samuel B. Ledwitz

We found Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz very kind and easy to talk with and so very much knowledgeable regarding Estate Planning. We would definitely recommend Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz for we felt save and secure as our meeting continue we knew we had made the right choice, Mr. Samuel B. Ledwitz. Thank you....

Posted by Gerardo | February 23, 2012

A Guiding Light

When my father passed away, I was 22 and was named trustee. I was silently freaking out, and thanks to Sam's reassurances that I was doing everything correctly and his ability to guide me through the process of administering my father's estate we managed to close my father's estate fairly quickly.

Posted by anonymous | November 6, 2011

Caring and hard working

Mr. Ledwitz listens closely to client concerns and is able to tailor solutions to their problems with care and humor. He is exceptionally hard working and knowledgeable. One can tell that his state board certification in estate planning was the result of a great deal of learning and experience.

See All Client Reviews

Samuel Bruce Ledwitz's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Samuel
Donald R Hammond headshot
Donald Hammond

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 11

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 Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Litigation lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An exceptional litigation attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."

Laura Lee Bromlow headshot
Laura Bromlow

Estate planning lawyer | Apr 22

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 Nelson Sterzer headshot
Brian Sterzer

Estate planning lawyer | Mar 01

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 Henri Vidal headshot
Thomas Vidal

Unknown lawyer | Apr 03

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 Radcliff Uriarte headshot
Stephen Uriarte

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 02

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 J Wolodzko headshot
Barbara Wolodzko

Estate planning lawyer | Feb 01

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 Cahill Pickart headshot
Timothy Pickart

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 24

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 Scott Townsend headshot
Jeffrey Townsend

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 18

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 J Carson headshot
Gayle Carson

Estate planning lawyer | Nov 15

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 Marie Jett headshot
Nadine Jett

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 08

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 headshot
Caroline Borncamp

Estate planning lawyer | Jan 26

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 Yau Chou headshot
Brian Chou

Estate planning lawyer | Dec 24

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."

View All Endorsements
Richard Eric Williamson headshot
Richard Williamson

Real estate lawyer

Kaitlin Paulus Kellogg headshot
Kaitlin Kellogg

Estate planning lawyer

Brian Nelson Sterzer headshot
Brian Sterzer

Probate lawyer

Thomas Henri Vidal headshot
Thomas Vidal

Litigation lawyer

Curtis Mark Kaiser headshot
Curtis Kaiser

Estate planning lawyer

Stephen Radcliff Uriarte headshot
Stephen Uriarte

Patent application lawyer

Timothy Cahill Pickart headshot
Timothy Pickart

Estate planning lawyer

Jeffrey Scott Townsend headshot
Jeffrey Townsend

Mediation lawyer

Gayle J Carson headshot
Gayle Carson

Probate lawyer

Caroline Borncamp headshot
Caroline Borncamp

Estate planning lawyer

Brian Yau Chou headshot
Brian Chou

Estate planning lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

10 Best Attorneys, American Institute of Legal Counsel

2019

Top 100 Trusts & Estates Lawyer in the State of California, The American Society of Legal Advocates

2018

Five Star Wealth Manager, Crescendo Business Services

2017

Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates

2017

Top 100 Estate Planners, American Society of Legal Advocates

2013

2013 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award, Crescendo Business Service

2012

2012 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award, Crescendo Business Services

2011

2011 FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award, Crescendo Business Services

2010

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law, California State Bar

1998

American Jurisprudence Award: Remedies, Pepperdine University School of Law

1997

Moot Court Board Member, Pepperdine University School of Law

Work Experience

2007 - Present

President, Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates, APC

2021 - 2022

Adjunct Professor, Cerritos Community College

2013 - 2016

Adjunct Professor, Cerritos Community College

2006 - 2007

President, Law Offices of Samuel B. Ledwitz

2000 - 2006

Senior Associate, Kavesh, Minor & Otis

Associations

2011 - Present

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

2010 - Present

South Bay Estate and Trust Council

Member

2010 - Present

Los Angeles County Bar Association

Member

2009 - Present

District of Columbia Bar

Member

2008 - 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

2000 - Present

State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section

Member

1998 - Present

State Bar of California

1998 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

2011 - 2012

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

2011 - 2013

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

Sample of Legal Cases

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

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

University of Miami School of Law

LL.M - Master of Laws

1998

Pepperdine University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

California Polytechnic University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2013

Updates in Estate Planning

Eliminating the Mandatory "B" Trust--Saving Time and Money

2013

Monthly Meeting

Pet Trusts: You, Your Bird, and Forever After

2013

Estate Planning for Professionals

IRA and Life Insurance Estate Planning

2012

Year End Meeting

The History of Estate Tax

2012

South Bay Trust and Estate Council Focus Session

Pet Trusts and QPRTs

2012

Estate Planning and You

Estate Planning

2012

Coldwell Bankers Broker Meeting (Palos Verdes)

Real Estate Issues in Probate

2012

Century 21 Broker's Meeting

1031 Exchanges and Real Estate Sales During Probate

2011

Tom Gau's Monthly Seminar

Estate Tax Laws for 2011

2011

Pinnacle Wealth Monthly Meeting

Changes in the Estate Tax Laws

2011

Focus on the Youth of Rosemead, CA

Estate Planning

2007

Year End Meeting

Estate Tax Laws

Publications

2021

Fontana Herold News Understanding Capital Gains Tax

2021

Fontana Herold News California Proposition 19

2021

2021

Fontana Herald News What Should Go Into Your Trust

2017

2016

Fontana Herald News To Sue or Not to Sue

2014

2014

Business Week Estate Litigation

2013

Private Wealth Magazine The Burden of Wealth

2013

Pasadena Independent Newspaper California Closing Courts

2013

Private Wealth Magazine Second Thoughts

2013

Newsweek Magazine NFL Player and Estate Attorney Help Children

2011

2011

Newsweek Magazine Wealth Manager

2008

Buena Park/Anaheim Independent Newspaper 'HIPAA Waiver' needed if you're incapacitated

2008

Hollywood Weekly Delivering on a Promise

2008

Daily Breeze Planning for Life and Death

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

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