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Christopher B. Johnson

Probate Attorney at Pasadena, CA

4.2   5 reviews
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  • Licensed for 28 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1994
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Professional and helpful
anonymous
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
Very Knowledgeable and Thorough
Christian
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About Christopher

Learn Christopher’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas

Chris Johnson serves clients in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside counties in trusts, wills and probate. He brings extensive experience in drafting estate plans for small to the largest estates, as well as years of reaching successful outcomes for clients in disputes involving wills, trusts or elder abuse.

 

He is a Dean's Scholar graduate of Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California, earned his Bachelor of Arts in Communications from Wheaton College in 1991.

 

Prior to his work at U.S. Trust as a Senior Vice President with ultra high net worth clients, he was a founding partner of Russakow | Ryan | Johnson, P.C. He also founded his own estate planning and probate practice in Pasadena, and worked as a civil litigation attorney for the Law Office of Errol Berk in Ventura. He has appeared on NBC-TV news and radio programs to discuss estate planning and probate issues, as well as interviews for local and national publications, and is a frequent lecturer regarding trust, probate and elder law issues.

 

Contact Christopher

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Reviews

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4.2 / 5.0
  5 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional and helpful
Mr Johnson and his staff have assisted our family in estate planning. His entire organization is professional and easy to work with.
Posted by Christian | April 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Knowledgeable and Thorough
Chris Johnson is excellent. He created the Trust for my mother and stepdad. Every part of the process was professional, detailed and informative. Chris is trustworthy and very thorough in his work. I highly recommend him to anyone looking to create a Trust or anyone in Probate.
Posted by Mark Stebbins | March 2, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic From Start To Finish
I hired Chris to create my father-in-law's trust. He has terminal cancer and wanted to make sure his daughters were taken care of when he passed. Chris went above and beyond not only with my father-in-law but with me (his power of attorney) in answering all of our questions thoroughly and compassionately. We had A LOT of questions. Chris demonstrated a deep knowledge of trusts, wills and the probate process. His advice has proven invaluable and I truly can't recommend him enough. If there were an option for 10 stars I would happily give it to him.
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Posted by Paula | January 10, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best estate planning/trust/probate attorney
Mr. Johnson has handled a few probate matters and Heggstad Petitions for our office. They were all handled in a professional and timely manner, and we were well informed throughout each proceeding. I would highly recommend Mr. Johnson for any estate planning/trust/probate matter.
Posted by Ivan | January 28, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
This attorney does NOT communicate
I hired this Christopher B. Johnson on Sept 18, 2014 to simply transfer property over to my name using Prop 58 to prevent reassessment. Attorney did not fill out the necessary documents and all properties got reassessed. The LA county assessor's office stated he did NOT return their call so they were forced to reassess and they claimed that this was the fault of someone at his office. My case is still going on and it's been almost 1-1/2 years. This attorney misses scheduled appointments, does not return calls and is never available. In spite of what's happened, he still won't return my calls and has missed the last scheduled phone appointment.
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Response from Christopher Johnson September 14, 2016
I disagree with my former client's statements contained in the review, and would describe the events very differently, but professional and ethical considerations prohibit me from responding more directly to the allegations made by him.

Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-425 per hour
  • Contingency 25%-40%
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney
  • Christopher B. Johnson, Attorney at Law
  • 1995 - Present
  • Senior Trust Officer, Senior Vice President
  • U.S. Trust
  • 2011 - 2012
  • Founder
  • Arroyo Law Group, LLP
  • 2010 - 2011
  • Partner
  • Russakow Ryan & Johnson, APC
  • 2001 - 2010
  • Attorney, Law Clerk
  • Law Office of Errol Berk
  • 1993 - 1995
View all work experience

Education

  • Pepperdine University School of Law
  • 1994
  • Wheaton College, Wheaton IL
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1991

Associations

  • The National Advocates
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • Pasadena Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • Pasadena Playhouse District Association
  • Member and property owner representative
  • 1995 - Present
  • City of Hope Music and Entertainment Industry Committee
  • Member
  • 2011 - 2014
  • Wellness Community of the Foothills
  • Chair and member, Planned Giving Committee
  • 2008 - 2014
  • WealthCounsel
  • Member
  • 2005 - 2011
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • Armenian
  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Southern California Super Lawyers
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Attorneys - California
  • The National Advocates
  • 2016
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2015
  • Top 100 Attorneys - California
  • The National Advocates
  • 2015
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Attorneys - California
  • The National Advocates
  • 2014
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2013
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2012
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2010
  • Top Attorneys
  • Pasadena Magazine
  • 2009
  • Recognition, Probate Volunteer Panel service
  • Los Angeles County Superior Court
  • 2008
View all awards

Publications

  • Los Angeles Daily Journal
  • Eyes wide open: The key to effective estate planning and asset protection
  • 2010

Speaking Engagements

  • Fiduciary Roundtable of the San Gabriel Valley
  • Incapacity and the Donald Sterling Trial
  • 2014
  • Estate Planning Boot Camp
  • Planning with Revocable Trusts
  • 2014
  • MyLawCLE
  • Estate Planning Basics for Attorneys
  • 2013
  • MyLawCLE
  • Elder Law for Attorneys
  • 2013
  • Trusted Advisors Seminar Series
  • Incentive Trusts and 2012 Planning Opportunities
  • 2012
  • Quarterly speaking series, U.S. Trust
  • Elder Care and Ethics
  • 2012
  • LawReviewCLE National Webinar - Las Vegas
  • Elder Law
  • 2012
  • Elder Law Basics - Pasadena and Anaheim
  • Elder Law
  • 2012
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 2011
  • Cancer Support Community Luncheon
  • Estate planning and charitable gifts
  • 2010
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 2010
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • Estate Planning
  • 2009
  • Cancer Support Community luncheon
  • Estate planning and charitable gifts
  • 2009
  • Fiduciary Roundtable of the San Gabriel Valley
  • What Not to Do as a Fiduciary
  • 2007
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 2007
  • Lorman Education - Wills and probate administration
  • Issues in probate administration
  • 2005
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 2000
  • Gideons CalNevSo annual conference
  • Estate Planning and Charitable Trusts
  • 1999
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 1999
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 1998
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 1997
  • Burbank Joslyn Adult Center
  • Estate planning with a living trust and developments in estate planning
  • 1996
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (15)
Given (32)
Endorse Christopher
Marivel Madamba Zialcita headshot
Marivel Zialcita
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Chris and I have worked together in the past and have continued to work on many cases together. He is always very professional and truly cares about his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
John F Cannon headshot
John Cannon
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris is a very competent attorney who takes excellent care of his clients. Chris pays very close attention to detail to ensure that things are done correctly. Chris' demeanor and level of care for his clients is top notch. This, along with Chris' advanced level of knowledge regarding estate planning make me very confident in referring clients to his office."
Afsanae Angela Abbasi headshot
Afsanae Abbasi
Probate Attorney | May 11
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse Chris Johnson. He is an knowledgeable and experienced lawyer."
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Unknown Attorney | Feb 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Carol Ann Hunter Peters headshot
Carol Peters
Trusts Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Chris has a finely tuned sense of humor and provides insight to others in conversations or lectures, such as we did together for Pincus about Trust administration. He goes beyond spotting the issue to analyzing them and identifying options, some of which are better than others, which is where his sense of humor helps the rest of us! He is smart but not cocky, observant but not nosy, and a patient listener, asking relevant questions."
Paul J Molinaro headshot
Paul Molinaro
Probate Attorney | Sep 12
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Paul S. Norris headshot
Paul Norris
Estate planning Attorney | Jun 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"When I'm asked about Attorney Chris Johnson three words come to mind: PATIENT, KNOWLEDGEABLE, and DEDICATED. And in my opinion, that's exactly what a Estate Planning Lawyer should be."
Warren Jay Binder headshot
Warren Binder
Probate Attorney | Jun 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Terrific Lawyer who knows this practice area inside and out."
Richard Carl Binder headshot
Richard Binder
Family Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. He is hard working, getting the best result for his clients that is possible. He is someone a client can depend upon and is easy to communicate with. He will do a great job."
Michael John Stiles headshot
Michael Stiles
Trusts Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Chris prepared my family's trust documentation. I encourage others to use his services as well."
Steven V Adamian headshot
Steven Adamian
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is very experienced and knowledgeable when it comes to estate planning, trusts, and probate. He is also very professional and approachable."
Betty Jing Boyd headshot
Betty Boyd
Trusts Attorney | Jun 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Johnson is a highly-skilled probate attorney who puts his clients first. He not only provides excellent legal services but also takes the time to listen to his clients with empathy."
Steven Edward Oakley headshot
Steven Oakley
Trusts Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Chris is one of the most knowledgeable and personable attorneys I have worked with. His approach is always "client centered" and thorough. I highly recommend him!"
John Refaat Habashy headshot
John Habashy
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is very knowledgeable and thorough. Truly cares for his clients and takes his work seriously. One of the leaders in the estate planning community."
Kimberly Ann Frasca headshot
Kimberly Frasca
Estate planning Attorney | Jul 20
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
View more endorsements
Pasadena Probate Lawyer Christopher B. Johnson
Christopher B. Johnson
Probate Attorney
Pasadena, CA
Licensed for 28 years
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