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Christopher Salvatore Scarcella
About Christopher
Biography
Chris Scarcella is an award-winning attorney and California Bar Board of Legal Specialization Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate.
As an estate planning attorney, he devotes his practice to helping people leave their loved ones with positive and lasting memories of who they are and the values that they stand for. As a probate attorney, he guide those clients through the judicial process so that their loved ones' wishes are honored.
While he loves what he does professionally, he is especially passionate about giving back. To this end, he runs a legal clinic that has led the California State Bar to honoring him with the Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Community Senior Services, a respected non-profit organization serving our senior population.
Born and raised in Southern California, he went to Colorado College for my undergraduate education to experience the snow. He then attended and graduated the University of Texas School of Law to experience the "South" while receiving a top-15 law school education. Realizing that there's no place like home, he has since moved back to Pasadena.
He now live with his lovely wife Denise and his sometimes-disobedient dog named Alps. In his spare time, he likes playing with tools.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 14 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2025
Location
C.S. Scarcella & Associates
250 W. 1st. St. Ste. #244, Claremont, CA, 91711
Gallery
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Christopher Salvatore Scarcella's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 11 - 12 of 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Don | May 27, 2015 | Trusts
Review of Chris Scarcella - Living Trust for Don Cruikshank
Diane and I are very happy with the job that Chris did on putting together our living trust. He demonstrated that he is very knowledgeable in the process and in this area of law. he was very expedient and the whole process was very smooth. And he is a great communicator both via email, on the phon...
Posted by Donald Langely | January 28, 2013 | Estate Planning
Living Trusts
Mr. Scarcella is an exceptional attorney. He tended to all of my estate planning concerns and even delivered my deed for recording. Aside from his extensive knowledge in the fields of estate planning, property law and family law, Mr. Scarcella is also a very sociable and likable person who kept me in...
Christopher Salvatore Scarcella's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Scarcella and I have worked together on several trust matters. He has been professional and solution-oriented, which I appreciate when working with a colleague. I endorse Mr. Scarcella."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Chris is a wonderful estate planning attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and cares about his clients. I confidently refer clients to him over and over again because I know he will treat them right and do an excellent job."
"Chris is an excellent estate planning attorney who is highly intelligent, compassionate, and an expert in his field. I refer clients to him without hesitation and he does an excellent job each and every time. I cannot endorse him highly enough."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Mr. Scarcella for over a year now. He always impresses me with his professionalism and knowledge."
Jennifer Daniel
Trusts lawyer
Marc Garlett
Estate planning lawyer
Gary Rotkop
Business lawyer
Georgina Lepe
Estate planning lawyer
Lovette Mioni
Family lawyer
David Gharakhanian
Personal injury lawyer
Maritess Bott
Estate planning lawyer
Michael Bonfrisco
Estate planning lawyer
Matthew Thompson
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Justin Kincheloe
Contracts and agreements lawyer
Shmuel Steinberg
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2025.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2025
updated on 06/23/2025This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2025
updated on 04/03/2025This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2018
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2018
10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2018
2018 Leading Lawyers, Inland Empire Magazine
2017
Estate Planning, Trusts, and Probate Specialization, State Bar of California - Certified Specialist
2017
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2017
Service Mark- Revocable Legacy Trust (c), United States Patent and Trademark Office
2016
Top Attorney, Inland Empire Magazine
2016
2016 Inland Valley's Favorite Attorney, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2016
10 Best, American Institute of Legal Counsel
2015
2015 Inland Valley's Favorite Attorney, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
2015
Wiley W. Manuel Award for Pro Bono Legal Services, State Bar of California
2015
2015 Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Admission to Practice in the Central District of California, United States District Court
2006
Certificate of Recognition - Summer Honor's, Attorney General of California
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney, C.S. Scarcella & Associates
2012 - 2015
Attorney, American Legal Documents
2008 - 2012
Legal Clerk, then Attorney, Walston Cross
2008 - 2008
Legal Clerk, Attorney General of California
Associations
2016 - Present
American Academy of Estate Planning AttorneysMember
2015 - Present
National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember
2015 - Present
Academy of Special Needs PlannersMember
2015 - Present
Community Senior ServicesBoard of Directors
2011 - Present
Orange County Bar FoundationMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Orange County Bar Association, Trusts and Estates SectionMember
2011 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney Member
2008 - Present
Texas Exes -University of Texas Alumni AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Colorado College Alumni AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Case # CONPS 150018 The Conservatorship of James David Pearce (Person and Estate)
For petitioner
Case # 1400578 In re the matter of: THE ANA MAE LAURENCE LIVING TRUST, U/A dated May 18, 2010
For petitioner
Education
2008
University of Texas School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Colorado College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Geriatrics- Elder Law, a Broad Overview
Chaffey College
2015
Estate Planning Eases Transitions
The James L. Brulte Senior Center
2015
Estate Plan Essentials
The James L. Brulte Senior Center
2015
Corona Panel Discussion on Downsizing
The Corona Senior Center
2015
25 Documents that Everyone Needs
VNA Hospice and Paliative Care
2014
The Difference Between Wills and Trusts
The James L. Brulte Senior Center
Publications
2015
Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
How to Choose an Estate Planning Attorney
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides