Licensed for 7 years

State CA

Acquired 2015

Status
Active No misconduct found

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

David Scott Hamilton

Probate Attorney at Riverside, CA

About
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David and his staff were great!

I could not be more pleased with David Hamilton and his Paralegal, Tekisha Carbajal regarding my adult son's Conservatorship. We are new to California and the process of guardianship in Arkansas (where we were from and had been through the process years before) was VERY different. David and Tekisha led us the whole step of the way, were mindful of our costs, treated my son with utmost dignity, and David represented us with total professionalism in the courtroom. There were 8 cases ahead of us that day, all dealing with conservatorship, and not one of the cases resulted in a complete conservatorship that day. I'm so thankful David was there representing us and he and Tekisha were so thorough and communicative at every turn. I have already booked our appt in January to begin the estate planning with a special needs trust. Speaking of TRUST... David is the first attorney I have ever worked with that I can say has gained MY trust. Amy Jamison-Casas

We found a good one!

About David

Learn David’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Probate

30%
Estate planning

20%

I help people create a comprehensive estate plan, which includes a trust, pourover will, financial power of attorney, and advance healthcare directive. I also prepare special needs trusts.
Guardianship

20%

I handle California conservatorships.
Power of attorney

10%

I prepare financial powers of attorney and healthcare directives with a power of attorney for healthcare decisions.
Trusts

10%

I prepare revocable living trusts and special needs trusts.
Wills and living wills

10%

SANDOVAL LEGACY GROUP IS A DIVISION OF HOLSTROM, BLOCK & PARKE, A PROFESSIONAL LAW CORPORATION - PROVIDING COMPREHENSIVE PROBATE & ESTATE PLANNING SERVICES. CALL (855) 920-0725

David S. Hamilton is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California.

David is a seasoned attorney focusing on estate planning, wills and trusts, probates, conservatorships, special needs trusts, and fiduciary accountings. His astuteness and attention to detail are highly regarded in the legal community. David is well-liked by clients for his compassionate, patient, and attentive demeanor.

David is a member of the Riverside and San Bernardino County Bar Associations. He graduated from the New Attorney Academy, which is a training program for new attorneys provided by the Riverside County Bar Association and the Riverside Superior Court. David served as a Member at Large on the Board of the Riverside County Barristers Association. He is also a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys and the American Bar Association.

During law school, David served as editor in chief for both the University of La Verne Law Review and the Journal of Law, Business & Ethics. David also competed on La Verne Law’s National Moot Court Competition Team. David made the Dean’s List every semester and earned a CALI award for achieving the highest grade in 13 courses. For his legal writing, David was recognized in the National Order of Scribes by the American Society of Legal Writers.

In his time away from the office, David enjoys spending time with his family, playing acoustic guitar, reading, and traveling.

Awards

Client's Choice

2023

Photos and videos

Contact David

Sandoval Legacy Group, a Division of Holstrom, Block, & Parke, APLC

(855) 920-0725 Office

4300 Latham Street

Riverside, CA, 92501

sandovallegacygroup.com/our-team/david-s-hamilton/

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

19 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Amy | November 15, 2023

David and his staff were great!

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Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2023

We found a good one!

Mr Hamilton was excellent in every way. He was personable and easy to talk to. He was very knowledgeable. He was able to explain complex estate issues in plain English. His staff did great work and followed through. His work was timely. His fees were reasonable. I would highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | November 2, 2023

David Hamilton of Sandoval Legacy Group Holstrom Block and Park

From the beginning, David was very helpful with our families' legal needs as well as advising us in organizing the affairs of our beloved family member and her estate. His personal and compassionate understanding and advice were what we vitally needed to get the new life and care she needed, arranged and on the right track. As time went on his advice and legal skills were a constant and reliable resource that insured we were able to protect and care for our cousin, her health and her wealth. For example, he interacted with the court as it became involved early on, due to her incompetence. He kept a watchful eye out for us (the conservators) our cousin, and the courts to avoid scams and legal missteps. He oversaw the sale of the real property which was a complicated process. In the end, the courts happily approved all our work and granted without hesitation the equitable distribution of the remaining estate funds to the heirs.

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Posted by Kim | October 24, 2023

Excellent Service

David Hamilton provided friendly and professional services! He provided extensive information by explaining and answering all questions about Estate Planning. David made the process extremely easy and stress free. I am recommending everyone to utilize his services if you are looking for a smooth process.

Posted by Arabella | September 25, 2023

Excelled my expectations

As the Successor Trustee of my family member’s Trust, I hired Attorney David Hamilton to help me administer the Trust after her demise. David answered my questions diligently, patiently, and professionally. His experience certainly helped me navigate the fiduciary responsibilities as a Trustee and gave me peace of mind knowing I could obtain knowledgeable answers to my questions. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him for Estate Planning and Trust Administration.

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Posted by Heather | August 16, 2023

Special Needs Trust- Quick and Stress Free Process

I am so thankful to the paralegal that referred Sandoval Legacy Group. Absolutely the easiest legal service I have experienced. David Hamilton and staff made this process stress free and I didn't even have to appear in court, he did it all for us! This law firm is very professional and reasonable . We now have peace of mind knowing our nephew's assets are protected for his future. Would recommend 1,000 times!

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Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2023

Professional, Responsive, Quality Probate Attorney

I hired David Hamilton to assist me with a Probate Matter. He is well organized and knowledgeable and was able to answer all of my questions quickly and thoroughly. Mr. Hamilton exceeded my expectations and I could not have asked for better legal representation. I am very satisfied with the outcome of my case and would highly recommend him to others in the future.

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Posted by Erik | July 13, 2023

Setting up my trust was easy.

David made the process of setting up a trust easy to understand, explained the process of how a trust works, what things can be purchased with the trust, and what the Medicaid rules are regarding the trust. I felt totally understood, listened to, respected, and made to feel comfortable. I’d recommend his services to my family and friends.

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Posted by Lyda | June 20, 2023

Excellent Experience

We went to Mr. Hamilton to do our family Trust. There is a lot of thought and work that goes into this puzzle at the end of life. David was there to guide us through the process and even think ahead to make sure our family members were protected.

Posted by Kimberly | June 17, 2023

3rd Party Special Needs Trust

David & his staff helped me with understanding the regulations & implementation of “Special Needs Trust” for my brother.

Posted by Espi | May 11, 2023

Estate Planning & Power of Attorney

I lost my fiancée last year and my world completely changed. I was now a single mother with two younger kids. David was able to help with my Estate Planning, he calmly reviewed everything with me and explained each document in a very detailed format. I highly recommend David to anyone who feels completely lost. Thank you, David for your guidance!

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Posted by Pamela | May 3, 2023

Satisfied with service

As a new client we were treated well and the service received was good. Would recommend this lawyer

Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2023

Great Experience

David was wonderful to work with and is clearly top-of-his game with regards to special-needs guardianship. Just an overall great experience.

Posted by Zohreh | March 15, 2021

Up date my trust

I called David Hamilton office regarding to update my trust (in a emergency situation). I want to thank mr: David Hamilton and his secretary- Vanessa for doing my request so quick and timely matter. I have used SANDOVAL LEGACY GROUP before ,, I also recommend them to my family and friends. Any time you call this office always someone answer the phone and take care of your needs with pleasure. Thank you for your awesome services. Zohreh Ball

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Posted by Bob R | June 1, 2020

Successful Engagement

I engaged David's services to help me to terminate an irrevocable trust. He provided me with the information and support services I needed to successfully terminate the trust in a minimum amount of time. His work was spot on and was completed quickly and professionally. Communications with David were excellent.

Posted by Riste | April 13, 2020

Great Estate and Trust Attorney!

David is awesome! He helped us set up all of our documents in regard to an Estate Plan (Trust, Wills, Power of Attorney, etc.). He is a wealth of knowledge, super personable, very clear and precise in his communications and does an excellent job breaking down the "legal stuff" in an understandable manner. We've already referred a few colleagues to him. He's an outstanding professional that knows this stuff inside and out. In our opinion, you can't go wrong in trusting him to help you get your docs in order!!! Thanks so much!!!!

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Posted by Leasa H. | February 2, 2020

Review for David Hamilton

He is a wonderful attorney. He answered all our questions and we felt completely at ease. He is filled with such compassion and relatable. He was funny and we had a great connection with him. Each appointment we were left with a great feeling we had done exactly what we needed to have done for our son. He truly cares for the special-needs community and we are truly grateful for his help and expertise.

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Posted by Mina | October 16, 2019

Great Knowledge and Experience

I had a terrific interaction with David and his amazing staff. The team is my go-to team in Elder Law in Riverside County. I would highly recommend them to anyone in need of elder law services.

Posted by Sylvia and Raul | February 14, 2019

Exceptionally capable and trustworthy lawyer.

We were looking for an attorney to update our trust. An attorney who looks out for our interests and that of our family. An attorney who can explain our trust to us. An attorney who is well informed and educated in estate planning and elder law. An attorney who is not only professional and capable in his profession but who is also understanding and patient. David Scott Hamilton is an outstanding attorney who is not only well informed but truly trustworthy. We recommend him highly.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Attorney
Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC
2020 - Present

Adjunct Professor
University of La Verne College of Law
2017 - Present

Grader
University of La Verne College of Law
2015 - 2016

Attorney
Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corporation
2015 - 2019

Law Clerk
Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corporation
2014 - 2015

Law Clerk
Law Offices of Kenny Tan
2012 - 2014

View all work experience

Education

University of La Verne College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor, magna cum laude
2015

Chapman University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2009

Legal Cases

Maine Pooled Disability Trust v. Hamilton, 927 F.3d 52 (1st Cir. 2019).
Wrote an amicus brief for the Special Needs Alliance.

McKinnon v. David-Portwood, No. E068659 (Cal. Ct. App. Jan. 17, 2019).
Successfully represented the respondent-trustee when the appeal was dismissed by opinion.

Associations

United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit
Admitted to Practice
2018 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Admitted to Practice
2018 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association
Member
2015 - Present

San Bernardino County Bar Association
Member
2015 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California
Admitted to Practice
2015 - Present

Riverside County Barristers Association
Member
2015 - Present

American Bar Association
Lawyer Member
2015 - Present

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
Member
2017 - 2018

Consumer Attorneys of California
Member
2017 - 2018

Riverside County Barristers Association
Board Member at Large
2016 - 2017

American Bar Association
Student Member
2011 - 2015

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law
The State Bar of California
2023

Southern California Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
2023

Southern California Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
2022

Southern California Rising Stars
Super Lawyers
2021

Certificate of Completion, New Attorney Academy
Riverside County Bar Association and Riverside Superior Court
2016

National Order of Scribes
Scribes—The American Society of Legal Writers, https://www.scribes.org/national-order-2015
2015

Assembly Certificate of Recognition
California Legislature, Assemblyman Mike Gatto, 43rd District
2015

Dean's List (Spring Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2015

CALI Award (Federal Income Taxation)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/27aec0a0
2015

Dean's List (Fall Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2014

Dean's List (Spring Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2014

CALI Award (California Civil Procedure)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/256edaf0
2014

CALI Award (Remedies)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/25c53850
2014

CALI Award (Business Organizations II)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/24a88d50
2014

CALI Award (Law Practice Management)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/24a93160
2014

CALI Award (Lawyering Skills Practicum)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/25c51910
2014

CALI Award (Business Organizations I)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/2360f9f0
2013

CALI Award (Law Review Seminar)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/2362de50
2013

CALI Award (Professional Responsibility)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/2327c950
2013

CALI Award (Moot Court Honors: Advanced Appellate Advocacy)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/2327c180
2013

CALI Award (Appellate Advocacy)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/22c98c50
2013

Dean's List (Spring Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2013

Dean's List (Fall Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2013

CALI Award (Math and Physics for Lawyers)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/217a28f0
2012

Dean's List (Spring Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2012

Dean's List (Fall Semester)
University of La Verne College of Law
2012

CALI Award (Legal Analysis and Writing I)
The Center for Computer-Assisted Legal Instruction, http://awards.cali.org/1f5aa450
2011

View all awards

Publications

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2023 update)
2023

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 2: Ethical Considerations When Planning for Persons With Disabilities)—June 2023 update)
2023

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 16: Special Needs Trust Accounting—June 2023 update)
2023

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2022 update)
2022

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 2: Ethical Considerations When Planning for Persons With Disabilities)—June 2022 update)
2022

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 16: Special Needs Trust Accounting—June 2022 update)
2022

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2021 update)
2021

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2018 update)
2018

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2017 update)
2017

California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Special Needs Trusts: Planning, Drafting, and Administration (Chapter 7: Funding Third Party Special Needs Trusts—June 2016 update)
2016

University of La Verne Law Review
Editor in Chief
2015

Journal of the Patent and Trademark Office Society
It's My Copy and I'll Sell It If I Want To: Capitol Records, LLC v. ReDigi Inc.
2015

Journal of Law, Business & Ethics
Editor in Chief
2014

University of La Verne Law Review
Staff Editor
2014

Journal of Law, Business & Ethics
Articles Editor
2013

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Educating America Tour: California Alzheimer's & Caregiver Conference
Estate Planning for Incapacity
2022

Lunch and Learn: Estate Planning + Asset Protection Workshop
Protect Your Family, Your Life, and Your Future
2020

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)

Given (19)

Endorse David

Thomas Dominick

Estate planning Attorney | Apr 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Without hesitation, I endorse this lawyer. David is a rising star in the Inland Empire legal community and has significant experience in estate and trust matters. I've seen him in court and he is well respected by his peers and bench officers."

Dev Patel

Estate planning Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Co-worker

"I have the privilege of working with David Hamilton on a daily basis. He has been a great mentor to me as an estate planning attorney. He is professional, courteous, knowledgeable in his practice area, and willing to give everything he has for his clients. I endorse David without any hesitation."

Sharon Anderson

Litigation Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David has been extremely knowledgeable, prepared and professional in all of my interactions with him. I would highly recommend him."

Ryan Fender

Unknown Attorney | Oct 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. David is a very knowledgeable attorney who is committed to providing his clients exemplary service. David is committed to completing continuing legal education and finding new or better ways to serve his clients."

Bridget Mackay

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Craig Wilson

Elder law Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is knowledgeable, honest and a great advocate. I endorse this lawyer."

John Laughton

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. I also know David through our affiliation with a national organization of estate planning attorneys. I consider David to be knowledgeable, experienced and caring."

Timothy Murphy

Estate planning Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I know David through our affiliation with a national organization of estate planning attorneys that fosters professional excellence. He is a knowledgeable estate planning attorney who cares about his clients."

Pamela Valencia

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 14
Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly endorse this lawyer. He is an extraordinarily valuable resource for litigation and non-litigation matters in elder law and estate planning."

Dennis Sandoval

Estate planning Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"David's areas of expertise are estate planning, probate, special needs trusts and trust litigation. He is a very knowledgeable, thorough and conscientious attorney. I would not hesitate to have him assist me with my legal needs."