David Scott Hamilton

PRO

David Scott Hamilton

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 10 years

Probate Lawyer at Riverside, CA
Practice Areas: Probate, Estate Planning, Guardianship ... +3 more

4300 Latham Street, Riverside, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About David

Biography

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law by The State Bar of California. Serving Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Orange Counties. Call us today at (855) 996-9544 for a free consultation.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Probate 30%

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.

20%
Guardianship 20%

I handle California conservatorships.

20%
Power of Attorney 10%

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

10%
Trusts 10%

I prepare revocable living trusts and special needs trusts.

10%
Wills and Living Wills 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 500-500 per hour

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2024 2023

Licenses

Licensed in California for 10 years

State: California

Acquired: 2015

Active

No misconduct found

Location

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

4300 Latham Street, Riverside, CA, 92501

sandovallegacygroup.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find David online.

David Scott Hamilton's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

42 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (42) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 13 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Susan J. | June 24, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Trusts

Highly Recommend David!

David Hamilton was the attorney handling my Family Trust. I live out of state and was very worried about getting good service when I didn't live locally. David was fantastic to work with, he constantly updated me on filings and court appearances. I couldn't have made it through the past few years, de...aling with this Trust from out of state, if it weren't for David! I would highly recommend him! THANK YOU, David.

Posted by Rob | March 08, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Trusts

Great Experience!

My spouse and I are in our 40's and worked with Mr. Hamilton on our trust. He was so easy to work with, and neither of us are well-versed in this area. He patiently and competently explained everything in detail, and thoroughly answered all of our questions. Mr. Hamilton demonstrates an excellent gra...sp of California law, and we are so thankful to have worked with him.

Posted by Samantha | March 06, 2024 | Probate

Very Helpful!

I recently had the opportunity to consult with David Hamilton, a lawyer specializing in probate and trust matters, for my family's rather complicated situation involving dual-state probate and the potential need for a special needs trust. David's expertise and guidance were nothing short of exemplary.... From the outset, David took the time to understand our unique circumstances. His approach was refreshingly straightforward and practical. He provided advice that was not only insightful but also presented in layman's terms, making the complex legal jargon easily understandable. What truly set David apart was his integrity. Faced with a situation where he could have easily led us down a more complicated and potentially costly path, he instead steered us towards decisions that were most beneficial for our family. His recommendations showed a deep consideration for our specific needs and long-term implications, rather than opting for a one-size-fits-all solution. The level of personal attention and genuine concern David showed was remarkable. He helped us navigate through a challenging time with ease and clarity. His counsel played a pivotal role in making the right decisions for our family's future. I am profoundly grateful for David's help and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a knowledgeable, honest, and compassionate lawyer in probate and trust matters. His expertise, coupled with a commonsensical approach, truly makes a difference.

Posted by anonymous | February 16, 2024

Top notch knowledge and personalized advice

David was very knowledgeable about my inquiry. He took the time to review the document, understood the situation, and explained the options very clearly. I would recommend him wholeheartedly.

Posted by Amy | November 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship

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

See All Client Reviews

David Scott Hamilton's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Thomas William Dominick headshot
Thomas Dominick

Estate planning lawyer | 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 Dilip Patel headshot
Dev Patel

Estate planning lawyer | 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 Marie Anderson headshot
Sharon Anderson

Litigation lawyer | 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 Edward Fender headshot
Ryan Fender

Unknown lawyer | 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 Hannigan Mackay headshot
Bridget Mackay

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Craig Eddie Wilson headshot
Craig Wilson

Elder law lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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

John Dudley Laughton headshot
John Laughton

Estate planning lawyer | 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 Patrick Murphy headshot
Timothy Murphy

Estate planning lawyer | 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 Young Valencia headshot
Pamela Valencia

Estate planning lawyer | 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 Michael Sandoval headshot
Dennis Sandoval

Estate planning lawyer | 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."

Jennifer Michele Daniel headshot
Jennifer Daniel

Probate lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is very knowledgeable and is a pleasure to work with. I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Samuel Price headshot
Richard Price

Probate lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hamilton is a very competent and easy to work with attorney. He is an asset to the legal community and I'm proud to endorse him."

Matthew James Knez headshot
Matthew Knez

Estate planning lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Ruth Esther Lecaro headshot
Ruth Lecaro

Estate planning lawyer

Taylor Dayn Anthony Holstrom headshot
Taylor Holstrom

Estate planning lawyer

Richard W. S. Pershing headshot
Richard Pershing

Divorce and separation lawyer

Rejeanne Maureen Eyre headshot
Rejeanne Eyre

Child custody lawyer

Melannie Kris Ayap Suba headshot
Melannie Suba

Divorce and separation lawyer

Vera Ann Livingstone headshot
Vera Livingstone

Divorce and separation lawyer

Xinia L. Guerra headshot
Xinia Guerra

Divorce and separation lawyer

Alex E. Ruiz headshot
Alex Ruiz

Family lawyer

Natalie Marie Hollis headshot
Natalie Hollis

Divorce and separation lawyer

Samantha Kristine Pruett headshot
Samantha Pruett

Family lawyer

Jeremy N. Roark headshot
Jeremy Roark

Divorce and separation lawyer

Sherrie Ann Munson headshot
Sherrie Munson

Divorce and separation lawyer

Dev Dilip Patel headshot
Dev Patel

Estate planning lawyer

Richard Samuel Price headshot
Richard Price

Unknown lawyer

Jennifer Michele Daniel headshot
Jennifer Daniel

Unknown lawyer

Matthew James Knez headshot
Matthew Knez

Personal injury lawyer

Pamela Young Valencia headshot
Pamela Valencia

Estate planning lawyer

Dennis Michael Sandoval headshot
Dennis Sandoval

Probate lawyer

Kenny Kean Tan headshot
Kenny Tan

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2024

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2024

Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2023

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

2023

Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2023

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2022

Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2021

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2021

Southern California Rising Stars, Super Lawyers

2016

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

2015

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

2014

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

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

2014

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

2014

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

2014

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

2013

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

2012

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

2011

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

Work Experience

2024 - Present

Attorney, Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC

2017 - Present

Adjunct Professor, University of La Verne College of Law

2024 - 2024

Attorney, Varner & Brandt LLP

2020 - 2024

Attorney, Holstrom, Block & Parke, APLC

2015 - 2019

Attorney, Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corporation

2015 - 2016

Grader, University of La Verne College of Law

2014 - 2015

Law Clerk, Dennis M. Sandoval, A Professional Law Corporation

2012 - 2014

Law Clerk, Law Offices of Kenny Tan

Associations

2018 - Present

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

2015 - 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

2017 - 2018

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

2017 - 2018

Consumer Attorneys of California

Member

2016 - 2017

Riverside County Barristers Association

Board Member at Large

2011 - 2015

American Bar Association

Student Member

Sample of 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.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2015

University of La Verne College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor, magna cum laude

2009

Chapman University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2022

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

2020

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

Publications

2022

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)

2021

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)

2018

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)

2017

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)

2016

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)

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

University of La Verne Law Review Editor in Chief

2014

Journal of Law, Business & Ethics Editor in Chief

2014

University of La Verne Law Review Staff Editor

2013

Journal of Law, Business & Ethics Articles Editor

Languages

English

Activity

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