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Mark Abbott Lester
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About Mark
Biography
I am a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, who loves what I do. Although I enjoy planning estates and creating succession plans for clients of all ages and ranges of wealth, my primary focus over the last 15 years has been in trusts and estates litigation where my background in complex estate planning has served me well in understanding and sometimes undoing estate planning documents and schemes concocted by less qualified attorneys. My passion is to find equitable solutions with a minimum amount of contentious litigation because in most instances at the end of the day the parties will remain family and have to deal with the fallout from suing each other.
I am the father and step-father of 7 great kids, 3 of whom are Eagle Scouts (like their old man). I was an Assistant Scoutmaster with Troop 485 in Westlake Village, was a First Assistant Scoutmaster with 2010 National Jamboree Troop 831, and was an adult leader for 2012 Philmont Scout Ranch - Expedition 813-G-S06. I love golf, computers, traveling anywhere, and exploring and tailgating at Stanford football games in my RV.
Practice Areas
10
Practice Areas
Appeals
10%
Business
10%
Contracts and Agreements
10%
Corporate and Incorporation
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
Jones & Lester, LLP
(805) 604-2656
Fax
300 East Esplanade Drive Suite 1200, Oxnard, CA, 93036
joneslester.com/attorneys/mark-lester/Lester & Hirschberg, LLP
771 E. Daily Drive, Suite 230, Camarillo, CA, 93010
joneslester.com/attorneys/mark-lester/Mark Abbott Lester's Reviews
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 client review from Avvo
Posted by Heather | March 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Attorney
Mark helped me through a very difficult issue with the upmost professionalism and expertise. He was honest and realistic with me through the whole case but also empathetic when I needed it. I highly recommend him.
Mark Abbott Lester's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Mark Lester professionally for more than a decade. During that time we have been co-counsel on several complex probate litigation cases. In addition, we have opposed one another in numerous litigation cases. He is a zealous advocate for the interests of his clients. As his professional peer, I highly respect his skills as an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a true professional and does exceptional work. I would recommend him to anyone."
"Mark is a certified specialist who knows his stuff, is practical, kind, persistent and focused. He is totally professional. He appears in both Ventura and LA County. Thank goodness he has a good sense of humor too!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Mark is not only a great lawyer, but he is also a really nice guy. I think of Mark as the lawyer that the other side does not see coming. What they see is the amiable, easy going Mark, but what they get is the veteran litigator that has no fear in trial."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Jeffrey Vallens
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
AV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer (Trusts & Estates Litigation), SuperLawyers
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
Humanitarian Award, Elite Lawyers of America
2015
Professional of the Year in Trust and Estate Planning, World Wide Registry
2015
Elite Lawyers of America, Elite Lawyers of America
2015
Super Lawyer (Estate Planning, Trusts & Estates Litigation), SuperLawyers
2008
Ten Most Dependable Lawyers in California (Trusts & Estates), Goldline Research
1979
American Jurisprudence Award, University of Puget Sound
1969
Eagle Scout, Boy Scouts of America
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Managing Partner, Jones & Lester, LLP
1900 - Present
Partner, Lester & Hirschberg, LLP
1996 - 2001
Owner, Law Offices of Mark A. Lester
1993 - 1996
Vice President of Administration, Kingsley Machine Company
1986 - 1993
Senior Associate Attorney, Knapp, Marsh, Jones & Doran LLP
1981 - 1986
Associate, Hatch & Parent
Associations
2016 - Present
California Board of Legal Specialization, Estate Planning Law Advisory CommissionChairman
2014 - Present
Los Angeles County Superior Court, Probate DepartmentVolunteer Settlement Officer
2012 - Present
Ventura County Bar Association, Probate and Estate Planning SectionExecutive Committee
2011 - Present
Estate Planning Law Advisory CommissionMember
1991 - Present
Attorney-Client Dispute Resolution Services PanelVolunteer
1981 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1985 - 1986
California Young Lawyers AssociationVice President
1984 - 1986
California Young Lawyers AssociationDirector
Sample of Legal Cases
Christie v. Kimball (2012) 202 Cal.App.4th 1407
Won - accounting ordered and upheld on appeal
In re Estate of Odian (2006) 145 Cal.App.4th 152
Court of Appeal expanded the definition of "caregiver" beyond prior case law.
Education
1981
Boston University School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1980
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
Stanford University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
National Business Institute
The Probate Process in California from Beginning to End
2014
The Probate Process in California from Beginning to End
The Probate Process in California from Beginning to End
2007
National Business Institute
Estate Planning and Recovery for Elderly Clients
2005
National Business Institute
California Probate: Beyond the Basics
2004
National Business Instiute
Oddities and Challenges in California Probate
2004
National Business Institute
How to Draft Wills and Trusts in California
Publications
2015
National Business Institute Seminar
The Probate Process in California from Beginning to End
2007
National Business Institute Seminar
Estate Planning and Recovery for Elderly Clients
2005
National Business Institute Seminar
California Probate: Beyond the Basics
2004
National Business Institute Seminar
Oddities & Challenges in California Probate
2004
National Business Institute Seminar
How to Draft Wills & Trusts in California
Languages
English