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James Jackson Phillips
also known as Jim Phillips
About James
Biography
I have been a certified specialist in Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization since inception of State certification program in 1990. LL.M. degree in taxation.
My law practice is rated "av" (highest rating in legal ability and ethical standards) by Martindale Hubbell Law Directory, and has been included in their Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers annually since 1995. Northern California Super Lawyer designation annually since 2005.
1991-1992 Member of the Executive Committee of California State Bar's Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section. 1990 President of the Eastern Alameda County Bar Association. 2020-2021 President of the Tri-Valley Estate Planning Council.
Appointed by Alameda County Probate Court as Special Master, Guardian Ad Litem, and Personal Representative in contested trust, probate, conservatorship, and guardianship cases.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Phillips & Phillips, A Professional Corporation
5700 Stoneridge Mall Road, Suite 340, Pleasanton, CA, 94588
Law Offices of Phillips & Phillips
2807 Castro Valley Blvd, Castro Valley, CA, 94546
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James Jackson Phillips's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
12 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by Gena | August 03, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Best experience during a horrible time
I was just dealing with the sudden impact of my father dying. When my siblings were fighting me on his remains being sent to me. I had no idea where to even begin. We werent fighting over money or assets. After contacting several lawyers and paralegals who left me frustrated and discouraged, i contac...
Posted by Bruce | August 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Probate
Phillips&Phillips guiding hand
When a family member passes,it is a trying time.You need the guiding hand of a great Law firm. Jim and Katelyn Phillips of Phillips and Phillips were the rock solid guiding hand of Knowledge,Wisdom and Compassion.They guided us through the California legal system,and brought about the conclusion of ...
Posted by Janis | May 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Estate Planning
Someone you can trust!!!
I have been working with Jim Phillips since 2010 and prior to that my parents use his services. Jim is knowledgeable, thorough and thoughtful about the advice and information he gives his clients. In addition, he is one of the most personable, caring attorneys that I have had the pleasure to work w...
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2012 | Estate Planning
Excellent estate planning attorney.
When my husband and I finally agreed it was time to have our wills written up, we asked around for recommendations for estate planning attorneys. James Phillips was the name that kept coming up. In our first meeting with Mr. Phillips we noticed immediately that he has the rare ability to explain co...
James Jackson Phillips's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Jim Phillips for many years. He is highly experienced in his practice areas of Trust and Probate administration and Estate Planning. He is exceptionally focused on servicing his client's needs, and I have always found him to exemplify the highest degree of integrity."
"Jim is an extremely competent, thorough and thoughtful trusts and estates attorney, with a wonderful staff."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is an experienced, certified estate planning specialist and tax expert. He is also a Rotarian who lives by the motto "Service Above Self".n"
"I endorse this lawyer."
Robert Jacobs
Real estate lawyer
Mark Poniatowski
Business 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
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Northern California Super Lawyers, SuperLawyers
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2018
Northern California Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2016
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
Friend of Education Award, The Castro Valley Education Foundation
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2014
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2013
Diablo Magazine, San Francisco East Bay Wealth Manager
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
Diablo Magazine, San Francisco East Bay Wealth Manager
2012
James J. Phillips, Five Star Professional Award
2012
Circle of Excellence, American Registry Circle of Excellence
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
San Francisco East Bay Wealth Manager, Diablo Magazine
2011
James J. Phillips, Five Star Professional Award
2010
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2006
Super Lawyer, Northern California Super Lawyers
2005
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1980
David E. Snodgrass Moot Court: First Place Written Brief, Hastings College of the Law
Work Experience
2018 - Present
President, Law Offices of Philllips & Phillips, A Professional Corporation
1989 - 1992
Of Counsel, Varni, Fraser, Hartwell & Rodgers
1989 - 2017
President, Law Offices of James J Phillips, A Professional Corporation
1983 - 1989
Attorney, Smith, Etnire, Polson & Scott
Associations
2017 - Present
Tri-Valley Estate Planning CouncilDirector and Officer
2012 - Present
Castro Valley Rotary ClubAffiliate Member
2001 - Present
Castro Valley Track ClubCoach
1980 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
East Bay Estate Planning Council
Director
1991 - 1992
State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates SectionExecutive Committee
1990 - 1991
Eastern Alameda County Bar AssociationPresident
1982 - 2012
Hayward Rotary ClubMember
Education
1988
Golden Gate University School of Law
LL.M - Master of Laws
1980
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1976
University of California - Davis
BS - Bachelor of Science
1972
Castro Valley High School
High school
Speaking Engagements
2012
Samuel Merrit Univeristy
Estate Planning
Publications
2014
Blog on my web page
Reviewing an existing estate plan
1991
California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Tax Comparison of Living Trusts and Wills
1990
California Continuing Education of the Bar (CEB)
Tax Considerations in Comparing Living Trusts and Wills
1989
California Lawyer Magazine
Taxes and Living Trusts
1988
Tax Exchange
Federal Income Tax Differences Between Living Trust Administration and Probate Administration
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers