Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
17 Client Reviews
$ 475-475 per hour
PRO
Thomas Edward Rossmeissl
also known as Tom Rossmeissl
About Thomas
Biography
I am a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning Trust & Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. As an experienced Silicon Valley trusts and estates attorney, my clients come from San Jose, the South Bay, and throughout the Bay Area. My practice includes estate planning, estate administration, and trust and estate litigation.
I love working with clients to prepare an estate plan uniquely suited to their needs and circumstances. I help my clients navigate some of the difficult choices they have in arranging their affairs to take care of their families when they are no longer able to do so. My clients put their trust and confidence in me to prepare wills, living trusts, powers of attorney, nominations of guardians and other documents according to their desires, to make sure that when bad things happen, a plan is in place to provide for themselves and their families.
With regard to my trusts and estate administration practice, I represent trustees in administering trusts after the death of a settlor and in addressing issues raised by beneficiaries. I also represent beneficiaries of trusts when the trustee is not complying with the trustee's fiduciary duties. I am also involved in probate administrations when a decedent's estate is not held in a trust.
I am also a litigation attorney, and I represent clients in trusts and estates issues disputes. I am a hard-working and zealous advocate for my clients. I have tried cases in state and federal court, and I have settled many disputes.
Clients like me because I am responsive to their needs, prompt in answering their questions, and because I provide top-notch service.
I help clients get peace of mind in taking care of their families and protecting their rights.
I prepare trusts and wills for individuals and families and help them plan for life's uncertainties
If you are getting sued or suing to protect your rights, you need a strong advocate in your corner.
Choose an experienced attorney to guide you through probate when administering an estate.
I prepare trusts and wills for individuals and families and help them plan for life's uncertainties.
I prepare trusts and wills for individuals and families. Plan for life's uncertainties.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Estate Planning
40%
23 years
Litigation
40%
35 years
Elder Law
5%
23 years
Probate
5%
23 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2013 2012
2014 2012
Licenses
Licensed in California for 35 years
State: California
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard, Suite 108, Los Gatos, CA, 95032
rossmeissllaw.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find Thomas online.
Thomas Edward Rossmeissl's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Katherine | May 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly Recommend
With a new baby, my husband and I knew it was time to do a family trust. I was referred to Tom by a friend, and from the beginning I felt that we were in very good hands. What could otherwise be a complicated process went very smoothly and quickly. Tom was knowledgable, thorough and patient - walking...
Posted by Bj Stratton | April 8, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The BEST in the Bay Area. Period. You can stop looking.
Though I really think this review should be 100% focused on Tom's ability to come through when needed, I feel like I should shed some light on "why" we needed Tom in the first place. Truthfully, I don't think we would have won without him, so a review is the absolute least I can do.. Long story s...
Posted by Mary | December 28, 2014
Excellent Attorney
I have recommended Thomas Rossmeissl to many friends and others who are looking for an estate planning attorney. I have been pleased with the work he did for me. He is very responsive, discusses all the options, and makes it easy to make decisions. Highly recommended.
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2014
Rating for T. Rossmeiss
A friend recommended him to us. He helped us set up a trust. He was very thorough and was always prompt. I would highly recommend him.
Posted by Rooney | December 11, 2014
Trusts
Tom was very efficient and knowledgeable about my trusts. He was well prepared in reviewing my old trusts and in making the necessary changes. He was very inclusive about all the different items/forms that needed to be signed by myself and trustee. I have recommended him to my friends.
Thomas Edward Rossmeissl's Lawyer Endorsements
"Tom Rosmeissl is one of the best attorneys I know. He is that rare combination of superior intellect, skill and experience. Tom listens to his clients' needs, is able to ask pertinent and very personal questions, all while keeping his clients at ease. He works with his clients so well, to get them to take the time they need to think about issues with regard to estate planning – issues they likely had not thought of before, but which are crucial to the process. I recommend Tom Rosmeissl as an attorney of the highest order."
"Tom and I worked together on several matters and have a relationship that has spanned more than 20 years. He approaches issues with uncommon clarity, precision, and creativity. He is hardworking, pays careful attention to detail, and has great capacity to plan stragically for the long-term. I heartily recommend Tom."
"I have known Tom for over half a decade. He is an extremely knowledgeable estate planning attorney who also possesses significant litigation experience. I have referred clients and family to him in the past. He will continue to be a go-to referral for me when someone has an estate planning need or dispute."
"Tom brings considerable talent and expertise to bear in helping with one of the most important legal tasks in life - planning their Estate. Tom is a credit to the legal profession and I'm proud to endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Rossmeissl is an experienced attorney to whom I have referred many happy clients in need of Estate Planning matters. He has handled everything from simple wills and trusts to heated estate and probate litigation matters with extreme professionalism and competence."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Tom is thoughtful, committed and hardworking. He provides personal and objective advice in a sensitive and compassionate way. Tom has a great ability to clearly explain complex principals. I recommend this attorney."
"Tom is an excellent estate planning attorney that I highly recommend. Tom is extremely knowledgeable in all facets of estate planning and administration, and is one of the sharpest litigators I know. I have referred my closest friends to Tom for their estate planning needs"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Mr. Rossmeissl and I work in some of the same areas of law, so I have had the opportunity to review a great many of his Avvo responses. I find that his legal knowledge is top-notch and that he is genuinely interested in helping people with honest, practical advice. I am happy to endorse him and his services. James Frederick"
"I endorse Attorney Rossmeissl. It is clear from his contributions that he is well versed in the law and thoughtful to those to whom he provides his services."
"Tom is smart, thorough, and an excellent problem solver. Equally, he is a great listener and designs estate plans that fit his clients' needs."
Eric Hartnett
Litigation lawyer
Kathryn Diemer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Mark Good
Litigation lawyer
Mark Schmuck
Litigation lawyer
Andrew Ditlevsen
Litigation lawyer
Summer Ludwick
Real estate lawyer
Elijah Keyes
Elder law lawyer
C. Missakian
Criminal defense lawyer
Tamara Gabel
Environmental and natural resources lawyer
Bryan Arnold
Government contracts lawyer
Karen Meckstroth
Estate planning lawyer
Experience
Honors
2020
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probte Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2020
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
2019
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2019
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
2018
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
2018
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2017
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
2017
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Super Lawyer, Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
2016
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law, State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
2016
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1990
Order of the Coif, Georgetown University Law Center
1990
American Jurisprudence Award, Federal Courts, Georgetown University Law Center
1990
Degree Conferred Magna Cum Laude, Georgetown University Law Center
1988
American Jurisprudence Award, Real Property, Georgetown University Law Center
1988
Academic Recognition Award, Moore and Peterson
1984
Phi Kappa Phi, Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi
1984
Degree Conferred Summa Cum Laude, University of California Davis
1984
Phi Beta Kappa, University of Californa Davis/Phi Beta Kappa
1983
Psi Chi, Psi Chi National Honor Society
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Owner, Attorney at Law, Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
2010 - 2015
Partner, Terra Law LLP
2009 - 2010
Staff Attorney for Federal Judge, United States District Court
2008 - 2009
Trusts and Estates Attorney, Pillsbury WInthrop Shaw Pittman
2006 - 2008
Regional Trust Manager, Wells Fargo Private Bank
2002 - 2006
Trusts and Estates Attorney, Mount & Stoelker
1994 - 1998
Litigation Attorney, Skjerven Morrill
1993 - 1994
Litigation Attorney, Rosenblum Parish & Isaacs
1990 - 1993
Litigation Attorney, Kirkland & Ellis LLP
Associations
2020 - Present
Silicon Valley Bar AssociationPresident
2020 - Present
Board of Trustees, Union School DistrictPresident
2017 - Present
Union School DistrictBoard of Trustees
2015 - Present
Silicon Valley Bar AssociationBoard of Trustees
2002 - Present
Silcon Valley Bar AssociationMember
1995 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Federal CircuitMember
1995 - Present
United States District Court for the District of ArizonaMember
1992 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaMember
1992 - Present
United States District Court for the Southern District of CaliforniaMember
1992 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitMember
1992 - Present
United States District Court, Northern District of CaliforniaMember
1992 - Present
United States District Court for the Central District of CaliforniaMember
1992 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
1990 - Present
California Bar AssociationMember
2015 - 2017
Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, Union School DistrictVice Chair
2014 - 2014
Silicon Valley Bar AssociationExecutive Committee Chair
2012 - 2013
Silicon Valley Bar AssociationCo-Chair, Education Committee
2012 - 2014
Alta Vista Home & School ClubPresident
2012 - 2014
Parent Leadership CouncilMember
2010 - 2012
San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of CommerceMember
2010 - 2011
Schallenberger School Site CouncilChairperson
2007 - 2008
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
2007 - 2008
Silicon Valley Planned Giving CouncilMember
2002 - 2016
Santa Clara County Estate Planning CouncilMember
Sample of Legal Cases
in re H. Family Trust
Successfully settled dispute on favorable terms.
Estate of J.R.B.
Obtained settlement on favorable terms
Estate of Stratton
Negotiated settlement on favorable terms.
In re G. Family Trust
Successfully settled
In re S. Family Trust
Successful petition to modify irrevocable trust
Estate of Bunn
Successfully settled disputed case
Siliconindia, Inc. v. CIO Story, LLC
Successfully negotiated settlement
In re B. Family Trust
Successful in obtaining order modifying irrevocable trust and terminating irrevocable trust
Johnson Family Trust
Successful modification to irrevocable trust
Driskill Ranch Investments v. Breidenthal
Negotiated successful settlement
In re L. and Y. 2001 Trust
Successful modification to irrevocable trust
Stanley Living Trust
Successfully negotiated beneficial settlement
In re R. Revocable Trust
successful in obtaining order confirming trust ownership of assets
Langlois v. Kaisi
Successfully obtained dismissal of suit and award of monetary sanctions for client
In re WIlliam H.
successfully defeated efforts to remove trustee; obtained desired protection for elder
In re L. Family Trust
Successful modification to irrevocable trust
Conservatorship of N. J.
Successfully obtained appointment of conservator
In re M. Family Trust
Successful modification to trust
In re Ward Special Needs Trust
Successful appointment of successor trustee
In re Z. Family Trust
Successful modification to irrevocable trust
Linares Family Trust
Successfully obtained inheritance.
In re S. Family Trust
Successful modification to irrevocable trust
Estate of D. Gross
Successfully completed estate administration
Estate of J. Roddy
completed probate administration
Berkeley Bazaar Partners v. Richerson et al
Obtained summary judgment in client's favor
Javier v. Taylor
lawsuit dismissed, affirmed on appeal
Lange v. Moley
Successful settlement on favorable terms
Barney Frank Ferranti Revocable Living Trust
Prevailed after 7-day court trial.
Estate Planning for E. Family
Successfully prepared sophisticated estate plan
Estate of B.C.
Successful
In re Jewel L. Nelson Trust
Resolved favorably.
McQuillan v Monterey Development Co.
Successfully resolved
In re Mariah B.
Appointment of client as conservator
Zwinger v. Kimes
Obtained summary judgment
Jamie V. Luce-Calehuff Trust
Petition granted
Moynahan Trust and Conservatorship
Successfully invalidated instruments
The Bank of Ireland v. The Bank of Ireland Bar and Restaurant
Successfully settled case on favorable terms
Hughes v. Raytheon
Settled
PBS v. Hughes
Settled favorably
LTC v. Micrel
Favorable
Education
1990
Georgetown Univ Law Ctr
law
1984
Univ of California Davis
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2016
BEA Systems Employee Education
Estate Planning
2015
Meeting of Congressman Don Edwards American Inn of Court
Probate and Bankruptcy: When Death and Debtor Collide
2014
Membership Meeting
Trusts and Estates: Real Property Issues
2013
BusinessKillers
Business Succession and Estate Planning
2011
Membership Meeting
Estate Planning & Administration
2011
Ethics in Leadership
Legal Ethics
2007
Wells Fargo Private Bank, Palo Alto
Estate Planning
2007
Members Meeting
Fundamentals of Estate Planning
2007
100 Black Men of America Conference
Estate Planning
2005
Women and Investing Seminar
Estate Planning
2002
New Law Clerk Orientation and Training
Serving as Law Clerk to a Federal Judge
2002
Meeting of Members
Estate Planning
2001
Guest Speaker, Santa Clara University Intership Class
Federal Litigation Practice
Publications
2009
PLC Cross-Border Private Client Handbook
Estate Administration (chapter in publication)
1998
The Intellectual Propery Strategist
Patent Litigation: A New Approach to Claim Construction
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Thomas earned significant contribution points in 2016.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can a trustee pay themselves for activities not directly related to managing the trust and assets?
27 Mar 2025
Q&A
How to cash insurance check for damages made out to me and deceased co-owner?
21 Feb 2025
Q&A
Two trusts. One is revocable the other irrevocable. trusts have the same properties but 50% interest & different trustees
28 Jan 2025
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Hidden Dangers in Outdated Trusts
09 Jul 2013
Legal Guide
URGENT ALERT: For Anyone Administering an Estate of a Decedent Who Died in 2011
30 Sep 2011
Legal Guide
Estate Tax Law Update:Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization, and Job Creation Act
17 Dec 2010