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Thomas Edward Rossmeissl

Litigation Attorney at Los Gatos, CA

5.0   15 reviews

also known as Tom Rossmeissl

  • Licensed for 32 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1990
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

About Thomas

Learn Thomas’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Estate planning
    40%
    Prepare wills, living trusts, power of attorney and estate planning documents; advise clients, charitable giving and philanthropy, represent trustees and beneficiaries in trust administration, probate administration, advise clients on fiduciary duties; assist clients nominate guardians for children and conservators, estate and trust litigation

    21 years

  2. Litigation
    40%
    Represent clients in estate and trust litigation and disputes; experienced in litigation in state court and federal court; experienced in ADR and dispute resolution.

    33 years

  3. Elder law
    5%
    Assisting clients in addressing issues affecting elders, including preparation of estate plans and powers of atorney

    21 years

  4. Probate
    5%
    Represent clients in probate matters and in administering decedent's estates

    21 years

  5. Trusts
    5%
    Prepare wills, living trusts, power of attorney and estate planning documents; advise clients, charitable giving and philanthropy, represent trustees and beneficiaries in trust administration, probate administration, advise clients on fiduciary duties; assist clients nominate guardians for children and conservators, estate and trust litigation

    21 years

  6. Wills and living wills
    5%
    Prepare wills, living trusts, power of attorney and estate planning documents; advise clients, charitable giving and philanthropy, represent trustees and beneficiaries in trust administration, probate administration, advise clients on fiduciary duties; assist clients nominate guardians for children and conservators, estate and trust litigation

    21 years

I HELP CLIENTS GET PEACE OF MIND IN TAKING CARE OF THEIR FAMILIES AND PROTECTING THEIR RIGHTS.

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 matters ranging from trusts and estates issues to complex business 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.

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Top Contributor 2016,2013,2012
Top Contributor
2016 2013 2012
Client's Choice 2014,2012
Client's Choice
2014 2012

Contact Thomas

Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard
Suite 108
Los Gatos, CA, 95032

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  15 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
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3 Star
 
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2 Star
 
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Client's Choice 2014
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 Katherine | May 12, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 us through all the various options and scenarios that need to be considered - a true professional. It was a pleasure to work with Tom and I can highly recommend him.
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Posted by Bj Stratton | April 8, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired 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 short; my Grandfathers Estate was illegally misappropriated after his passing by his Ex-Wife. Since we live in Seattle, we didn't find out about it until quite a bit of time passed. So much so I wasn't sure we could do anything about it. Tom was one of the very first Attorney's I spoke to about the situation and after a dozen + more phone calls just like ours, he was the Attorney I chose to hire. Tom was very knowledgeable, helpful, understanding, and truthfully WAY more patient than I could have ever been. Especially with a few situations dealing directly with people whom are "less-than-pleasurable" to deal with. Tom always held his ground, always communicated promptly, and was ALWAYS honest about possible outcomes of our case, whether good, or bad. Which isn't always easy to hear, but it's very much appreciated, and I admire his integrity, especially in his field. You may choose any Attorney you'd like, but if you're serious about winning your case, I'd highly recommend Tom. Without sounding too much like a Sales Pitch, I truly don't think we would have won without him, and he's worth far more than his weight in Gold if and when you need a Estate Attorney. There wasn't a thing throughout our entire case I think he could have done better. If you ever read this Tom, I thank you much my friend. I appreciate everything you were able to help us correct and your guidance, both as an Attorney, and a person, throughout the entire case. You were always able to see the bigger picture, keep me level headed, stay composed when most others wouldn't have, and last but not least, you were able to fulfill the ideals my Grandfather always stood for, by successfully completing our case. We wish you nothing but the best in the future, thanks again Tom.
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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.
Posted by John | December 6, 2014
Estate Planning
Mr. Rossmeissl did a excellent job in preparing our requirements and presenting the information in a clear and professional manner to myself and my wife. He was able to resolve all our questions without any hesitation. He was very knowledgeable in all aspects of the task. It was a very good experience to work with Tom on this project. We will use him on all our future legal requirements . Thank you, John/Julia Montesi
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Posted by Tony | December 4, 2014
First Rate Lawyer
I was referred to Tom back in 2012 when my mother passed away. There were many things that needed to be handled in regards to probate. During a very difficult time in my life Tom made it much easier for me. It is very important in these types of situations to have someone that has your complete trust and confidence. I have no knowledge of law, so everything to me was murky waters. I was a mess and Tom took care of everything. I am sure he had many other clients and cases he was working on, but he always made me feel like I was priority number one. He handled everything in such a timely and professional manner. I would suggest to anyone that needed legal help to talk with Tom. Any time I have had any questions or concerns in other legal matters, I have gotten in touch with Tom and he has always responded right away, and always calms me down and helps me out. I can not say enough good things about him, there arent many people I hold in a higher regard.
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Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2013
Exceptionally good
From my first conversation with Tom all the way through to the completion of a the management of a difficult trust, he displayed every attribute you could look for in a true legal professional. Where there was chaos he quickly established order. He has a remarkable ability to sort through complex complicated scenarios, identify the key points, and come up with effective plans. His organizational skills, attention to detail, quality of drafting, and ability to communicate are all exceptional. Being his client was an education, particularly in handling difficult situations and people calmly and constructively while always keeping an eye on what matters. He was truly a pleasure to work with and brought wonderful decency and intelligence to every aspect of his support of my family's trust. I would hire him again in a heartbeat and recommend him to anyone who needs help setting up or managing a trust.
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Posted by AJ | March 31, 2011
Top of the Line Attorney
Tom Rossmeissl is dedicated attorney. In the most extreme and ugly of circumstances, he has carried our family's burden on his back. Ours was a complex and heavily charged emotional case, involving probate matters related to a Wrongful Death case. He has solved numerous problems for us with apparent ease and overall sophistication. On a personal level, he has shown compassion and patience to the wide cast of characters in our family. He also has a talent for articulation in the courtroom, which is clearly evident in the reactions from his peers, and the results achieved. He is not merely a performer of law, but conducts himself as a true professional in all regards. He pays meticulous attention to detail, and amidst a seemingly dubious task, he somehow manages to share humor and delight in his resolve. While utilizing his extensive knowledge and experience, he consistently maintained and developed a close relationship with our family. Tom Rossmeissl posesses a high degree of ethics in legal matters, great care and consideration for all parties involved, and I would definately recommend his services to my friends and family.
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Posted by Eileen | March 31, 2011
Excellent Attorney
Tom did a wonderful job for me. He was very professional in dealing with a difficult adverse party and was able to obtain an excellent outcome for me, I highly recommend him.
Posted by Terry | February 18, 2011
Estate planning
Tom recently completed the first amendment to our will. We asked him to do so after receiving an evaluation from Tom in late 2010 of tax law changes affecting our 2004 will. My wife and I are both lawyers. We have been very impressed with Tom's work since he became our estate planner in 2004.
Posted by Tracey | November 10, 2010
Estate & Trust Review
Tom quickly grasped the issues involved in a complex international trust matter. Per my request, he was able to generate several options in formulating a non-litigated resolution. He was a strong advocate, skillful in gaining valuable information through his contacts with potential adversaries, and remained in regular communication.
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Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2010
Estate Planning Service
Knotty personal/family challenges required Tom's detailed and timely guidance and attention; he never disappointed me in setting up a will that was absolutely to my qualifications: professional, delivered in timely mode and totally responsive to my declared needs and hopes. To be certain that he was clearly reflecting all of my concerns, he was always communicative, always questioning. Add to his stellar professionalism, the matter of chemistry and my comfort and deep appreciation of his fine listening skills.
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Posted by John | October 5, 2010
Creating a Trust
Tom helped my wife and me create a family trust. He made the process very straight forward and pleasant. He provided all the research and leg work for us and it proved to be a simple process. The process included a initial meeting, one progress meeting, and then the final review. We trusted Tom and we were very comfortable about the over process.
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Posted by Rochelle | October 4, 2010
Professional Estate Planning
Tom helped me to set up my trust in a manner that was fair and equitable. His ability to put me at ease in discussing a sensitive topic is a tribute to the kind person he is. He is professional, trustworthy and provides options for you to choose from as his guidance. Tom took time in explaining the law and answered all my questions in detail. I highly recommend Tom as your estate planner.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 475-475 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Owner, Attorney at Law
  • Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
  • 2015 - Present
  • Partner
  • Terra Law LLP
  • 2010 - 2015
  • Staff Attorney for Federal Judge
  • United States District Court
  • 2009 - 2010
  • Trusts and Estates Attorney
  • Pillsbury WInthrop Shaw Pittman
  • 2008 - 2009
  • Regional Trust Manager
  • Wells Fargo Private Bank
  • 2006 - 2008
  • Trusts and Estates Attorney
  • Mount & Stoelker
  • 2002 - 2006
  • Litigation Attorney
  • Skjerven Morrill
  • 1994 - 1998
  • Litigation Attorney
  • Rosenblum Parish & Isaacs
  • 1993 - 1994
  • Litigation Attorney
  • Kirkland & Ellis LLP
  • 1990 - 1993
View all work experience

Education

  • Georgetown Univ Law Ctr
  • law
  • 1990
  • Univ of California Davis
  • undergraduate
  • 1984

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.
View all legal cases

Associations

  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • President
  • 2020 - Present
  • Board of Trustees, Union School District
  • President
  • 2020 - Present
  • Union School District
  • Board of Trustees
  • 2017 - Present
  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • Board of Trustees
  • 2015 - Present
  • Silcon Valley Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • United States District Court for the District of Arizona
  • Member
  • 1995 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Eastern District of California
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Southern District of California
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • United States District Court, Northern District of California
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • United States District Court for the Central District of California
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • Santa Clara County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1992 - Present
  • California Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1990 - Present
  • Citizens' Bond Oversight Committee, Union School District
  • Vice Chair
  • 2015 - 2017
  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • Executive Committee Chair
  • 2014 - 2014
  • Silicon Valley Bar Association
  • Co-Chair, Education Committee
  • 2012 - 2013
  • Alta Vista Home & School Club
  • President
  • 2012 - 2014
  • Parent Leadership Council
  • Member
  • 2012 - 2014
  • San Jose Silicon Valley Chamber of Commerce
  • Member
  • 2010 - 2012
  • Schallenberger School Site Council
  • Chairperson
  • 2010 - 2011
  • San Mateo County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Silicon Valley Planned Giving Council
  • Member
  • 2007 - 2008
  • Santa Clara County Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 2002 - 2016
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probte Law
  • State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization
  • 2020
  • Super Lawyer
  • Thomson Reuters (SuperLawyers.com)
  • 2020
  • 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)
  • 2019
  • 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
  • 2018
  • 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
  • 2017
  • 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
  • 2016
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2014
  • AV-Preeminent Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2013
  • 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
  • 1990
  • American Jurisprudence Award, Real Property
  • Georgetown University Law Center
  • 1988
  • Academic Recognition Award
  • Moore and Peterson
  • 1988
  • 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
  • 1984
  • Psi Chi
  • Psi Chi National Honor Society
  • 1983
View all awards

Publications

  • PLC Cross-Border Private Client Handbook
  • Estate Administration (chapter in publication)
  • 2009
  • The Intellectual Propery Strategist
  • Patent Litigation: A New Approach to Claim Construction
  • 1998

Speaking Engagements

  • BEA Systems Employee Education
  • Estate Planning
  • 2016
  • Meeting of Congressman Don Edwards American Inn of Court
  • Probate and Bankruptcy: When Death and Debtor Collide
  • 2015
  • Membership Meeting
  • Trusts and Estates: Real Property Issues
  • 2014
  • BusinessKillers
  • Business Succession and Estate Planning
  • 2013
  • Membership Meeting
  • Estate Planning & Administration
  • 2011
  • Ethics in Leadership
  • Legal Ethics
  • 2011
  • Wells Fargo Private Bank, Palo Alto
  • Estate Planning
  • 2007
  • Members Meeting
  • Fundamentals of Estate Planning
  • 2007
  • 100 Black Men of America Conference
  • Estate Planning
  • 2007
  • Women and Investing Seminar
  • Estate Planning
  • 2005
  • New Law Clerk Orientation and Training
  • Serving as Law Clerk to a Federal Judge
  • 2002
  • Meeting of Members
  • Estate Planning
  • 2002
  • Guest Speaker, Santa Clara University Intership Class
  • Federal Litigation Practice
  • 2001
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)
Given (11)
Endorse Thomas
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Wills and living wills Attorney | Feb 08
Relationship: Co-worker
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"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."
Unknown Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Probate Attorney | Sep 14
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Jan 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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"
Unknown Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Estate planning Attorney | Dec 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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"
Unknown Attorney | Dec 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"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."
Estate planning Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Tom is smart, thorough, and an excellent problem solver. Equally, he is a great listener and designs estate plans that fit his clients' needs."
View more endorsements
Bankruptcy and debt
Litigation
Litigation
Criminal defense
Environmental and natural resources
Government contracts
Estate planning
Los Gatos Litigation Lawyer Thomas Edward Rossmeissl
Thomas Edward Rossmeissl
Litigation Attorney
Los Gatos, CA
Licensed for 32 years