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- Thomas Rossmeissl
Thomas Edward Rossmeissl
- Los Gatos, CA
- Licensed for 30 years
About Thomas
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.
Practice areas
- Estate planning: 45%
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
19 years
- Litigation: 35%
Represent clients in estate and trust litigation and in business disputes; experienced in litigation in state court and federal court; experienced in ADR and dispute resolution.
31 years
- 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
19 years
- Probate: 5%
Represent clients in probate matters and in administering decedent's estates
19 years
- 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
19 years
- Elder law: 5%
Assisting clients in addressing issues affecting elders, including preparation of estate plans and powers of atorney
19 years
Languages spoken
English
Contact
Law Office of Thomas E. Rossmeissl
16450 Los Gatos Boulevard
Suite 108
Los Gatos, CA, 95032
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA | Active | 1990 | 10/28/2020 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Georgetown Univ Law Ctr | law | 1990 |
| Univ of California Davis | undergraduate | 1984 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 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 |
Highly Recommend
Posted by Katherine
Sat May 12 2018
The BEST in the Bay Area. Period. You can stop looking.
Posted by Bj Stratton
Sat Apr 08 2017
Excellent Attorney
Posted by Mary
Sun Dec 28 2014
Rating for T. Rossmeiss
Posted by anonymous
Thu Dec 11 2014
Trusts
Posted by Rooney
Thu Dec 11 2014
Estate Planning
Posted by John
Sat Dec 06 2014
First Rate Lawyer
Posted by Tony
Thu Dec 04 2014
Exceptionally good
Posted by anonymous
Fri Dec 06 2013
Top of the Line Attorney
Posted by AJ
Thu Mar 31 2011
Excellent Attorney
Posted by Eileen
Thu Mar 31 2011
Attorney endorsements
(13)Tamara Gabel, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
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.
Bryan Arnold, Wills and living wills Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
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.
Eric Hartnett, Estate planning Attorney on Sep 2, 2016
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.
Michael Potter, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 15, 2015
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.
Mark Good, Estate planning Attorney on Oct 8, 2015
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.
I endorse this lawyer.
Paul Molinaro, Probate Attorney on Sep 14, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Elijah Keyes, Estate planning Attorney on Mar 21, 2014
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.
Summer Ludwick, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 17, 2014
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
Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.
James Frederick, Estate planning Attorney on Dec 30, 2012
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
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.
Karen Meckstroth, Estate planning Attorney on Apr 1, 2011
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.
Tamara Gabel, Estate planning Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
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.
Bryan Arnold, Wills and living wills Attorney on Feb 8, 2011
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.
Cost
- Hourly Rates$475-$475/hour
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