John Michael Goralka

PRO

John Michael Goralka

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 37 years

Business Lawyer at Sacramento, CA
Practice Areas: Business, Estate Planning, Tax ... +2 more

4470 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

About John

Biography

Advanced tax planning for high-income earners, high-net-worth individuals and families, and lottery winners. Minimizing income tax, capital gains tax, and estate tax

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Business 20%

Business transactions including mergers, acquisitions and business sales. We successfully represented both buyers and sellers of both large and small businesses. Business transactions are tax sensitive and careful planning is needed to provide the best result from a tax, business and liability protection perspective.

20%
Corporate and Incorporation 20%

The selection of the appropriate entity is influenced by many factors including tax and other objectives. We can guide you through the selection of the best entity to minimize tax and protect your assets. We assist with the selection, formation and steps needed to keep your entity in good standing. We can utilize other state or foreign entities when appropriate to better protect your assets from claims or lawsuits.

20%
Estate Planning 20%

Estate planning including asset protection, elder law and medi-cal protection planning as well as advanced estate planning techniques to minimize or avoid estate tax

20%
Tax 20%

Tax litigation with the IRS, FTB, EDD and Board of Equalization to defend against income, franchise, corporate, sales and payroll taxes.

20%
Trusts 20%

Using revocable and irrevocable trusts for asset protection, medi-cal protection and advanced estate tax planing to minimize or avoid estate and transfer taxes.

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Licenses

Licensed in California for 37 years

State: California

Acquired: 1988

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Goralka Law Firm, PC

4470 Duckhorn Drive, Sacramento, CA, 95834

goralkalawfirm.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find John online.

John Michael Goralka's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

61 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 13 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by Alan | August 10, 2014 | Trusts

A positive experience!

Like most people we have put off writing our trust for years and have checked out many lawyers over that period of time until we went to a presentation by John. It was clear by his presentation that he knew trusts and he knew taxes. John also knew how to explain the entire process and consequences ...in understandable terms that also showed that he enjoyed what he was doing and took pride in the outcome. The office staff, like John were professional in a very friendly way and handled our trust in a very timely manner. Because of a upcoming trip out of the country, John went above and beyond when he met us on a Sunday for almost 4 hours in order to complete our trust prior to our departure date. A positive experience with a positive outcome!

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Alan, Thank you for your positive review. Many people put off getting their trust done or updated, because until you meet with an experienced attorney, it can feel like a major undertaking. We're happy that you made the decision to get your trust done, and now you can rest a little easier.

Posted by Christine | July 21, 2014 | Wills & Living Wills

Estate planning

We just got our will, trust and IRA trust finalized. The process was not as daunting as I expected. John was very patient with us and answered each and everyone of our questions in detail. Alyssa helped us through the signing process and was excellent as well. I'm glad we picked John Goralka for ou...r living trust/estate planning. What a blessing.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Christine, We are grateful that you chose our firm for your will, Trust and IRA Trust. The process can be daunting, but with the right team by your side, the stress is greatly reduced. Thank you for recommending us.

Posted by Tabias | March 19, 2014 | Corporate & Incorporation

Thanks to John Goralka, my estate planning was a comfortable and easy process!

I have now had the pleasure of having John Goralka as my attorney for several years. He has been a dependable, honorable and proactive lawyer, the kind of the lawyer that I would not only recommend to professional associates and friends, but to family as well. In previous years, John has act...ed as my corporate attorney and has kept my filings, corporate minutes and notifications in order. I have not had a single problem in the 14 years he has served at my attorney. His rates are reasonable and fair. Most recently I attended a group estate planning meeting that John Goralka offered (for free) and was impressed by the amount of material that we went over and how familiar I became with the estate planning process because of this meeting. I ended up asking John to do my living will (trust) and am happy that I finally completed that task. I fully give credit to John for giving me a complete understanding of the process and his ability to explain the process to me so that I fully understood each step and was confident in what I was doing. I hope that John Goralka keeps offering these groups to explain estate planning as I think there are many people who will benefit from this informative class. I have already recommended John to both of my sisters for their estate planning because I am completely satisfied and confident with his work with me.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Tabias, Thank you for your continued trust in our firm over the years. It means a lot that we have clients, like you, who choose us for trusts and estates, tax matters and business needs. Thank you for recommending us to your sisters for their estate planning.

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2014 | Estate Planning

Highly Qualified Attorney for your Estate Planning Needs

Due to changes in life circumstances, my husband and I had to amend our living trust previously crafted by a trust professional. We hired John Goralka upon our financial advisor’s recommendation and have not regretted that decision. John’s credentials are impressive, including his specialty in the... area of estate planning, tax and probate laws, and living trusts. He produced an excellent product for us and we are pleased with his services. We appreciate his free seminars for our successor trustees, his attempts at being available to answer our numerous questions from the mire of “legalese,” and his patience with us when we needed the complex wording and definitions explained. We highly recommend his services to potential clients.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Updating a trust, as you've done, is a good idea, because, as you've noted, life circumstances can create changes that need to be addressed in your planning. You made a smart decision to have your trust reviewed and updated. We are happy to hear that are pleased with our services, and we thank you for recommending us to others.

Posted by Scott and Bill | July 26, 2013 | Family

Outstanding performance.

Precise, knowledgeable, and comfortable to speak of familly matters with. His staff makes you feel comfortable and are very polite. Excellent job well done.

John Goralka

Replied last June 02, 2022

Scott and Bill, Thank you for your positive review and for sharing your experience with our firm.

See All Client Reviews

John Michael Goralka's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
John Paul Costello headshot
John Costello

Tax lawyer | Jan 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known John Goralka for 3 years and in that time, I have come to know him as a lawyer of the highest integrity and competence. John is a certified tax specialist which is a very rare designation to achieve. I also use John as a lawyer on my personal tax matters."

Craig Cox Weaver headshot
Craig Weaver

Probate lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working on a number of cases with Mr. Goralka. He is a consummate professional and I believe he has the unique distinction of being the only attorney in Northern California to be a certified specialist by the State Bar Board of Legal Specialization in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law and Taxation Law. John genuinely cares for his clients and provides specially tailored services to meet each client’s individual needs. I have referred many clients to John and will continue to do so. John Goralka is a lawyer that you can trust."

Douglass S Lodmell headshot
Douglass Lodmell

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I wholeheartedly endorse John. I have worked with him as co-counsel and am delighted with the care and expertise he provides to clients. Mr. Goralka is a trusted and experienced attorney in the Sacramento area. Whether you are in need of a simple update to your existing planning, or have complex estate and business planning needs, John will provide you with excellent advice, service and support."

Kristin M. Kaminski headshot
Kristin Kaminski

Estate planning lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"John is an excellent attorney. His attention to detail and commitment to his clients and practice is outstanding. He is extremely knowledgeable in the field and takes the time to fully analyze each matter, no matter how unique and complex, he is presented. John and the whole law firm exhibit true professionalism with every client. I endorse this lawyer."

Alyssa T. Nguyen headshot
Alyssa Nguyen

Estate planning lawyer | Aug 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I highly recommend John for all estate planning, business planning and transactions, and tax litigation matters. John is the only certified specialist in both taxation and estate planning, probate and trust administration in the Sacramento area, and he is the most qualified attorney to assist you with these matters. John is extremely knowledgeable in his practice areas and delivers only the best work product for his clients. I have worked with John for over 10 years and continue to learn from him every day. He is a great colleague, friend, and mentor."

Stephen George Wanderer headshot
Stephen Wanderer

Business lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John Goralka is an experienced, knowledgeable and skilled attorney. He is an expert in business and estate planning matters, with a specialty in taxation law. I have personally worked with John on numerous complex litigation matters concerning business, real estate, trust, breach of contract, corporate, insurance and partnership law. In one case, John’s corporate client was sued by the Insurance Commissioner of the State of Pennsylvania for a large sum of money. John was able to get the case resolved with his client paying nothing. I would not hesitate to recommend John Goralka."

Keith Wesley McBride headshot
Keith McBride

Tax lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred clients to him and they reported back to me that they were very satisfied with the work he did for them. I have also worked with John on business matters where I needed and relied upon his tax expertise."

John Joseph Rueda headshot
John Rueda

Estate planning lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has helped several of my clients with their tax and estate planning issues. He is very competent and knowlegeable in these matters."

Soohyun King headshot
Soohyun King

Business lawyer | Oct 09

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"After more than two decades of practice, John has the knowledge and the experience to negotiate the toughest business sales and purchases and to establish the most tax-advantageous business model that works hand in hand with each individual client's needs. His State Bar certifications as a specialist in tax and estate planning, trust and probate laws enables him to present his clients with the "big picture" solution that extends beyond just their business needs."

Pamela Ann Samantha Jones headshot
Pamela Jones

Estate planning lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Co-worker

"John provides each client with an estate plan that is tailored to the client's unique circumstances. John is an expert in state and federal tax matters. This tax expertise, combined with John's extensive knowledge and experience in assset protection and business matters ranks John head and shoulders above other lawyers who provide estate planning services."

View All Endorsements
Thomas Arthur Craven headshot
Thomas Craven

Estate planning lawyer

John Paul Costello headshot
John Costello

Intellectual property lawyer

Craig Cox Weaver headshot
Craig Weaver

Family lawyer

Leland John Ellison headshot
Leland Ellison

Mediation lawyer

Keith Wesley McBride headshot
Keith McBride

Securities offerings lawyer

Stephen George Wanderer headshot
Stephen Wanderer

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

John Joseph Rueda headshot
John Rueda

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Soohyun King headshot
Soohyun King

Business lawyer

Pamela Ann Samantha Jones headshot
Pamela Jones

Tax lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Top taxation attorney in the United States, Premier Tax Planners

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Blue Star Wealth Professional, Blue Star

2022

Approved Educator, California Certificated Financial Planning Board

2022

Approved Educator, California Department of Insurance

2022

Avvo Rating 10.0, Avvo

2022

Distinguished Client Service Award, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Northern California SuperLawywer for Tax and Business, SuperLawyers

2022

Top Lawyer for Business and Corporate Law, Sacramento Magazine

2022

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Northern California SuperLawyer for Estate Planning and Probate, SuperLawyers

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

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Five Star Estate Planning Attorney Award, Five Star Professional

2010

Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate, State Bar of California

1994

Certified Specialist in Taxation, State Bar of California

1988

Making the Most Outstanding Contribution to Legal Scholarship, Corpus Juris Secundum

1985

Making the Most Outstanding Contribution to Legal Scholarship, Corpus Juris Secundum

N/A

Passed the California Certified Public Accountants' (CPA’s) Exam, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

N/A

Academic Achievement, Traynor Society

N/A

Torts, American Jurisprudence

N/A

Outstanding Tax Student Award, Prentice-Hall

N/A

Business Planning, American Jurisprudence

Work Experience

1996 - Present

President, The Goralka Law Firm

1983 - 1986

Hearing Officer, California Franchise Tax Board

1979 - 1983

Income Tax Auditor, California Franchise Tax Board

Associations

2015 - Present

California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform

Member

2013 - Present

Sacramento Estate Planning Council

Education Chair

1988 - Present

Order of the Coif

Member

Sacramento County Bar Association

Member

National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys

Member

WealthCounsel

Member

2012 - 2013

Sacramento Estate Planning Council

Member, Board of Directors

Sample of Legal Cases

Experienced Tax Audit Representation Success Story

Helped the client save $2.75 million in estate taxes

Tax Savings Plan for Lottery Winner

Client received millions of dollars in tax savings and deductions

See More Legal Cases

Education

N/A

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California

LL.M - Master of Laws

N/A

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California

JD - Juris Doctor

N/A

University of Sacramento

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2008

Fundamental Probate Procedures and Practices

Inventory and Appraisal

2008

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Sort Through the Complex Rules Regarding the Taxation of Family Limited Partnerships

2008

Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning and Asset Protection

Maximize the Use of Family Limited Partnerships in Estate Planning

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Basic Taxes You Need to be Aware Of

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Charitable Planning

2008

Estate Planning Basics

Estate and Gift Taxes

2008

Estate and Gift Taxes

Estate, Gift and GST Taxes

2004

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

2003

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

The Probate Process for California Paralegals: From Start to Finish

1993

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

1992

California Tax Lawyer

Can the Service Partner Finally Go Back To Work?

1992

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

A Practical Guide to Estate Administration in California

Publications

2016

Penton: Wealth Management Estate Planning for an Aging Population

2016

Bank Investment Consultant Best Ways to Help Clients' Values Live On

2016

Private Wealth An Estate Tax Time Bomb

2016

1992

California Tax Lawyer Can the Service Partner Finally Go Back To Work?

Languages

English

Activity

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