I view estate planning as an ongoing process –
- the accumulation, enjoyment, and protection of assets during your lifetime, and;
- the distribution of those assets to loved ones in a way that maximizes control but minimizes taxes and legal fees.
However, while financial assets are important, they are not necessarily the most important assets that should be passed down to the next generation. My law firm tries to help families pass on those intangible, but critical family assets such as values, experiences, learning, and charity.
I have practiced exclusively in the area of estate planning since 1996. I have personally drafted over 2500 estate plans for my clients and have been Certified as a Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Board of Legal Specialization since 2004 (less than 1% of all California attorneys have achieved this distinction; for more on what being a Certified Specialist means to you, view video summary / download PDF).
Being a lawyer is my third career, I bring a unique background to the field of Estate Planning. I am a member of the State Bar of California, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Orange County Executive Advisory Board. I graduated from Western State University, College of Law, with a Juris Doctorate and I also have a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the State University of New York.
I have appeared on local radio as a guest speaker on advanced Estate Planning, and as host of “Straight Talk with Brian Mandel” my own radio show about asset protection, wills, trusts, and various estate and financial planning topics. I am a member of the Speakers Bureau for the Trusts and Estates Section of the State Bar and have spoken to hundreds of clients at seminars throughout California. I also regularly lecture to Paralegals, Certified Public Accountants, and other financial-services professionals on various aspects of Estate Planning.
I have been involved in several philanthropic enterprises, serving for several years on the Board of Directors of Jewish Family Service of Orange County. I was elected as Chairman of the Board in 2007.
My wife and I live in beautiful Mission Viejo. We have 2 sons, and so far 2 grandkids. We love to travel to upstate New York to visit the grandkids whenever we can.
My clients range from the average couple with a home and a few investment properties to very sophisticated and wealthy business owners and investors. With proper estate and asset protection planning, clients benefit from attaining the peace of mind that comes with the knowledge that their loved ones will be protected and that their financial affairs are in order. |