Resolving Contested Trusts and Estates-Related Fiduciary Matters Without Litigation

In his Thomson Reuters Practical Law Trusts & Estates article, Partner John Scheerer examines key issues counsel should consider when representing a fiduciary or a beneficiary in a trust or estate administration matter that may be subject to disputes to help resolve the matter without litigation. He explains how the process of pre-litigation settlement begins, how to settle before litigation, what information is needed and useful for a settlement, and types of settlements.

In Case You Missed It: The Impact of NCBE Dropping Wills & Trusts from the Next Gen Bar Exam

The ABA Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section eReport published Partner Meg Lodise's article addressing the National Conference of Bar Examiners' controversial decision to remove wills and trusts from the Next Gen Bar Exam, set to launch in July 2026. Originally published in Daily Journal, her article examines the implications of this change and why it raises serious concerns among trusts and estates practitioners. Read more below.

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How Typical Trust Agreement Clauses Can Get Turned Around in the Real World

Partner Meg Lodise joined the ACTEC Trust & Estate Talk Podcast to discuss how competing interests of the settlor, the intended beneficiaries and the trustee can cause the drafting of trust agreements to go awry. The episode examined issues concerning distribution standards, competing beneficiaries as well as trust situs and advisor issues which arise despite the attempts of drafters and advisors to create a well-functioning trust.

John Scheerer Talks Dodgers Fandom and Impressive Bobblehead Collection with Super Lawyers Magazine

In a feature interview with Super Lawyers Magazine, Partner John Scheerer shared his love for the Dodgers and how he began collecting the team’s bobbleheads, which he proudly displays on a bookshelf in his downtown L.A. office. Scheerer began regularly attending games in the early 2000s and has acquired approximately 50 bobbleheads, mostly the old-fashioned way – going through the turnstiles at Dodger Stadium. 

The collection often becomes a topic of conversation with clients, although Scheerer noted that he had not seen any disputes over bobbleheads in estates – yet. “I suspect that will come when the first person passes with a gold Shohei bobblehead,” he said.

Eight Attorneys Named to Southern California Super Lawyers and Rising Stars 2025 Lists

Meg Lodise Recognized on Top 50 Women and Top 100 Lists; Terrence Franklin Recognized on Top 100 List

This marks the 21st consecutive year being ranked by Super Lawyers for Partners Terrence Franklin, Meg Lodise and Bob Sacks, and Matt McMurtrey’s 11th consecutive year. Lodise has been named to the Top 50 Women list since 2011 and Top 100 since 2022. Franklin has been recognized on the Top 100 list since 2024.

Partner John Scheerer and Associates Joshua LeVasseur, Michele Nielsen and Tonie Pimienta Lefebvre were selected to Rising Stars for their work in trusts and estates litigation. This is Scheerer’s 3rd consecutive year being ranked, LeVasseur’s 2nd year, Nielsen’s 1st year and Pimienta Lefebvre’s 5th year.

Los Angeles Business Journal Selects Terrence Franklin to Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys 2025 List

For the second consecutive year, Partner Terrence Franklin has been named to Los Angeles Business Journal’s Leaders of Influence: Minority Attorneys list. The list profiles standout minority attorneys who are considered to be particularly impactful in the legal industry while serving as trusted advisors in the Los Angeles region.