James J. Rodriguez
Valley Law Center
10455 Torre Ave.
Cupertino, CA 95014
Map
Phone: (408) 252-5211 | Fax: (408) 996-1355
Legal Topic
Estate Planning
Preferred New Clients
I'd like to work with clients interested in creating or amending an estate plan, or in need of trust administration, or probate.
Sub-Topics
Charitable Giving
Living Wills
Probate & Estate Administration
Tax Law
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Income Taxes
- IRS Disputes
- Tax Planning
Trusts
- Charitable Trusts
- Living Trusts
Wills
Bar Admissions
CA, Nov 1978
Bar Number: 83733
Specialty Certifications
Certified Tax Law Specialist.
Other Court Admissions
California Supreme Court, 9th Circuit Court of Appeal, U.S. Tax Court.
Association Memberships
California Bar Association, Santa Clara tounty Bar Association, Sunnyvale-Cupertino Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I typically average 30 hours of continuing education each year. In addition, I teach a two-quarter Advanced Tax Accounting Course each year at DeAnza College(96 hours). I have been teaching this sequence course for the past 12 years.
Example Cases
I handled the trust administration for a $40 million estate and trust - from initial planning to final implementation since the original clients are now deceased.
I've worked on numerous cases involving trust administration and real estate tax planning.
Education
Santa Clara University
Juris Doctor
Santa Clara
CA
1978
Cum Laude
Tax, Estate Planning, and Real Estate.
Golden Gate University
Masters of Tax Law
San Francisco
CA
1984
Suma Cum Laude
Tax.
UCLA
Masters of Business Administration
Los Angeles
CA
1971
Magna Cum Laude
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
We have been here in Cupertino for the past 15 years. We emphasize transactional work and legal advice. My associate attorney is fluent in Mandarin, and my paralegal is fluent in Spanish.
Previous Employment Summary
• Partner - Jackson, Abdalah & Rodriguez, 1991-1995.
• Managing Partner - Talia & Rodriguez, 1980-1991.
• Commercial Loan Office - First Interstate Bank in Los Angeles, CA.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I think it is helpful if clients become familiar with the legal issues they face, but the type of legal work I do would require expertise in several areas of the law.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review client-prepared documents.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I can assist clients somewhat, but I believe that representing oneself can be a disadvantage since there are so many subtle problems and crossovers in the law. It would be impossible to impart 28 years of legal experience, five years of general business experience and three years of law school to a client.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I was working for a bank, and we were involved in several problem real estate loans. I worked very closely with the bank legal department and found the work they did was very interesting. I decided to attend law school, so that I would be able to handle the cases and matters that were handled by staff attorneys. Once I got into law school, I was equally fascinated with tax law and business transactions, so I broadened my approach and course of study. After practicing for four years, I returned to graduate school and obtained a Masters in Tax Law.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Aside from my experience as a Bank Officer, the MBA and the study of business before I went to law school, I also hold a California Real Estate Broker's license. I also sold real estate while in law school. All of these experiences provide insights to the legal services I perform.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I decided on my area of practice because of my MBA, prior business experience, and previous banking and finance experience.
What do you like best about your career?
The best part of my career is helping clients with their legal and tax problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
We are dedicated to providing quality legal services at reasonable prices. My associate attorney, Esther Su, is fluent in Mandarin, and she has a Masters in Tax Law. She is very smart and an excellent attorney. My administrative assistant is fluent in Spanish and assists me as an interpreter for some of my clients.
What are your strengths and style?
My business experience, both in accounting and finance, gives me a better understanding of my clients' concerns and issues. Teaching has helped me explain complex issues in a manner that is better understood by my clients.
I work with clients and often educate them on the options available under the law.
Personal Interests:
I enjoy golf, photography, baseball, and movies.
Office Manager/Assistant
Claudia Santellano
Fax
(408) 996-1355
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
My staff speaks Spanish and Mandarin.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Usually, I charge a fixed fee for preparation of estate plan documents. Otherwise, I bill on an hourly basis.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free consultation to clients who wish to establish an estate plan (clients without an existing plan). Otherwise, for real estate and tax matters and trust amendments, I charge on an hourly basis for time spent.
Typical Retainer
There is no typical retainer amount; it depends on the nature and extent of the services.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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