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L. Westcott Hicks, Jr.
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L. Westcott Hicks, Jr.
Hicks, Mims, Kaplan & Burns
2800 28th Street
Suite 300
Santa Monica, CA 90405
Phone: (310) 399-9000 | Fax: (310) 314-1725
http://www.hmkblawyers.com
Custom Tailored Legal Solutions
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Clients with challenging tax, estate planning, business, probate and probate litigation matters.
Sub-Categories
Insurance
- Annuities
- Auto Accident & Property Claims
- Bad Faith
- Life Insurance
- Property & Casualty
- Capital Markets
- Foreign Investment
- Private Placements
- Shareholder Disputes
- State Blue Sky Laws
- Warrants
- Audit Defense
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Income Taxes
- IRS Disputes
- IRS Filing & Compliance
- Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
- Power of Attorney
- Property Taxes
- Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
- Tax Evasion Defense
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Legal Topic
Bankruptcy
Preferred New Clients
Clients with challenging tax, estate planning, business, probate and probate litigation matters.
Sub-Categories
Bankruptcy
- Collections & Repossessions
- Debt Relief
- Credit Repair
- Foreclosures
Bar Admissions
CA, Jun 1973
Bar Number: 55729
Other Court Admissions
1970, Illinois; 1973, California, U.S. District Court, Central District of California and U.S. Tax Court
Association Memberships
State Bar of California
Continuing Education
I attend any seminar I believe will improve my ability to solve my client's problems. This usually means I accrue approximately 200% of the hours required under State Bar rules.
Example Cases
I recently filed a successful application for the abatement of interest and penalties in a tax shelter case dating from 1983-84. This was the first such application ever accepted by the Internal Revenue Service and resulted in a savings to the client in excess of $350,000.
I also handled a successful probate litigation involving the recovery of in excess of $6 million for the estate of a woman who had been the victim of financial elder abuse.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
University of Illinois
City:
Urbana
State:
IL
Year:
1970
Honors:
Dean's List for 3 years
Focus and Accomplishments:
Taxation, Accounting, and Business planning Research Assistant in Taxation
Degree:
LL.M.
School:
New York University
City:
New York
State:
NY
Year:
1971
Focus and Accomplishments:
Taxation
Degree:
B.A., Psychology
School:
Northwestern University
City:
Evanston
State:
IL
Year:
1967
Focus and Accomplishments:
Vice President of Phi Delta Theta
Number of Attorneys
6
State Licensed In
California, Illinois
Firm Focus and History
Our focus is responsiveness, results and value. Those are the legal services that we have been providing our clients since 1983. Whether we are drafting your contracts, planning your estate or litigating on your behalf, we use proven and established technologies to keep you constantly informed and obtain cost-effective results. Your correspondence, pleadings and other documents are optically scanned and organized so that they can be instantaneously accessed, and immediately delivered to anywhere in the world by e-mail or CD-Rom. We also maintain an extensive library of computerized forms, pleadings and legal research to quickly respond to your inquiries and legal emergencies.
Our business clients include entertainers, inventors, entrepreneurs, professionals, executives and commercial enterprises ranging from closely held family businesses to multi-national corporations listed on the New York Stock Exchange. The lawyers at Hicks, MIms Kaplan & Burns have negotiated, drafted and advised their clients of their rights and obligations regarding some of the most valuable intellectual properties of the entertainment industry.
In addition to representing clients in business disputes and lawsuits, we also represent individuals that have suffered serious bodily injuries; elders that have been physically or financially abused; and individuals, fiduciaries and charitable organizations that are involved in Will and trust contests.
Previous Employment Summary
I have practiced primarily in private law firms but served as tax counsel for The Signal Companies and Northrop Corporation over a period of 6 years. I founded what is now Hicks, Mims, Kaplan & Burns with three other partners in 1994. I am the firm's managing partner.
Activities and Awards
I have served as an instructor of Estate Planning at Santa Monica College for over 10 years and have been a member of the board of trustees at Los Angeles Ronald McDonald House for over 8 years. I am a former instructor at the Golden Gate University and University of Southern California Masters in Taxation programs.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I would encourage them to be as informed as possible.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Yes.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I wanted to work with clients to solve their problems and maximize their opportunities.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My solid education at high quality institutions is a great foundation. I constantly build upon that with continuing education and extensive reading in legal, business and current affairs. My professional experience has included all aspects of tax law including tax controversy matters. In addition, I have worked with all types of clients from individuals to Fortune 100 companies. This enables me to provide the highest quality of service within the limitations of a client's circumstances.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I was attracted to tax law because of the intellectual rigor required to master it.
What do you like best about your career?
I enjoy working with my clients and solving their problems.
Tell us about your law firm:
My firm handles a wide variety of legal matters and has a network of highly qualified attorneys for referrals in areas beyond the scope of our practice. The client works with the lawyer(s) they hire and he or she is not passed off to someone they have not met. Each lawyer is free to do whatever he or she considers necessary to advance a client's interest.
What are your strengths and style?
I am particularly good at listening to my clients, analyzing the case and assembling a creative and effective plan or presentation to meet the client's needs.
I am professional but friendly with a sense of humor, yet determined to achieve the client's objectives.
Personal Interests:
I am fascinated with technology and integrate it into my daily life and practice. I also enjoy music, movies, theatre and art. Regular bike rides help me maintain my perspective. Also, there is nothing like a college football game on a fall afternoon.
Office Manager/Assistant
Michael Puccinelli
Fax
(310) 314-1725
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hours as necessary.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Spanish (Staff)
Additional Offices
Laguna Niguel, CA
28202 Cabot Road
3rd Floor
Laguna Niguel, CA 92677
(949) 340-9737
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Estate planning and transactional matters may involve flat fees ranging from $2,000 to $4,000 plus hourly charges for conferences, special projects and substantive phone calls.
Hourly Rates
My hourly rate is $300 to $350 depending upon the nature of the case.
Free Initial Consultation?
The initial consultation is free of charge if we are not retained. If retained, it is billed in accordance with the Fee Agreement with the client.
Typical Retainer
$2,000 to $10,000
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 applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
