Legal Solutions for You,
Your Family & Your Business
Mark Lester
Jones & Lester
300 Esplanade Drive
Suite 1200
Oxnard, CA 93036
Phone: (805) 604-2655 | Fax: (805) 604-2656
http://www.joneslester.com
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I prefer to work with clients who want to avoid the time and expense of having their estates probated.
Sub-Categories
Taxes
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Power of Attorney
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Jan 1981
Bar Number: 96521
Specialty Certifications
I am a California Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.
Other Court Admissions
CA Supreme; US District Court (Central, Southern, Eastern, Northern); US Court of Appeals (9th Cir.); US Tax Court.
Association Memberships
State Bar of CA, Los Angeles County Bar Association, Ventura County Bar Association, Santa Barbara County Bar Association.
Continuing Education
I actively participate in and attend classes required by the California State Bar, often lecturing the classes.
Example Cases
In re the John E. and Patricia R. Hess (Santa Clara); The Zale E. Teman Estate (San Mateo); Estate of Helen L. Odian (Riverside); Estate of Suren Akabekjan (Los Angeles); The Jerry Ptacek Trust (Pomona); Arreguin v. Arreguin (Santa Barbara); Conservatorship of the Estate of Catherine Lentini (Ventura); Estate of Mackenzie (San Diego); Conservatorship of Buttler (Orange); Carol Buxbom Trust (Orange/Los Angeles).
Education
Degree:
B.A. (Economics)
School:
Stanford University
City:
Palo Alto
State:
CA
Year:
1977
Focus and Accomplishments:
Member of the Leland Stanford Junior University Marching Band (4 years); Orchestra for 2 musicals.
Degree:
LL.M. (Taxation)
School:
Boston University
City:
Boston
State:
MA
Year:
1981
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Seattle University School of Law
City:
Seattle
State:
WA
Year:
1980
Focus and Accomplishments:
I received the American Jurisprudence Award in Trusts & Estates and was an Associate Editor on the Seattle University Law Review. I also became a member of Phi Delta Phi.
Number of Attorneys
3
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Jones & Lester, LLP brings together over 70 years of combined experience in complex business transactional law, litigation, advanced succession planning, trust and estate administration, and litigation.
We cater to a diverse clientèle and offer a wide spectrum of legal services designed to suit the needs of business entities, individuals, public agencies and non-profit organizations.
We provide the highest quality legal services for reasonable fees and our approach to the practice of law insures prompt and efficient responses to the needs of our clients.
Our firm is structured to encourage close cooperation among our attorneys, allowing each to draw upon another's particular expertise and experience. The firm has embraced the newest technology in office automation, information retrieval and litigation support, all of which facilitate our handling of the most complex litigation and legal issues while minimizing attorney time and client expense.
Previous Employment Summary
Law Offices of Mark A. Lester, Westlake Village, CA (1996 to 2001): Advanced succession planning, trust and estate administration, and business transactional law.
Kingsley Machine Company, Hollywood, CA (1993 to 1996): Developed immediate and long-term strategy for directing and overseeing legal proceedings as general corporate counsel. Lead counsel in extensive matters involving embezzlement investigation, recovery and criminal prosecution of perpetrators; software copyright infringement action; arbitration and trial of employee claims; civil and criminal investigations. Key and regular employee contracts, employee training and advancement programs, employee handbook; written evaluation; job descriptions and compensation surveys. Employee benefit programs and COBRA administration, employment termination and exit interviews; federal and state employment reports.
Knapp, Marsh, Jones & Doran LLP, Los Angeles, CA (1986 to 1993): Estate Planning, business transactional law, and complex business litigation
Hatch & Parent, Santa Barbara, CA (1981 to 1986): Estate Planning, business transactional law and complex business litigation.
Activities and Awards
Jones & Lester, LLP (2001 to present): Advanced succession planning; includes federal estate and gift tax planning and drafting and implementing charitable remainder, charitable lead, minors and insurance trusts, family partnerships, and close corporations.
Los Angeles County Municipal Court, Judge Pro Tem - 1996 to Present.
Los Angeles County Bar Association Dispute Resolution Services - 1991 to Present.
Los Angeles County Bar Association
Barristers Disaster Relief Assistance Committee - 1991 to Present.
Volunteer - State Bar of California - Assist in the assumption of jurisdiction over law practices of attorneys facing disciplinary actions by State Bar and transfer of files back to clients.
State Bar of California - Bar Examination Grader (1990 - 1993).
2003 National Business Institute Lecturer - "The Probate Process in California from Beginning to End."
2004 National Business Institute Lecturer - "How to Draft Wills & Trusts in California."
2004 National Business Institute Lecturer - "Oddities & Challenges in California Probate."
2005 National Business Institute
Lecturer - "California Probate: Beyond the Basics."
Lecturer - "Guardianships and Conservatorships" & "Handling The Closely Held Business as a Trust Asset."
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We encourage our clients to educate themselves on the legal issues involved in their matters, if they are inclined to invest the time.
While education can help remove some of the mystery in the process, it can sometimes cause more confusion if the clients incorrectly conclude that their own education qualifies them to represent themselves.
We try to ensure that clients have a better concept of the law, but not the mistaken impression that they can override the guidance of experienced attorneys.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
We are happy to review such documents, but would expect our clients to listen to our advice if we suggest that something more or different is required.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
This is unlikely unless it involves anything other than a small claims matter.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
My grandfather went to law school, but ended up being a stockbroker. He encouraged me to give law school a try even if I didn't end up practicing as an attorney and simply used the law degree in business matters.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
The psychology class I took in college helped me understand people, their reactions and motivations. This knowledge has made me a better lawyer because I not only understand my clients better, but I can also anticipate the rationales behind my opponents, which then helps me anticipate their moves.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I took Trusts and Estates during a summer session from the toughest professor in the law school while working full time. Even though I missed several classes because of the summer job, I felt like Trusts and Estates was the one subject that just seemed to make the most sense to me. As it turns out, I got the highest grade in the class. At that point, I knew I wanted to pursue this area of law.
What do you like best about your career?
The best part is finding solutions to problems that are not readily apparent at the start.
Tell us about your law firm:
Jones & Lester is a three-lawyer firm that has the rare ability to handle the transactional and/or litigation issues arising from business or estate planning contexts. Most firms can effectively handle either one or the other but lack the experience or the expertise to handle both sides. We enjoy being the exception.
What are your strengths and style?
Because of the ability to understand and the experience in handling both the transactional and the litigation sides of matters, I believe I craft better transactional documents. I know where and how documents can be compromised in the litigation process, and I have the ability to represent my clients' interests in litigation. I understand where the strengths, weaknesses and ambiguities lie in the documents being challenged/defended.
I am an intelligent, personable and tenacious advocate for my clients and believe that attorneys should try to take the mystery out of the legal system. Virtually all legal concepts can be explained in layman's terms, which then provides the client with an opportunity to be of greater assistance in prosecuting or defending their case. Similarly, better documents get drafted when the client understands the goals behind creating those documents.
Personal Interests:
I am active as a former Eagle Scout and parent of twin boys currently in Cub Scouts. I enjoy playing golf, tennis and racquetball. I am a voracious reader when I can find the time. I also enjoy cooking and traveling.
Office Manager/Assistant
Gracie Medina
Fax
(805) 604-2656
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Most estate plans are prepared on a flat rate/fee after consultation without clients.
Hourly Rates
$300 per hour,
Free Initial Consultation?
The first 30 minutes are free.
Typical Retainer
Our typical retainer is $2,500.
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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.
