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David M. Hellman
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David M. Hellman
Law Office of David M. Hellman
851 Irwin St.
Suite 205
San Rafael, CA 94901
Phone: (415) 457-4411 | Fax: (415) 457-0356
http://davidhellman.com
I help clients build, preserve & pass on their wealth
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
Clients who recognize the need for professional advice in their estate planning, tax or real estate matters.
Sub-Categories
Taxes
- Audit Defense
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Income Taxes
- IRS Disputes
- IRS Filing & Compliance
- Negotiating IRS Payments & Settlements
- Payroll Taxes
- Power of Attorney
- Property Taxes
- Sales Taxes & Use Taxes
- Tax Planning
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
- Asset Protection
- Power of Attorney
- Business Succession Planning
- Special Needs Trust
- Supplemental Needs Trust
- Revocable Trust & Irrevocable Trust
Bar Admissions
CA, Dec 1972
Bar Number: 53736
Specialty Certifications
Estate Planning, Trust & Probate; and Taxation
Other Court Admissions
California, Connecticut, United States Northern District California, United States Ninth Circuit, United States Tax Court
Association Memberships
California State Bar, Marin County Bar Association, American Bar Association
Continuing Education
I have at least 40 hours per year of continuing education. In some years, some hours are from teaching classes to Certified Public Accountants.
Example Cases
The only litigation I handle is probate or trust related. All other matters are transactional in nature (preparation of documents, negotiation, client counseling).
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
Boalt Hall - University of California at Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1972
Focus and Accomplishments:
Moot Court and Teaching Assistant for University of California Debate Team
Degree:
A.B. in Political Science
School:
University of California at Berkeley
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1969
Focus and Accomplishments:
Member of University of California Debate Team
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
California & Connecticut & CPA license in California
Firm Focus and History
My firm was established in July 1977 with offices in San Rafael, California and Sharon, Connecticut and focuses on Estate Planning, Taxation, Real Estate Transactions & 1031 Exchanges and General Business. The Sharon Connecticut office was closed in October, 1979.
Previous Employment Summary
From 1972 to June 1977, I was an Associate at Cooper, White & Cooper in San Francisco.
Activities and Awards
Accredited Estate Planner by National Association of Estate Planners & Councils; Judge Pro-Tem Marin County Superior Court; pro bono work for Legal Aid of Marin, Trustee on Marin County Board of Education, and provide pro bono services to numerous Marin County Non-Profit Organizations.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
It is very important that clients understand the legal issues that they are confronting.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I review documents that clients prepare when requested.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I frequently coach clients in preparing documents for their own use.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I have a life-long interest in helping people with legal matters that I am competent to handle.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My combined legal and CPA backgrounds make it convenient for clients and give me a different perspective than most lawyers or CPAs.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
The areas I practice in have been those areas where I have an interest and expertise.
What do you like best about your career?
The ability to help people achieve what they desire.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a sole practitioner, so all clients' needs are handled by me or my paralegal and secretary under my direction. The staff is very experienced, have been working with me for 12 and 6 years, and work closely with our clients to fulfill their needs.
What are your strengths and style?
Clients need to understand their situation and I explain matters so that they can make an intelligent choice on how to proceed. My ability to communicate complex legal ideas in understandable terms enables the client to make those choices..
Personal Interests:
To help improve the human condition, which is why I am involved in the Marin Council Boy Scouts of America, Rotary Club of Mission San Rafael, Trustee on the Marin County Board of Education, and numerous non-profit organizations.
Office Manager/Assistant
Carol Chalker
Fax
(415) 457-0356
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
None
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Some matters can be done for a fixed fee.
Hourly Rates
$350
Free Initial Consultation?
If requested, an initial 15 minute appointment to meet and discuss my expertise in handling a prospective client's matter is available. If specific advice is given on a matter, the appointment then becomes billable at $350.00 /hour, billed in 10ths of an hour- minimum chargeable time is $35.00.
Typical Retainer
Fees vary depending upon type of service and complexity of the matter. Some fairly routine matters can be done for a fixed fee. Other matters are done within a range of quoted fees, and others are done only on an hourly basis.
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.
