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Charles A. Lee
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Charles A. Lee
Guidotti and Lee
1 Bates Blvd.
Suite 300
Orinda, CA 94563
Phone: (925) 254-3451 | Fax: (925) 254-6411
Careful Advice and Easy Access
Legal Topic
Wills, Trusts & Estates
Preferred New Clients
I prefer individual clients who desire trusts or wills with the objective of minimizing issues among beneficiaries and also minimizing tax consequences. When it's consistent with family desires, I like to include charitable gifts in the mix.
Sub-Categories
Taxes
- Estate Taxes & Gift Taxes
- Property Taxes
- Charitable Giving
- Charitable Trusts
- Drafting Trusts
- Drafting Wills
- Estate Administration
- Estate Planning
- Living Trusts
- Living Wills
- Probate
Bar Admissions
CA, Jan 1966
Bar Number: 37562
Other Court Admissions
Supreme Court of California; US District Court, Northern District of California
Association Memberships
State Bar of California
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education seminars mostly on estate/trust related subjects, in addition to the universally required topics.
Example Cases
Bulk of time spent is presently in estate planning and probate, and trust preparation and administration, including some sizeable matters. We also provide ongoing services to some businesses which are fairly sizeable but not publicly owned.
Education
Degree:
L.L. B.
School:
UC Berkeley School Of Law (Boalt Hall)
City:
Berkeley
State:
CA
Year:
1965
Degree:
A.B.
School:
Pomona College
City:
Claremont
State:
CA
Year:
1965
Number of Attorneys
2
State Licensed In
California
Firm Focus and History
Firm: Guidotti and Lee
Trusts, probate, estate planning and estate taxes, small business, real estate and contracts.
In its current form and location (Orinda), the firm was established in 1989. Prior to that, we were in North Oakland with another partner for many years.
Previous Employment Summary
I started in our predecessor North Oakland office in 1967.
Activities and Awards
Pro bono (charitable)legal services.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
I am for it, provided that they are cautious about undertaking anything significant on their own.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing, but would advise if it is quicker and cheaper to use our own form than to fully review theirs.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
Depends on the case. This is usually OK for Small Claims Court, but I would be very cautious about doing this in other matters.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
The work appeared to be interesting, varied and challenging, and could make a difference in people's lives.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Experiencing a wide variety of clientèle and problems from all walks of life, especially when we were in Oakland at a neighborhood office. Original mentoring and continued support by a senior partner with outstanding academic credentials and professional accomplishments. Experiencing a personal family life with four children, basically close, but with some significant problems to overcome, which was valuable in dealing with others' challenges including life and death matters.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
We were originally a very general civil practice, including litigation, touching on most fields except criminal and bankruptcy. We were in the Italian neighborhood in Oakland where our former partner grew up, and would handle most problems for the neighboring families and businesses. As the age of specialization evolved and clients themselves grew older, we became more focused on estate matters.
What do you like best about your career?
Being able to serve families and hopefully relieving their stress in times of personal crisis.
Tell us about your law firm:
My partner Aldo Guidotti, a long-time practitioner, has an outstanding reputation in the area and has been a councilman and mayor of Orinda. We each deal directly with our respective clients. Our secretaries are pleasant and experienced.
What are your strengths and style?
My style is to try to put the client at ease and to resolve his/her matter in a manner with the least stress and cost. I attempt to minimize the client's expense while being thorough in the preparation and services needed. I strive to explain everything clearly and completely. Generally, legal writing is probably my strongest technical point.
Personal Interests:
Charitable/Community: Rotary Club of Lamorinda Sunrise (past president), Lamorinda Sunrise Endowment Fund (director), St. John's Presbyterian Church, Berkeley (elder), Orinda Czech Sister City Program (director), Contra Costa Performing Arts Society (counsel).
Personal: Music (I perform classical piano); sports generally, especially hiking.
Office Manager/Assistant
Barbara Torrey
Fax
(925) 254-6411
Office Hours
9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
No
Foreign Languages
Partner, Aldo Guidotti, speaks Italian.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Not fixed, but estimate is usually close.
Hourly Rates
$200
Free Initial Consultation?
Yes; flexible depending on subject, but generally around 1/2 hour.
Typical Retainer
Not fixed; sometimes none.
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