A Look Back at My Back and Forth Path

Somehow, I Wound Up Here

As my first job as a lawyer, I worked downtown for a sole proprietor who was doing a myriad of things, some estate planning, landlord/tenant, bankruptcy, and immigration. Frankly, it was kind of low-end. So I began looking for something bigger and better. That basically landed me here at Kavesh, Minor and Otis in July 2003.

Immediately I liked the opportunity at Kavesh, Minor and Otis because of my background in tax, accounting, and law. Interestingly, Phil Kavesh had a very similar background. I could see how the combination of my accounting skills with my law knowledge could help people to understand and get their estate plan together. I had done a little estate planning before, but it was so rudimentary. And quite frankly, when I saw how KMO was doing it, it was night and day from what we were doing downtown. That was pretty impressive to me and it seemed like a good opportunity for me. I had no idea if it was going to last. As you can see, I had moved a lot from job to job. Who would've known my stay at KMO was going to last 20 years? I guess you never know if and how things are going to work out.

Some Fond Memories

When I look back now at my 20 years here, I recall many memorable moments. I’ve loved the camaraderie, the lawyers and staff I’ve spent time to know and enjoy. I especially liked our firm’s Ensenada Cruise, which was really a fun event where the whole firm partied together outside the office. From a pure work perspective, I’m very gratified knowing I’ve saved people a lot of taxes and provided for the future security of their loved ones. I’ve really positively affected people's lives and their families' lives by helping them. That’s why I keep at it after all these 20 years.

And I Do Have A Bit of Free Advice
For You and Your Loved Ones

Well, so far as life is concerned, go with your head and heart when making big decisions, even if it takes making the same kind of decision multiple times before you get it right!

And, as I look back on these 20 years as an estate planning attorney, the number one piece of advice I would give to people about estate planning is, come to one of my seminars to learn about it, but ultimately whether you do or not, just get it done. Keep in mind the fact that you can change your plan later. Avoid the court system which, in this state and local counties, can be onerous on families. Avoid all the stories you’ve probably heard that keep occurring, where people fight over estates. Second, and equally important, make sure you periodically review your estate plan and keep it up to date with your wishes because that too helps prevent a lot of the fighting later.

I now look forward to the years to come and hope to see you at one of my seminars!