J.D. Rees Email & Phone Number

Century City, Ca

Seventh-Year Associate in both the Business Trials practice group and the Private Wealth and Fiduciary Litigation practice group. For the past five years, my practice has centered on trusts, estates, and private wealth and fiduciary litigation.I have litigated a variety of matters in California probate courts including: trust and will contests, elder-abuse and undue-influence actions, contested-property transfers (850 petitions), and contested conservatorships and guardianships. I have also served as lead associate in the administration of multi-million-dollar estates, including both adverse and non-adverse administrations. In connection with this, I also advise clients with respect to digital assets and RUFADAA, including but not limited to cryptocurrencies and post-death access and devolution of various digital assets.With respect to general commercial litigation, I have prosecuted and defended against a variety of claims, including breach of contract, fraud, theft of trade secrets, breach of partnership, judicial dissolution, and insurance matters. My clients range from major financial institutions, trust companies, and medical partnerships to individuals and charitable organizations.My responsibilities on these matters have included second-chairing two trials; taking and defending over a dozen depositions, most of which were party depositions; managing discovery and document-review teams (including cases with more than 200,000 documents); writing briefs and conducting legal research; investigating and marshaling evidence; interviewing witnesses; engaging and liaising with expert witnesses; preparing trial exhibits and briefs; conferring with clients; drafting and negotiating settlement agreements; and the like.I am also on the Century City Pro Bono Committee and I assist Sheppard and UCLA School of Law with certain law-firm initiatives.

Westwood, California

Attorney coach of the award-winning UCLA Law School Mock Trial Team.Advise students on drafting and delivering direct and cross examinations, opening statements, and closing arguments. Travel with students and provide real-time feedback at competitions. Assist in UCLA's hosting of mock-trial competitions.

Century City, Los Angeles

Researched and drafted motions and memoranda (e.g., motion for summary judgment, demurrers, 9th Circuit briefs) in both state and federal courts; prepared preliminary analysis letters for clients and partners; propounded and responded to written discovery (interrogatories, requests for admission, requests for production); attended mediations and settlement conferences; assisted at depositions; drafted legal memoranda in support of pro bono trafficking victim and asylum claimant; acted as lead attorney in Stroock’s Annual Internal Mock Trial.

Century City, Ca

Researched legal issues for various practice groups (e.g., financial services lit., insurance lit., entertainment transactional, entertainment lit., and corporate transactional); drafted sections of motions and memoranda; prepared discovery documents; managed competing deadlines for numerous projects simultaneously; communicated directly with partners and clients; attended courts proceedings; researched and drafted corporate profile for M&A client.

Legal assistant to sole practitioner who practiced Criminal Defense and Immigration law. Duties included: drafting motions, memoranda, and correspondence; managed calendar and appointments for attorney; attended hearings and negotiations; coordinated procurement of discovery; acted as primary point of contact for all clients and attorneys; prepared applications for filings.

Doctor Of Law (J.D.), 3.60 G.P.A.

Activities and Societies: UCLA Mock Trial Board (Vice President) UCLA Internal Mock Trial Competition - Top Attorney Award

Doctor Of Law (J.D.), 3.61 G.P.A. (Top 10% - 3.613)

Activities and Societies: Journal of International Law and Policy ("JILP") - Submissions Review and Cite-checking/Bluebooking; Law.

Bachelor Of Arts (B.A.), International Relations, 3.61 G.P.A.

Activities and Societies: - Alpha Kappa Delta (Sociology Honors Society) - President; Vice President of Membership; - USD Honors Sociology.