The McCarthy Law Firm focuses on estate planning for families, including blended families and families with same-sex parents. Each family is different and I strive to understand the specific needs and desires of each client, so that I can draft an estate plan which best suits the goals of that particular client. Some clients require only a will that names specific beneficiaries and nominates guardians for small children. Other clients require complete plans that include a living trust and 'pour-over' will, as well as powers of attorney for finances and healthcare and healthcare directives (also known as living wills). I help parents draft letters to accompany a trust or will that explain the reasons for the way their property is to be distributed and for their choice of executor or trustee, especially in instances of uneven distributions or where family conflict exists.Ongoing trusts can be created to care for minor children, to provide for college tuition, to allow for beneficiaries with disabilities to qualify for public benefits, to avoid probate, to reduce estate taxes, to provide for ongoing support, and to protect assets from creditors.I also provide close support with trust and probate administration, representing clients in their capacity as trustees and personal representatives. Where litigation may be required, I represent trustees, personal representatives, heirs and beneficiaries. I do strive to find creative solutions to conflicts if at all possible, so that a quick settlement among the parties may be reached.

I created legal content addressing a wide variety of issues for an online legal directory.

- Research for CEB manual on business succession and securities- Assisted drafting appellate probate brief- Filed securities regulation exemptions with California Secretary of State

- Drafted Law & Motion memos for trial judges- Drafted appellate motions for Appellate Division- Used California Style Manual for all writing for the Court

- Researched issues regarding wills, trusts, and probate- Drafted Memorandums of Law addressing issues with clients' trusts

- Interviewed clients, identified legal issues, and briefed staff attorneys- Wrote letters on behalf of clients in Spanish and English- Organized and conducted outreach clinics- Filed unlawful detainer answers- Represented clients before the Labor Commissioner- Organized bankruptcy clinics- Advised tenants associations

- Interviewed clients, identified problems and directed them to relevant city services- Collaborated with Office of Policy to ascertain new policy points on issues of concern to San Francisco residents; advised constituents of current policy- Implemented email sorting and filing system, processing 500 emails a day- Provided Mayor with weekly list of top constituent concerns