SAMUEL B. LEDWITZ, J.D., LL.M.

California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Law

Samuel B. Ledwitz

310-316-2400

samuel@ledwitzlaw.com

California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts & Probate Law

Founder and Managing Partner

Samuel B. Ledwitz is an Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Specialist, certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization of the State Bar. Samuel attended Pepperdine University School of Law, where he earned his law degree (J.D.) with an emphasis in the areas of estate and income tax. Next, Samuel attended The University of Miami School of Law, where he earned his Post-Doctorate Degree (LL.M.) in Estate Planning.

After earning his LL.M., Sam returned to Southern California to join one of the area’s largest estate planning firms, where he helped over 1,000 clients provide for their families through responsible wealth transfers from one generation to the next. Sam also relied on his significant tax law expertise to advise clients with high net worth on sophisticated tax strategies designed to maximize the assets received by their families.

Sam realized that he could do more to help his clients, and in 2006, he started his own firm. Within a year, Sam merged with one of the biggest firms in Southern California: Bezaire & Associates. In 2010, the merged firm became known as Bezaire, Ledwitz & Associates.

Under this name, the firm continues to offer quality legal services with respect and compassion.

Sam is a three-time winner of the prestigious Five Star Wealth Manager Award and is recognized as a Superb Rated Attorney by the AVVO attorney rating service. Sam has appeared in several national and local periodicals receiving praise for his work, including Newsweek Magazine, Los Angeles Magazine, and the Torrance Daily Breeze. Sam is an active member of the Los Angeles, Long Beach and South Bay Trust and Estate Planning Councils. Sam is the proud parent of his children, Elle and Charles. He resides in Redondo Beach with his family.

Download – Curriculum Vitae

Court Admissions
District of Columbia Bar     2009–present
U.S. Court of Federal Claims     2008–present
U.S. Court of Appeals For the Ninth Circuit     2008–present
U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California     2008–present
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California     2008–present
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California     2008–present
U.S. Supreme Court Bar     2008–present
U.S. Tax Court     2008–present
State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section     2000–present
State Bar of California     1998–present
U.S. District Court for the Central District of California       1998–present
Professional Associations
Beverly Hills Bar Association     2011–present
Long Beach Bar Association     2011–present
Long Beach Trust and Estate Council      2011–present
Los Angeles Trust and Estate Council     2011–present
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys     2011–present
Pasadena Bar Association     2011–present
Society of Estate and Trust Practitioners     2011–present
South Bay Bar Association (LA)     2011–present
Los Angeles County Bar Association     2010–present
South Bay Estate and Trust Council     2010–present
Charitable Work

In addition to helping families through the practice of law, Samuel has always had a passion for helping others by teaching. While at Pepperdine, Sam served as the student director of the South Central Los Angeles Youth Development Project.

Samuel coordinated its entire tutoring program, overseeing the education and mentoring of children in need of academic guidance. Sam also became a licensed substitute teacher while at Pepperdine, and taught history and English night school classes to academically-challenged students for a local school district. It was through this experience teaching disadvantaged youth that Samuel became interested in supporting charities that help children.

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Samuel’s charitable work motivated him to learn about estate planning techniques that would not only help the client, but the community as a whole. Sam is very active in the Assistance League of San Pedro-South Bay, serving as the Coordinator of the Assisteens, the youth chapter the Assistance League. The Firm also proudly sponsors local youth athletics, including the Torrance Girls Youth Softball League.

Practice Areas

Estate Planning

Estate planning is the process of establishing a Trust, Will, Durable Power of Attorney, and other related documents during your lifetime.

Estate Administration

Our firm helps Trustees and Executors comply with the many duties associated with the administration of an Estate.

Probate

Probate is the legal proceeding supervised by the Superior Court used to transfer title to assets when a person is deceased.

Estate Litigation

When the need arises to challenge, defend, or enforce a Will or Trust, our Lawyers will represent you in all legal proceedings.

Advanced Estate Planning

Families with substantial estates require additional strategies beyond a typical Estate Plan to reduce and offset Estate Tax liabilities.

 

Conservatorship

When a person becomes incapable of managing their affairs, the court can appoint a Conservator. Our Attorneys will assist you with this process.

Our Locations

Long Beach

(562) 951-1400

Los Angeles

(310) 540-0879

Torrance

(310) 316-2400

Costa Mesa

(714) 238-0030

Pasadena

(626) 398-0100

Palos Verdes

(310) 316-2400

The quickest way to get assistance is to contact us directly at 310-316-2400 or by emailing us at info@ledwitzlaw.com.

Life Events

Young couple swings their daughter between them

New Families

Experiencing a change in family structure or size? Did you recently have a child or adopt a pet? If you want to ensure that a loved one is taken care of, then you need a smart estate plan. We offer simple solutions to get you started.
Senior couple of Asian descent hiking by ocean

Nearing Retirement

Have you established yourself but you want to ensure your legacy is protected? We can help you make sure everything is accounted for and provide creative plans to ensure your hard work will be cherished by your beneficiaries.
Father and daughter under umbrella by gravestone

Recent Loss

Are you seeking guidance during a time of loss? Have you been given the responsibility of arranging a loved one’s affairs? Allow our experienced attorneys to escort you through these steps with compassion and confidence.

Recent Blogs

MISTAKEN IDEAS REGARDING ESTATE PLANNING

There is a great deal of confusion and mythology regarding estate planning. It’s a subject that healthy, busy people really don’t want to think about. Understandably, the thought of suddenly becoming unable to function (due to disease or a catastrophic illness) and...

read more

WHY “DO IT YOURSELF/FILL IN THE BLANK” WILLS & TRUSTS OFTEN RESULT IN DISASTER

WHY “DO IT YOURSELF/FILL IN THE BLANK” WILLS & TRUSTS OFTEN RESULT IN DISASTER Retaining the services and expertise of an attorney who can assist you in preparing a smart estate plan requires a serious investment of time and money. The benefits (however) far...

read more

Client Reviews

Ready to do business and handle any trust issues.
mary grimes
mary grimes
06:15 09 Jun 22
I’ve dealt with 3 different lawyers in regards to my will, my trust. and my LLCI’ve spent... thousands of dollars.This is by far the best experience I’ve had, he’s handling all that, eliminating the LLC, putting my houses back in my name, he’s fair and has a great attitude.I don’t have to go to another lawyer again!read more
Red Castro
Red Castro
06:58 31 May 22
Super friendly and helpful staff. Felt confident with their services from the start.
Roxanne Ramirez
Roxanne Ramirez
18:14 07 May 22
Samuel Ledwitz has been my attorney for years. Friendly, knowledgeable and accessible.
mary emily smiley
mary emily smiley
06:43 06 Mar 22
I am so pleased with everything about this law firm. Thank you Attorney Ledwitz for all your help... and information. Creating my Trust with your firm was a great experience and done in a timely manner. I will highly recommend your business to anyone. Once again, THANK YOU!read more
Jenniffeir Suarez
Jenniffeir Suarez
03:48 14 Jan 22
I heard about this firm through a friend of mine and decided to make an appointment to see them.I... was so impressed with how confidant and comfortable I felt putting my case in their hands.read more
Mercedes Morales
Mercedes Morales
21:01 19 Oct 21
Thank you Sam for all your help!
Desiree Gasca
Desiree Gasca
18:41 19 Oct 21
By Darren Chaker: Having dealt with San Diego attorneys too long, I was happy to accompany a friend... there office to update a trust. The staff was very professional, attorneys could articulate a response for any question posed. Definitely talented attorneys.read more
Darren Chaker
Darren Chaker
17:40 20 Oct 20
My wife and I completed our Estate Planning from The Law Firm of Bezaire. we were thinking about... having our estate planning done from last couple of years and it's all done .. Thanks to The Law Firm of Bezaire!!read more
Verna Gonzalez
Verna Gonzalez
19:15 12 Dec 19
We got our trust restated The Law Firm of Bezaire and we are very satisfied with the service we... have received. They answered all of our questions quickly and made this process easy for us. We would definitely recommend this firm to our friends and families. Thank you!read more
Gloria Smith
Gloria Smith
17:43 22 Nov 19
Fantastic firm!
Richard Knapp
Richard Knapp
02:52 10 Jul 19
The people there are just plain friendly and helpful. Couldn't get better service
Jill Gilliam
Jill Gilliam
20:54 25 Apr 19
I was referred by a very close family friend to Bezaire, Ledwitz and Associates to do my... Grandmother's Will and have me act as Power of Attorney for my Grandmother quite a few years back. Every time we needed legal assistance, the staff has always been professional and The Law Firm of Bezaire accommodating and because of this, I have always recommended their firm to others as wellread more
Bryan C. Carrington
Bryan C. Carrington
09:05 13 Feb 19
We’ve dealt with Bezaire, Ledwitz and Associates on numerous occasions for Estate Planning matters... and have been very happy with their services and friendly manner. They helped us with family estates, real estate and is our first choice for the updating of our wills in the near future. I strongly recommend them.read more
James D. Barker
James D. Barker
09:36 12 Feb 19
My family and I have dealt with The Law Firm of Bezaire, Ledwitz and Associates numerous times for... Estate Planning matters - always finding them compassionate, approachable, and knowledgeable. I highly recommend them.read more
Jack N. Goulet
Jack N. Goulet
04:24 12 Feb 19
The Law Firm of Bezaire did a last-minute will for my mother with very little advance notice. The... staff did a fantastic job!read more
Lathen Cheas
Lathen Cheas
04:20 12 Feb 19
only the best says it all !!! VERY happy with Mr. Samuel Ledwitz esq. and staff.Now I have peace... of mind thank-you .read more
Willow Jones-Heger
Willow Jones-Heger
22:46 07 Jan 19
We had a great experience dealing with Samuel Ledwitz when it was time to revise and update our... family trust and legal documents. We feel very confident that we are in very good hands, and that our estate and our legal affairs will be handled with the utmost professional and personal care. Highly recommended.read more
Ann Imberman
Ann Imberman
21:42 22 Aug 18
I was very happy with how my estate planning was handled by Sam Ledwitz & Associates. I would... highly recommend this firm.read more
andrea mitchell
andrea mitchell
21:55 19 Jan 18
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As Seen in...

Awards, Certifications and Accolades

Peer Endorsements

I have known Samuel Ledwitz for close to 20 years and he has always impressed me with his intelligence, wit and having a genuine concern for helping others. I would...
Jeffrey Townsend

Mediation Attorney

I specialize in probate & trust real estate, consequently I deal with many attorneys. Samuel is an estate planning attorney that truly stands out...
Paul Hargraves

Realtor, Trust Properties USA

I endorse this lawyer. Knowledgeable, compassionate, dedicated, honest, hard working...
Nadine Jett

Divorce / Separation Lawyer

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