Ellis R. Stern
Attorney
Experience and focus
Mr. Stern is a Certified Specialist in both Taxation Law, and Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law with the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization. His practice concentrates on matters relating to trusts, estates, business formations, business transactions, real property transactions, and taxation law.
His broad background includes experience in academia as well as private practice. He has served as an Adjunct Professor of Law, teaching Federal Estate and Gift Taxation at the University of San Diego School of Law (Masters of Law program).
Current practice
Following 25 years as a partner and founding member of Stern & Goldberg, Mr. Stern continues to serve his many clients, including a number of multi-generational families.
Practice areas
- Estate planning and administration: 75%
- Business entity formations, transactions, and tax planning: 25%
Qualifications
Career history
- Partner, Stern & Goldberg (1991 to 2024)
- Partner, Kopald and Mark (1975 to 1990)
- Special Agent, United States Army Military Intelligence (1968 to 1971)
Bar admissions
- California, 1975
- Florida, 1974
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California, 1976
- U.S. Tax Court, 1978
Certifications
- Taxation Law, California Board of Legal Specialization, 1981
- Probate, Estate and Trust Law, California Board of Legal Specialization, 1991
Ancillary services
- Trustee of numerous private and charitable trusts
Languages
- English
Academic roles and honors
Education
- Tulane Law School, New Orleans, Louisiana
- J.D., 1974
- Honors: Tulane University Moot Court Board
- New York University School of Law, New York, New York
- LL.M., 1975
- Major: Taxation
- Fairleigh Dickinson University, Madison, New Jersey
- B.A., 1968
Classes and seminars
- Adjunct Professor of Law, San Diego University School of Law, 1983
- Adjunct Professor of Law, University San Fernando School of Law, 1982
Honors and awards
- Rated A.V. Preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, 1991 and forward
- Super Lawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers List (many years)