You Built a Legacy. We'll Protect It.
Corcoran Smith Law Corp.
Corcoran Smith Law is a California litigation firm. Our trial-experienced attorneys fight for heirs and beneficiaries in contested wills, trust litigation, fiduciary misconduct, and probate disputes statewide.
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Veteran-Founded & Led
Founded by Mark C. Smith, U.S. Army combat veteran.
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Berkeley Law-Trained
Educated at UC Berkeley School of Law.
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California Statewide
SF · Sacramento · Los Angeles · San Diego.
About the firm
Protecting heirs & beneficiaries across California.
Corcoran Smith Law is a California law firm focused on protecting heirs, beneficiaries, and families in inheritance disputes and estate litigation. If you are dealing with a contested will, trust dispute, fiduciary misconduct, or a mismanaged estate, our attorneys provide clear legal strategies and aggressive representation to protect what is rightfully yours.
We are a litigation firm. Our trial-experienced attorneys are ready to go to court to protect your rights in contested wills, trust and estate litigation, and fiduciary misconduct disputes. Alongside that core courtroom work, we provide comprehensive estate planning for individuals and families, handle complex real estate transactions, advocate for military veterans seeking disability compensation, and also serve California businesses through General Counsel subscription services.
With offices in San Francisco and Sacramento, we represent clients throughout California, including the SF Bay Area, Greater Sacramento, Los Angeles, San Diego, and coastal communities statewide.
Our Practice Areas
How may we help you?
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Inheritance Disputes & Beneficiary Rights
Trust and estate litigation, contested wills, fiduciary misconduct, and trustee accountings for heirs and beneficiaries.
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Trust & Estate Litigation
Trustee accountings, breach-of-fiduciary-duty claims, and contested trust administration.
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Estate Planning
Comprehensive plans coordinating wills, trusts, directives, and tax strategies for California families.
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Probate
California probate administration when a loved one dies, with or without a will, including assets left outside a trust.
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Wills
Clear, legally sound wills that reflect your wishes and protect against future confusion or disputes.
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Trusts
Customized revocable and irrevocable trusts to manage assets, reduce taxes, and protect beneficiaries.
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Power of Attorney
Durable powers of attorney for finances and decisions during incapacity.
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Real Estate Transactions
Purchase, sale, and contract review for California buyers, sellers, and property owners, including Prop 19 strategies.
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Veteran Disability
VA disability claims and appeals, handled by a fellow combat veteran who knows the system.
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General Counsel for Businesses
Subscription general counsel, contracts & negotiations, civil litigation, and employment law for California businesses.
Client reviews
What clients say about us
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Corcoran Smith Law was extremely helpful in assisting me through my Father's trust while I was not only grieving my father, but having a difficult time trying to figure out how to navigate the process. I had met with a couple of other attorneys before we connected and had been left confused and frustrated. Nick made extra efforts to ensure that I understood what the options were and made great recommendations. Their pricing was very fair and didn't leave me feeling like I was being nickel and dimed through the process. This definitely helped me feel comfortable asking extra questions instead of guessing while navigating a completely foreign process. Thank you!
Jerald Scott November 2024 · Google
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Cannot say enough about the incredible team at Corcoran Smith Law. When my family found ourselves in one of the most painful and complicated situations imaginable involving elder abuse, an inheritance dispute, and a serious breach of fiduciary duty. We didn't know where to turn. From the very first consultation, this firm made us feel heard, protected, and confident that we were in the right hands. The attorneys took the time to thoroughly explain every option available to us, the risks and benefits of each path, and ultimately helped us chart the best course of action for our specific circumstances. Their knowledge of elder law and fiduciary matters is truly exceptional, but what set them apart was their genuine compassion. They understood that this wasn't just a legal case, it was personal, it was emotional, and it involved protecting a vulnerable loved one. Throughout the entire process, communication was clear, timely, and reassuring. We never felt lost or left in the dark. They fought tirelessly on our behalf and achieved an outcome we are deeply grateful for. If you or your family are facing elder abuse or a complex estate and fiduciary dispute, do not hesitate, call Corcoran Smith Law. They are the advocates you need and the ones your family deserves.
Amanda Cichosz May 2026 · Google
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Attorney Nicholas Jacobs has been amazing to us during this difficult battle involving my father’s home. He has been compassionate, attentive, and consistently took the time to explain everything clearly. During an emotionally exhausting situation, he made us feel supported, heard, and confident that our case truly mattered. We are deeply grateful for his professionalism and dedication. Thank you
Wendy Bracy January 2026 · Google
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My husband and I had an outstanding experience working with Nick Jacobs at Corcoran Smith Law. From our very first meeting, Nick made us feel comfortable and confident in the process of setting up our trust. He was incredibly knowledgeable, patient, and thorough—taking the time to explain every detail and answer all of our questions with clarity and care. Nick truly listened to our goals and concerns and guided us through each step with professionalism and kindness. What could have been a stressful experience was made smooth and seamless thanks to his expertise and calm approach. We are so grateful for his support and highly recommend Nick Jacobs and the entire team at Corcoran Smith Law to anyone in need of a trustworthy and skilled estate or trust attorney.
Crystal Wilson August 2025 · Google
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Nick and Mark were amazing to work with! Nick is such a nice man, and he was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He was passionate about his work, honest and very kind and supportive during my journey in contesting a trust. He communicated his strategies every step of the way and the documents he wrote were a testament to his commitment in helping me. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted. We had a good outcome, but even if we hadn’t, I would have been 100% satisfied with the effort he put into our case. I highly recommend this firm based on their professionalism, knowledge, commitment, honesty, and communication.
Kimberly Brink August 2025 · Google
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Honestly, I didn't know much about trusts going into this. The whole thing felt overwhelming and a little intimidating. But Corcoran Smith Law made the entire process so much easier than I expected. They sat down with me, actually listened to what I was trying to accomplish, and walked me through everything in plain English. No confusing legal jargon, no rushing me out the door. By the end I finally felt like I understood what a trust could do for me and my family, and I left with a solid plan in place. What really blew me away? They handled everything right from the comfort of my own home. I never had to drive to an office, find parking, or sit in a waiting room. They even arranged for a notary to come out to the house, making the entire process seamless from start to finish. It honestly could not have been more convenient. The whole team was friendly, down to earth, and genuinely seemed to care about getting it right. They were easy to reach whenever I had questions, and nothing ever felt like too much to ask. If you've been putting off setting up a trust because it seems like a hassle, don't wait. Call this team! They handle everything, and the peace of mind on the other side is 100% worth it. Highly, highly recommend!
Lori Griffin May 2026 · Google
Areas we serve
Serving all of California
We represent clients across the entire state, from offices in San Francisco and Sacramento. If your matter is in California, we can help.
- Sacramento Greater Sacramento
- San Francisco San Francisco Bay Area
- Oakland East Bay
- San Jose Silicon Valley
- Los Angeles Los Angeles County
- San Diego San Diego County
Plus Orange County, the Central Valley, and communities across the rest of the state.
Ready to talk?
A clear plan for your next step.
Book a free consultation. We'll walk through your situation and lay out the strongest path forward, whether that is estate planning, resolving a dispute, or a flat-fee Initial Case Assessment.
Book a free consultation