California Civil Litigation Attorneys
Focused representation in trust and estate litigation, inheritance disputes, commercial and contract matters, and real-property disputes for individuals and businesses across California.
The attorneys on your case
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Mark C. Smith
Principal Attorney & Founder
Berkeley Law · AmLaw Top 50 Firm · Federal Clerk · Combat Veteran
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Nicholas Jacobs
Attorney, Estate Planning
Northwestern California Law
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Seth Steward
Litigation Attorney
GW Law · Harvard Kennedy · Former Prosecutor · Air Force Veteran
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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.
We take a focused approach to civil litigation. Rather than handling every kind of case, we concentrate on disputes where careful preparation and judgment move the outcome: trust and estate litigation, inheritance and beneficiary disputes, commercial and contract matters, business torts, and real-property disputes.
That focus pairs with our inheritance disputes practice and our general counsel work for California businesses.
Not sure you have a case? Start with an assessment.
Filing is rarely the first move. We begin with an Initial Case Assessment that weighs the facts, the law, the realistic cost, and the leverage, so you know where you stand before spending on a lawsuit.
Disputes we take on
- Trust and estate litigation, including contested wills, trustee removal, breach of fiduciary duty, and beneficiary disputes
- Commercial and contract disputes, including breach, indemnity, and payment claims
- Business torts such as fraud, interference with contract, and unfair competition
- Real-property litigation, including ownership, boundary, easement, and co-ownership disputes
What we refer out
Part of being useful is being honest about fit. We do not take these on, and we will point you toward a qualified attorney when we can:
- Criminal defense
- Family law and divorce
- Post-judgment enforcement and collections
Our approach
We begin with an Initial Case Assessment: a clear-eyed look at the facts, the governing law, the realistic cost, and the leverage on each side. Many disputes resolve through a well-built demand, negotiation, or mediation. When litigation is necessary, the groundwork is already done.
Why Corcoran Smith Law Corp.
Civil litigation rewards preparation. The side that understands the documents, the law, and the leverage usually controls the outcome.
Corcoran Smith Law is a California firm with offices in Sacramento and San Francisco. We are veteran owned. The partner works the matter, and clients are not handed off to a junior associate after the first call.
Concentrating on trust and estate litigation, inheritance disputes, commercial and contract matters, and real-property disputes means we move faster and waste less of your money getting up to speed.
Frequently asked
Civil litigation questions
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What kinds of civil cases do you take?
We focus on trust and estate litigation, inheritance and beneficiary disputes, commercial and contract matters, business torts, and real-property litigation. Our work pairs naturally with our inheritance disputes and general counsel practices.
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What do you not handle?
We do not take criminal defense or family law matters. If your issue falls outside our focus, we will tell you early and point you toward a qualified attorney when we can.
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Do you always file a lawsuit?
No. We start with an Initial Case Assessment to weigh the facts, the law, the cost, and the leverage. Many disputes resolve through a demand, negotiation, or mediation before a complaint is ever filed.
Client reviews
What our clients say
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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
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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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Corcoran smith law corp is very helpful and professional. I needed To find a probate lawyer, after contacting a few different options they were the best choice. Everyone I spoke to was very professional, kind, and really took the time to listen to what I needed, as well as direct me to the best person for the job. They were very helpful in dealing with my case and prompt with getting back to me. I would Recommend this company to anyone who needs to hire a probate lawyer as I truly feel they care about people and understand the process.
Jean Copus May 2026 · Google
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Nick Jacobs did an excellent job helping us with estate planning. He was thorough and always happy to explain in terms non-legal experts could understand! I couldn’t recommend him enough.
Quincy Mehta July 2025 · 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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Nicholas Jacobs is excellent! He's exceedingly knowledgeable, which gives you instant confidence in his assessments and advice, and what put our family's mind at ease is knowing he's honest to his core. He's a rare combination; Nicholas is everything you could hope for in terms of an exceptionally educated, trusted advisor, and yet his empathy is always forefront. Nicholas has a strong moral compass and has chosen his profession for all the right reasons. He's truly been a life saver, and our family is so grateful to have met him!
Sierra Smart March 2026 · Google
Across our practice
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Trust & Estate Litigation
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Real Estate
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Talk to a California civil litigation attorney
A free consultation is the simplest place to start. Tell us about the dispute, and we will help you understand where things stand.