Sussan H. Shore

Sussan H. Shore designs and implements multi-generational estate plans for high net worth clients, and oversees the administration of estates and trusts. For over 35 years, she has helped clients fulfill their goals to care for their families, meet charitable giving objectives and reduce estate taxes. Sussan has great compassion for her clients, quickly earning their trust through her patient approach, practical advice and straightforward communication. She is non-judgmental and creative, resolving the unique needs of clients in complex alternative and blended family structures as readily as those in traditional families.

As a certified specialist in Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Law by the California Board of Legal Specialization, Sussan’s practice spans the continuum from establishing an estate plan to the administration of estates and trusts. She represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries and court-supervised conservatorships and has a strong track record challenging tax authorities. When disputes arise among family members concerning estates and trusts, Sussan helps guide the parties toward resolution by focusing on the drivers behind the controversies.

Sussan is dedicated to sharing her deep knowledge of estate planning, trust and probate law with other attorneys and professionals. She has taught Estate Planning at UCLA Extension for more than thirty years, earning the coveted “Distinguished Instructor” award in 2008. Sussan also frequently lectures at estate planning institutes, and has authored technical publications on estate planning strategies. A leader in the field, Sussan is the past chairperson of the Los Angeles County Bar Association Trust & Estates Section and she served as Chairwoman of the Probate, Trust & Estate Planning Section of the Beverly Hills Bar Association.

As a reflection of the quality of her work, Sussan’s peers have elected her a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) since 1996. ACTEC fellows demonstrate the highest level of integrity, commitment to the profession, competence and experience as trust and estate counselors, and have made substantial contributions to the field through writing, teaching and bar leadership activities. Additionally, Sussan’s peers and clients have awarded her the rating “AV® Preeminent™ 5.0/5.0” on Martindale-Hubbell. She has been listed as one of "The Best Lawyers in America" in the area of Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers for over ten years, and has been named a "Southern California Super Lawyer" by Super Lawyers® since 2004. Super Lawyers® also named her one of the "Top 50 Women Southern California Super Lawyers" and one of the "Top 100 Southern California Super Lawyers.”