Timothy J. Kay, Partner at our Orange County law office
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Timothy J. Kay

Partner
Biography

Tim Kay is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, California Board of Legal Specialization. He is a partner and co-practice group leader in the firm’s Private Client Services practice group. Tim’s practice is concentrated in tax, trust, and estate matters with emphasis in estate planning, trust and probate administration, and estate and gift taxation. He employs advanced estate planning techniques, including grantor retained annuity trusts, family partnerships, limited liability companies, charitable remainder trusts, defective grantor trusts, insurance planning, and the creation, qualification and funding of public charities and private foundations. Tim handles premarital agreements and advises family law lawyers on the intersection of family law and estate planning. His practice includes significant matters involving trust and estate litigation, including post-death will and trust contests, issues involving the liability of trustees and other fiduciaries, and the rights of beneficiaries. In addition, Tim provides advice to non-profit organizations.

 

Credentials

Bar Admissions

  • California


Court Admissions

  • Supreme Court of California
  • United States Tax Court


Education

  • Stanford Law School (J.D., with distinction)
    • Note Editor, Stanford Law Review
  • University of San Francisco (B.A., Psychology)
Experience

Awards & Recognition

  • AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating from Martindale-Hubbell®
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Trusts and Estates (2006-2025)
    • Lawyer of the Year, Trusts and Estates (2017, 2021)
  • Leaders in their Fields, Chambers High Net Worth Guide (2016-2019)
  • The Best Lawyers in America®, Business Edition, Trusts and Estates (2012)
  • Southern California Super Lawyers, Estate Planning & Probate (2008-2011, 2014-2019)

Previous Professional Experience

  • Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, Partner, Irvine, California

Professional Memberships and Activities

  • American Bar Association
  • Orange County Bar Association

Community Involvement

  • South Coast Repertory Theater, Board of Trustees
  • Boys Republic
    • Board of Directors
    • Past President
  • Orange Coast Estate Planning Council, Past President
  • Orange County Community Foundation, Past Chairman

Representative Presentations and Publications