Daily Journal’s annual “Top Boutiques” list recognizes Wolf Wallenstein as a leading law firm in California. The six-attorney boutique focuses on litigation, creditors’ rights, real estate transactions, real estate litigation, business transactions and litigation, and estate planning.
A certified woman-owned business enterprise, partner Ellen Kaufman Wolf founded the firm in 2002 that today is Wolf Wallenstein. Joining forces with partner Michael Wallenstein in 2017, the firm includes Scott Antoine, Justin Brossier, Christopher Cummiskey, and David Gabor.
In their interview with Daily Journal, Wolf and Wallenstein both drew on their artistic backgrounds – Ellen as a piano performance major at UCLA and Michael with an MFA degree in acting – as influential in success in law.
“Michael’s performance background shows in his ease and facility in presenting cases in court,” Wolf said. “And I was memorizing piano scores from a very young age. Now, when clients tell me their stories, I absorb and retain details with ease.”
Though Wolf Wallenstein is boutique in size, the firm’s client base and track record reflect the high-caliber success and stature expected from the largest firms. As just one example, over the past year, Wallenstein won a $193 million arbitration award for a client that licenses fiber-optic encroachments on railroad property.
Similarly, Wolf has significant, advanced estate planning experience, including advising on dynasty trusts. She recently helped one client save more than $20 million in estate taxes on a $200 million estate.
Wolf also focuses on major commercial litigation and enforcement of debts, as well as disputes involving real estate and land use, partnerships, insurance, government reimbursement, and estates. She has helped recover more than $50 million for clients who lost property in Malibu’s Woolsey Fire. In addition, she represents closely held businesses and family offices for all their legal needs, serving as the designated “go to” trusted advisor.
Upon learning of Wolf Wallenstein’s inclusion on Daily Journal’s “Top Boutiques” list, Wolf expressed gratitude to the firm’s clients: “Our clients are at the heart of this honor. Their trust in us makes this recognition possible, and we’re deeply thankful for their continued partnership.”
Read our full profile in the Daily Journal here.
