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Paul Gruwell is a civil litigation partner of Ragghianti Freitas LLP.  He specializes in Trust and Estate Litigation and represents individuals, families, fiduciaries and charitable organizations in all phases of disputes, including through contested evidentiary hearings, trials, and appeals.  His practice in this area spans trust and will contests, fiduciary breach of duty, removal of trustees and executors, accounting disputes, probate disputes, surcharge actions, and fee disputes.  Paul also handles financial elder abuse matters, which often arise in conjunction with Trust and Estate Litigation.

In addition, Paul has substantial experience with Business Litigation and Real Estate Litigation.  His Business Litigation experience includes disputes between business owners, breach of contract, fraud, business torts, unfair business practices, and lost profits.  His real estate work involves representing commercial and residential property owners in matters involving neighbor disputes and landslide litigation.

Paul fully evaluates early resolution and mediated settlement options with his clients.  But in cases where a fair, pre-trial settlement is not possible, he regularly goes to trial in San Francisco Bay Area courts.

Earlier in his career, Paul spent several years at a regional, full-service law firm in San Francisco and a few years at a boutique litigation firm in Dallas, Texas.  He has now planted roots in Marin County and is proud to have established his professional reputation in the Bay Area.  When not working, Paul enjoys exploring the outdoors with his wife and two children, serving in the community, and participating in his church congregation.

Admissions


  • California State Courts
  • U.S. District Courts: Northern, Central and Eastern Districts of California
  • Texas State Courts

Associations


  • State Bar of California, Trusts and Estates Section and Litigation Section, Member
  • Marin County Bar Association, Probate Section, Co-Chair
  • California Lawyers Association, Trusts and Estates Section Executive Committee (TEXCOM), Litigation Subcommittee, Volunteer
  • Richard M. Sangster American Inn of Court, Member
  • J. Reuben Clark Law Society, Member

Published Cases


  • Balistreri v. Balistreri (2022) 75 Cal.App.5th 511, review granted, May 11, 2022, S273909 (interpreting Probate Code sections 15401 and 15402)
  • Parker v. Schwarcz (2022) 84 Cal.App.5th 418 (interpreting Probate Code section 850)

Free Consultation

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