About Carol A. Johnston

Carol Johnston works with individual clients to develop sophisticated planning techniques for the preservation and protection of family wealth. Her advice covers an array of estate and tax planning issues, and she represents fiduciaries and handles administration of estates and trusts. Widely recognized in legal industry publications as a leading lawyer for trusts and estates, Carol is praised by peers as "knowledgeable" and someone who "works well with others."

“A fine lawyer” and a leader in trusts and estates law

Carol is recognized as a leading trusts and estates lawyer by the Chambers High Net Worth guide. One interview told Chambers: "[Carol] is amazing. She has a great bedside manner – she is very, very smart and is able to translate clients' rambling ideas into tight plans. I refer clients to her often because she is such a fine lawyer." Carol has been certified as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization.

Carol's experience includes planning and drafting revocable and irrevocable trusts including dynasty trusts, life insurance planning, premarital planning, and charitable gift planning, including both charitable trusts and the formation of private foundations and public charities. Carol also has extensive experience in the administration of high value estates with complex assets, estate tax return preparation, estate tax audits, and all aspects of trust administration and probate procedures.

Carol serves as chair of the board of trustees for Hollenbeck Palms, Inc., a nonprofit public benefit corporation that provides assisted living and skilled nursing care to seniors.

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"[An] interviewee enthuses: 'She is amazing. She has a great bedside manner - she is very, very smart and is able to translate clients' rambling ideas into tight plans. I refer clients to her often because she is such a fine lawyer.'"

Chambers HNW 2018
(Nationwide, Private Wealth Law: Western Region) survey response

Practice Focus

  • Estate and tax planning
  • Trust and estate administration
  • Charitable gift planning and representation of charities
  • Trust dispute resolution

News

Publications

Presentations and Events

Practices
Industries
Education
  • The University of Chicago Law School, JD
  • Middlebury College, BA, magna cum laude
Bar Admissions
  • California
Community Involvements
  • Los Angeles County Bar Association, Probate and Trust Law Section
  • Hollenbeck Palms, Inc., Chair, Board of Trustees
Recognitions
Recognized or listed in the following:
  • Best Lawyers in America
    Trusts and Estates, 2005–2025
  • Chambers High Net Worth
    USA - Private Wealth Law: Western Region, 2014–2024
    Southern California: Private Wealth Law, 2016–2024
  • Citywealth
    Leaderslist, 2015–2016
  • Super Lawyers
    Southern California, 2004–2023
Award Methodologies