Bains, Bradley H.

Brad Baker has practiced law in the state of California since 1975. His current practice focuses on estate planning and probate/trust litigation.

Brad is one of few attorneys who has had the privilege of arguing twice on breach of fiduciary duty issues before the United States Supreme Court as well as twice being a member of the billion dollar club for his role in the energy class action settlement. He is a member of the California State Bar Association and the Los Angeles County and South Bay Bar Associations.

Estate Planning Experience

Brad is a veteran estate planner. He offers a highly personalized approach that takes into account the individual situation and goals of each of his clients, creating an estate plan that reflects their needs and wishes. Brad's substantial background in family law helps him to understand and anticipate the generational issues involved in developing an effective estate plan.

Because of Brad's extensive work in litigation matters throughout his career, he knows the litigation process and is careful to keep his clients out of the courtroom through strategic drafting.

"I can tell my clients come in apprehensive," he says, "and leave with greater peace of mind. The process wasn't nearly as rigorous and complicated as they'd feared."

Brad has experience in both federal and state courts. Since the late 1980s he has concentrated his practice on trusts, estate planning and probate, including litigation in these areas.

Class Action Experience

Brad has brokered teams of attorneys to bring successful class actions totaling recoveries in the billions of dollars. He believes that his extremely varied legal experience, calm demeanor, and sense of humor, even during stressful times, contributes to his ability to bring together talented teams. Some of his best referrals have come from opposing counsel who have paid the most money to his class members. He enjoys the challenges of the class action world and welcomes your referrals.

Educational Background and Training

Brad graduated with a degree in Social Sciences from the University of California at Irvine in 1972 and lettered three years in Varsity Basketball for their Anteaters. He attended law school at UCLA. He was admitted to the California Bar in 1975. Shortly after graduation, Brad donated six months of his career to the Venice location of the L.A. Legal Aid Foundation, assisting indigent individuals.

Founding the Firm

After Brad's experience with Legal Aid, he embarked on a partnership with classmate Kent Burton and established Baker and Burton in May of 1976. Albro Lundy III joined the firm in 1993, adding his litigation skills to the team. Five years in Venice and a move to Hermosa Beach in 1980 have provided many fruitful experiences and blessings in the South Bay.

 

"I prefer to think of myself as a counselor of law," Brad says. He is a third generation Southern California resident and enjoys being with interesting people any time, in any setting. He considers himself to be one of the luckiest and most fortunate people on Earth to get to associate with wonderful clients and to share the journey with marvelous co-workers.