Courtney A. Martin, Esq.
Courtney A. Martin is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by The State Bar of California and is the founder of Martin Legal. Prior to starting her own law firm, she worked for nearly a decade as an attorney at a well established law firm in Pasadena focusing in the areas of estate planning and trust administration. Courtney has had the privilege of working with clients of all ages and backgrounds. Every client has different assets, different family situations, and different goals and expectations for the future, and Courtney’s goal is to ensure that each client has a complete estate plan in place that is uniquely crafted for them.
Background
Courtney was born and raised in the Bay Area as an only child to two older parents. She knows first-hand how important it is to have current estate planning documents in place. While in law school, her dad had a debilitating stroke that left him unable to speak and walk for a year before he passed away. She helped her mom through the emotional rollercoaster of dealing with a loved one’s incapacity and eventual death. Thankfully Courtney's dad had his estate planning documents in order that allowed Courtney to handle his financial affairs and advocate on his behalf as to all decisions regarding his health care while he was incapacitated.
Upon graduating from law school, Courtney started her legal career as an attorney at a firm that specialized in estate planning and trust administration for over 35 years. Practicing for over a decade, Courtney is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by The State Bar of California and has drafted thousands of estate plans for clients with modest to large taxable estates. Courtney has enjoyed working with a wide range of clients, and she strives to create the most comprehensive and advantageous estate plans for her clients.
Courtney lives with her family in the Santa Cruz Mountains. She loves being a mom to her three young sons, and she enjoys cooking and spending time in nature.
Select Experience
Martin Legal, Santa Cruz, CA
Founder
Law Offices of James F. Miller, P.C., Pasadena, CA
Attorney
California Supreme Court, San Francisco, CA
Judicial Extern to the Honorable Ming W. Chin
Law Offices of Stuart D. Zimring, North Hollywood, CA
Law Clerk
Education and Select Honors
Southwestern Law School, Los Angeles, CA
Juris Doctor, summa cum laude (graduated in the top 1% of law school class)
Southwestern Law Review, Editor
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), CA
Bachelor of Arts Communication Studies and Double minor Public Policy and Gerontology, summa cum laude
Phi Beta Kappa, Member
Saint Francis High School, Mountain View, CA
Professional Certifications and Memberships
Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, The State Bar of California
Wealth Counsel
California Lawyers Association, Trusts and Estate Section
Santa Cruz County Bar Association