The Pacella Law Group was founded in 2009 with a clear vision: to provide thoughtful, strategic legal guidance that puts families and businesses first. What began as a one-man operation at a bedroom desk has grown into a respected law firm serving clients across California—with a team of dedicated attorneys and legal professionals committed to protecting what matters most.
Our roots are in real relationships. In the early days, our founding attorney Louis Pacella drove hundreds of miles to meet with clients face-to-face—from farmers and ranchers in the Central Valley to business owners across Southern California. Through word-of-mouth referrals and a deep respect for client care, PLG quickly grew from a backyard shed-turned-office into a full-service firm.
Today, The Pacella Law Group has grown to a team of nine, including three full-time attorneys, and operates out of our Calabasas office. But what hasn’t changed is our core mission: to deliver high-level legal planning with empathy, precision, and the competitive edge needed to protect our clients’ futures.
We’re proud of our journey—and even more proud to help guide yours.
With over 20 years of legal experience and more than 1,000 families and businesses served, Louis Pacella leads The Pacella Law Group with a rare blend of courtroom strength and personal compassion. His mission? To make estate planning and legal protection clear, accessible, and built to last.
Louis Pacella is the founding attorney of The Pacella Law Group, a California-based firm focused on estate planning, trust and probate litigation, and business formation. Admitted to the State Bar of California in 2003, Louis brings over two decades of legal experience—combining sharp litigation skill with a deep commitment to personal client care.
Before launching his own practice, Louis built a distinguished legal career handling over 100 class actions and complex matters in both state and federal courts. As lead counsel in a landmark 2006 wage case, he secured a $19.6 million settlement on behalf of hospice workers. He also successfully pursued liability against medical product manufacturers in a high-profile human remains scandal that same year.
Louis's early legal work included representing both plaintiffs and major corporations—giving him a rare dual perspective that informs his strategic, no-nonsense approach today. His courtroom experience spans catastrophic injury cases, fiduciary disputes, and elder fraud litigation, making him especially effective in high-stakes trust and estate matters.
In 2009, inspired by the birth of his first child and a desire to build a practice rooted in values, Louis opened The Pacella Law Group. What started as a solo effort in a bedroom office has since grown into a respected firm with nine full-time team members and a wide-ranging client base across California. The firm's reputation is built on clear communication, smart planning, and tenacious advocacy. Louis has personally helped over 1,000 California families and businesses with:
He's known for bringing the legal process directly to his clients—whether at their kitchen table or bedside. His firm continues to serve families across California with the same client-centered philosophy that shaped its beginnings.
the courtroom, Louis has been a driving force in Southern California's youth hockey community. He's coached elite teams to eight consecutive national championship appearances and served as a scout for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program. He has also led community organizations including the Woodland Hills Sunrise Little League and provided legal counsel to the Southern California Amateur Hockey Association.
Louis lives in Woodland Hills with his wife, Kim, and their four children. When he's not in the office or on the field, you can find him golfing at Wood Ranch Country Club or cheering from the stands at his kids' games.
Known for his precision, relatability, and unique blend of legal and creative experience, Stephen brings a client-first approach to every estate and entertainment matter he handles.
Stephen L. Cohen is an Associate with the Pacella Law Group, APC with extensive experience in estate planning, probate, conservatorships and trust and estate litigation. Stephen combines his meticulous attention to detail with a friendly and relatable demeanor to ensure clients achieve maximum results while feeling understood and respected along the way.
Stephen graduated from Revelle College at UC San Diego in 2005 and spent the next decade both as an ice hockey coach for elite 15 to 17 year-olds in Southern California alongside Louis Pacella and touring the US and Europe as a guitarist/singer with his bands Oedipus and JJXO. When not on the road, Stephen co-founded and operated Atrium Music, a boutique music publishing company and licensing agency representing up-and-coming artists seeking film and television licensing opportunities for their music. From 2009 through 2014 Stephen served as Atrium's Vice President of Business Affairs.
Stephen welcomed his first son Lane in 2010 and second son Parker in 2014. Rather than being on the road for months at a time, Stephen opted to be a present father and shifted his focus away from music to become a full-time paralegal for Louis Pacella in 2014. He enrolled in law school at Abraham Lincoln University School of Law in 2017 and, through 2021, worked full-time for the Pacella Law Group while attending law school and raising two children.
Aside from his specialization in Estate Planning, Stephen maintains his entertainment roots representing clients in the music industry.
With a sharp legal mind and a calm, client-centered approach, Nicole helps families navigate estate matters with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Nicole Derderian is an Associate with The Pacella Law Group, APC, where she focuses her practice on estate planning, probate, and trust and estate litigation. Nicole graduated magna cum laude from California State University, Northridge in 2022 with a degree in Marketing. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from Southwestern Law School, completing the rigorous SCALE two-year accelerated program, and successfully passed the California Bar Exam in July 2024.
At the firm, Nicole works closely with families, patiently guiding them through each step of the process and ensuring they feel informed and supported. She strives to deliver not only thorough and effective legal work, but also a sense of calm, clarity, and reassurance.
Outside of the office, Nicole enjoys baking, reading, trying new restaurants, and staying connected to her Armenian roots and community.
With a deep commitment to public service and a rich background in both law and the performing arts, Keith brings insight, empathy, and sharp legal support to every matter he assists with at The Pacella Law Group.
Keith Nobbs joined The Pacella Law Group in 2023. Prior to working in estate law, Keith worked at several non-profit organizations including the Mississippi Center for Justice providing legal support for low-income residents facing eviction during covid and the Legal Wellness Center at the Family Center which provided holistic civil legal services for underserved, medically fragile New Yorkers. Keith also worked in the office of United States Senator Kirsten Gillibrand on Capitol Hill. Keith graduated Stanford University with honors and distinction where he was the recipient of the J.E. Wallace Sterling Scholastic Achievement Award. He studied law at NYU. He is currently in the Law Office Study Program administered by the California State Bar on track to take the state bar in 2027.
In addition to his interest in law, Keith is also an actor with a twenty-five-year career on Broadway, Off-Broadway and in film and television. Favorite tv and film credits include The Pacific, The Black Donnellys, Public Morals and Phone Booth. Most recently, he was seen in Kenneth Lonergan's Hold On To Me Darling at the Lucille Lortel Theater in New York with Adam Driver in the fall of 2024.
With nearly two decades in financial services and a heart for client care, Nichole brings warmth, organization, and compassion to every trust administration matter she supports.
Nichole Fleck joined Pacella Law Group in early 2024 to support the Trust Administration team as an integral part of the Firm's client service approach. She works closely with the Senior Case Manager to ensure clients receive personalized and compassionate guidance throughout the trust administration process.
Nichole's connection to Pacella Law Group began years earlier during her tenure with a Financial Planning firm that integrated estate planning with its financial services. With over 17 years in the financial services industry, Nichole developed a deep understanding of client needs—both personal and professional—and is known for her thoughtful and attentive approach.
Outside of work, Nichole's greatest pride is her family. She and her husband have been married for 27 years and have two grown children, Morganne (25) and Austin (23). Whether enjoying sports, movies, or time on the lake, the Fleck family values every moment spent together.
Compassionate guidance, dependable support—on and off the field.
With over 11 years of dedicated service at The Pacella Law Group, Rebecca Bonilla brings a deep well of experience, compassion, and professionalism to her role as Senior Trust Administration Case Manager. Known for her approachable demeanor and attention to detail, Rebecca works closely with clients to navigate the complex and often emotional process of administering trusts and estates. She takes pride in making a challenging time feel a little more manageable, offering support and clarity every step of the way.
Rebecca's commitment to client care is matched by her dedication to her own family and community. A proud mother of two daughters, she finds joy in spending quality time with them—especially when they're cheering each other on at the ballfield. A lifelong fan of the game, Rebecca also gives back by coaching youth softball, helping the next generation learn the value of teamwork, discipline, and fun.
Whether she's supporting clients with grace and efficiency or leading her team from the dugout, Rebecca exemplifies what it means to lead with heart, both professionally and personally.
With decades of experience and a calm, client-first approach, Sheri is the steady hand behind the scenes—supporting the PLG team and clients with care, professionalism, and heart.
Sheri Davidson, Executive Assistant and Client Coordinator. Sheri brings over 27 years of administrative experience to the Pacella Team. She previously worked in the Real Estate/Escrow industry for 25 years.
When Sheri isn't working, she enjoys reading Thrillers and Mystery novels, spending time with her husband and family, including her three grandchildren and wine tasting in the Central Coast with her lifelong friends.
Equal parts organized and creative, Shanna manages the behind-the-scenes operations, billing, and brand voice of The Pacella Law Group—bringing clarity, heart, and polish to everything we do.
Shanna Lumpkin is the Administration & Billing Coordinator and Media & Brand Manager at The Pacella Law Group. With a blend of operational savvy, creative vision, and client-centered service, she ensures our day-to-day operations run seamlessly while building a consistent and engaging presence for the PLG brand.
Shanna manages client billing, internal systems, and intake workflows—all while leading our social media strategy, content creation, and brand design. Her work brings warmth and clarity to both the client experience and the firm's public-facing voice.
Before joining the legal world, Shanna built a vibrant career in entertainment and events. She majored in Musical Theater at Wagner College in New York, earned a degree in Education at Mississippi State, and spent over a decade as a wedding planner and bridal boutique owner in Jackson, Mississippi. Her high-end events and on-camera charisma earned her a regular spot on The Wedding Planner on The WE Network.
Shanna also has an active real estate career and draws on her experience in media, hospitality, and small business to bring a thoughtful, modern approach to everything she does. She's a proud mom, Disney travel expert, fitness enthusiast, and firm believer in detailed spreadsheets and well-timed sparkle.
Every client is unique, but in the world of trust and estate litigation, familiar patterns often emerge—family disputes, undue influence, drafting errors, and conflicting interpretations of a loved one’s wishes. At The Pacella Law Group, we’ve successfully resolved countless cases involving these complex, high-stakes matters.
Below is a sampling of representative outcomes that demonstrate our strategic approach, courtroom strength, and unwavering commitment to protecting our clients’ interests.
Case 1 – In Re The Adanalian Trust
Trial verdict secured for family members, defeating claims brought by the decedent’s ex-girlfriend who had improperly influenced an amendment to the trust naming herself as sole beneficiary.
Fresno County Sup. Ct. Case No. 13CEPR00817
Case 2 – In Re Estate of Bullo
Successfully represented surviving spouse in securing a buyout of her late husband’s partnership interest in a prominent restaurant, while also resolving complex estate administration matters.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 23STPB03542
Case 3 – In Re The Cope Trust
Achieved a favorable settlement on the first day of trial, reforming trust language to reflect the interpretation most beneficial to our client.
San Joaquin Sup. Ct. Case No. STK-PR-TR-2002-0001401
Case 4 – In Re The Trust Estate of Bryna Sue Samuels
Successfully defended discretionary trust language against a challenge by a beneficiary seeking to invalidate a retained gift, alleging drafting errors and conflicting intent.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 18STPB02622
Case 5 – In Re Estate of Olascoaga
Recovered real property on behalf of family members after proving one sibling had improperly acquired the home from elderly parents through undue influence and diminished capacity.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 18STPB04933
Case 6 – In Re The Figg Trust
Secured a seven-figure settlement for an omitted child whose father had verbally promised assets but failed to include the child in his estate plan.
San Diego Sup. Ct. Case No. 37-2018-00016405-PR-TR-CTL
Case 7 – In Re The Charvet Trust
Recovered multi-million dollar assets for close friends of the decedent after asserting claims of Intentional Interference with Expected Inheritance (IIEI) against a law firm for drafting a trust contrary to the decedent’s known wishes.
Santa Barbara Sup. Ct. Case No. 22CV03893
Case 8 – In Re The Florencio Lopez Trust
Achieved a favorable settlement invalidating a specific gift in the trust obtained through undue influence, along with a favorable arbitration decision on additional disputed matters.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 22STPB08952
Case 9 – In Re The Estate of Zanders
Won summary adjudication upholding a lifetime transfer of the decedent’s residence to our client, defeating claims of undue influence.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 20STPB00206
Case 10 – In Re The Patricia Goodwin Trust
Successfully resolved multi-year litigation after replacing prior counsel, securing real property for beneficiaries and removing estate representatives. Defeated claims of undue influence, double damages, and attorney’s fees.
San Mateo Sup. Ct. Case No. PRO126458
Case 11 – In Re Estate of Lloyd Conway
Trial verdict in favor of the estate administrator in a joint defense regarding the transfer of multi-million-dollar property through an unrecorded grant deed between brothers, originally executed 30 years earlier.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. P713093
Case 12 – In Re Estate of Quint
Recovered economic value of real property for a disinherited sibling whose family home was wrongfully taken by another child.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 16STPB01465
Case 13 – The Walton Trust
Secured a multi-million-dollar recovery for a trust beneficiary by setting aside an agreement that had waived inheritance rights in exchange for a lifetime income stream. Settlement was reached pre-litigation through strong legal argument and documentation.
(Private resolution – no case number)
Case 14 – Estate of Nahal Nadim
Settled a dispute on behalf of an elderly adult with disabilities, resulting in the recovery and sale of real property wrongfully taken due to lack of capacity.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 20STPB07241
Case 15 – In Re Donna J. Essert
Obtained an Elder Abuse Restraining Order against an abusive adult son, including immediate move-out and stay-away provisions to protect the elderly mother.
Los Angeles Sup. Ct. Case No. 18CHR000821
Case 16 – In Re The Janis Trust (Trust Administration)
Provided multi-year representation of trustees administering an ultra-high-net-worth estate, including the distribution of over 500 pieces of art valued at more than $100 million to museums and universities. Defended against potential family disputes and successfully resolved an IRS estate tax return audit.
(Private administration – no public case number listed)
Need help with a similar situation? Let’s talk.
To get started, schedule your free initial consultation by calling The The Pacella Law Group at (818) 614-9245 or completing our online form. For your convenience, we can meet with you at your home or place of business. Whether you need assistance with wills, powers of attorney, business formation, elder fraud cases or any other matter, our goal is to provide you with top-quality legal services that you will find beneficial. Reach out to us today.