HUGHES & PIZZUTO - Key Persons
Anne M. Rudolph is a Shareholder focusing in Probate and Trust Administration, Probate and Trust Litigation, and Appeals. Anne is the Chair of the Firm's Appellate Section.
Anne has earned a reputation as a smart and diligent advocate for her clients. She is a caring and determined presence as she works to help clients resolve their legal matters. Anne's knowledge of the law and ability to navigate the sometimes complex and emotional issues are both valuable and reassuring. Anne values and pursues excellent client relations, the highest levels of professionalism, and integrity in all aspects of her practice.
Anne received her law degree from the University of Oklahoma College of Law where she graduated in the top 5% of her class. She has been a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law since 2013. Anne has earned an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell for legal experience and knowledge as well as ethical standards. She has also been named a Top Rated Estate and Trust Litigation Attorney by San Diego Super Lawyers® since 2018, an honor that is reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in California. She is a frequent speaker on legal ethics issues that arise in the fields of trusts, estate planning, and probate.
Anne is a San Diego native with extensive ties to the local community.
In her leisure time, Anne enjoys traveling, spending time with her dogs, reading and crossword puzzles. She is a serious fan of classical music and regularly attends local concerts.
California Bar, member since 1975
State Bar of California - qualified as a "Special Master"
State Bar of California Estate Planning Trust and Probate Law Section - member
State Bar of California Real Property Law Section - member
San Diego County Bar Association Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section - member
Probate Attorneys of San Diego, Member
San Diego Inns of Court, Alumnus
San Diego Magazine "Best Lawyers in San Diego"
General Counsel to a prominent non-profit institution in Del Mar, California
San Diego Ronald McDonald House, Past Chairman of the Board
Elizabeth A. Hensley practices in the areas of Trust Administration, Probate and Conservatorship Administration, Guardianships, and Estate Planning.
Elizabeth is dedicated to helping her clients achieve workable and reasonable solutions. Her background as an estate planner serves her clients well, whether she is updating an Estate Plan, administering a trust, handling a conservatorship, or resolving an intricate and challenging probate matter. Elizabeth is an accessible, personable, cheerful, and responsive resource to her clients and colleagues, ranging from individuals to families and fiduciaries. She sincerely enjoys helping others, and it shows.
Outside of the office, Elizabeth enjoys chasing after and keeping up with her three young children, traveling with her husband and family, cheering for the New Orleans Saints, and interior design.
Job Titles:
- Advisor in the Areas of Estate Planning, Trust
Kent C. Thompson is a highly respected and sought-after advisor in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, Business Planning and Real Estate. K.C.'s expertise, integrity, and legal abilities have been recognized for decades by the legal community in multiple capacities. He has been appointed as a Special Master for the State Bar of California and a Guardian Ad Litem, as well as been appointed as a Judge Pro Tem for the San Diego Superior Court, Probate Division. K.C.'s legal skills have received AV© Preeminent© rating from Martindale-Hubbell (highest legal competence) for more than 30 years.
Laurie Barber is a highly effective and respected attorney in the areas of Trust and Estate Litigation, Conservatorships, Guardianships, and Estate Planning. During her 30+ year legal career, Laurie has become a recognized and well-regarded presence in the courts. Her history and familiarity with the courtroom make Laurie an especially valuable advocate for her clients, as does her practical, no-nonsense approach to resolving complex litigation.
Laurie works in the areas of probate, trust, conservatorship and guardianship litigation, as well as trust, probate, and conservatorship administration. She represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, petitioners, and objectors in matters filed in both probate and civil courts.
Despite her formidable litigation skills, Laurie seeks first to find solutions that do not involve litigation. She is forthright and honest in educating clients about their options and helping them to set realistic expectations. Laurie serves as a steady and compassionate guide to all of her clients, many of whom can be understandably influenced by emotional family dynamics.
Laurie has a wonderful husband of 40+ years, two great children and three grandchildren that keep her young and moving! When she is not at work, she enjoys golf, travel, family and friends.
Ralph E. Hughes is a shareholder focusing on Probate and Trust Administration, Probate and Trust Litigation, and related mediation.
Ralph received his law degree from the University California, Berkeley in 1976. Shortly thereafter, he moved to San Diego. Since that time, he has been involved in all aspects of probate, estate planning, trust and probate administration, and related litigation. He is a member of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), and is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust & Probate Law.
Ralph is affiliated with West Coast Resolution Center and conducts mediations through that organization. He has participated in well over 100 mediations.
In his leisure time, Ralph spends much of his time outdoors. He enjoys reading and traveling, both domestic and foreign.
Robert P. Pizzuto is Hughes & Pizzuto's Managing Shareholder and Chair of the Estate Planning, Tax, Business and Real Estate Sections. Robert's focus is in Estate Planning, Estate and Gift Taxation, Business Planning and Formation, Real Estate and Financial Planning, and Charitable Family Foundations.
Robert is a highly sought advisor valued for his big picture, global approach to devising solutions that meet his clients' best interests. Robert thrives on building life-long client relationships and proudly serves multiple generations of families.
Robert characterizes his estate planning practice more as "life planning", than preparation for death. He assists clients in proactively positioning their estates, business, and real estate holdings for optimum outcomes. This takes into account family relationships, business succession, tax strategies, legacy planning, and the thoughtful and deliberate transition of family roles and responsibilities.
He is an astute adviser to clients with significant real estate interests and family-owned businesses. Whether a client is considering expanding or purchasing a business, selling an apartment property, or establishing a charitable foundation, their first call is often to Robert. With his deft implementation of the details involved in a variety of matters, Robert continues to earn the trust and respect of his valued clients.
Robert holds an AV© Preeminent© rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for an attorney which recognizes strong, legal ability and high ethical standards. He has also been named a Top Rated Estate Planning and Probate Attorney by San Diego Super Lawyers® each year since 2012, an honor that is reserved for the top 5% of attorneys in California.
When he is not in the office, Robert enjoys traveling with family and friends, including golf trips to various locales. While on adventure, he also enjoys collecting wine and meeting new artists.
Sara J. Egan's practice focuses in the areas of Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Administration, Business Planning, Business Formation, and Real Estate Planning. Sara's background in business and real estate law is an asset to clients who turn to her for their trust and estate needs.
Many trust and estate matters involve businesses and real estate. Sara's legal experience straddles these areas, providing clients with all-inclusive solutions involving investment properties, succession planning for businesses, buy-sell agreements, entity formation, and more, within the context of their estate plans.
Sara also assists individuals, families, fiduciaries, and businesses in establishing estate plans and with trust administration, estate tax returns, and more. She is a caring and knowledgeable guide for clients dealing with incapacity, disability, and death. During these stressful and often overwhelming times, Sara is a calming force dedicated to putting her clients at ease.
Sara enjoys being part of her Point Loma community with her husband and staying connected through travel and adventures with her three children who are off in college and beyond.
Shannon N. Taylor is a Shareholder focusing in Probate, Trust Administration, Contested Probate, Trust Matters, and Chair of the Firm's Litigation Section.
Shannon is a recognized leader in trust and probate litigation and a pioneering advocate of continuing education in the probate law field. Her legal peers, as well as the courts, recognize Shannon's commitment to best professional practices, including her founding role in helping establish and guide the Probate Attorneys of San Diego (PASD).
Shannon has worked in her area of expertise since she was licensed to practice law in 1995, starting with estate planning and administration, and moving into litigation in 2004.
Shannon practices in the areas of probate, trust and conservatorship litigation as well as trust, probate, conservatorship and guardianship administration. She represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, petitioners and objectors in conservatorship and guardianship matters. Shannon has almost 25 years of experience in probate and trust cases involving routine and complex matters.
During the COVID pandemic, Shannon was part of the committee of RESOLVE Law San Diego, which offered free mediations and discovery referee services to civil litigants across the county.
Shannon's background in estate planning gives her a unique perspective into disputes and family dynamics. She is both sensitive and tenacious in representing clients, from the elderly living alone to family members seeking clear-eyed guidance during often emotionally charged situations.
Outside of the office, Shannon enjoys spending time with her children and many grandchildren. She loves reading and watching documentaries, especially those about true crime cases. She enjoys exploring San Diego with her grandchildren, particularly visits to the San Diego Zoo and the local beaches.