Sheila-Marie Finkelstein

A senior counsel at Klinedinst PC, Sheila-Marie Finkelstein is certified by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization as a specialist in estate planning, trust and probate law. Positioned at the firm's Irvine, California, branch, she adeptly manages probate administration and disputes with ease and regularity in court. Her professional conduct speaks volumes of her impeccable proficiency in the field.A distinguished alumnus of Washington and Lee University School of Law (2011), Ms. Finkelstein boasts exceptional academic accomplishments. She obtained her LL.M. (2018) in taxation from Chapman University's Dale E. Fowler School of Law, where she honed her skills in financial matters. In pursuit of her passion for exploring diverse legal systems, she also studied international law at the University of Copenhagen in 2010. She was duly licensed to practice law in California in 2011.Furthermore, Ms. Finkelstein holds a master's degree in education (2008) from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, and a B.A. from American University, Washington, D.C., in 2006. With such an outstanding educational background, she is well-equipped to excel in her legal endeavors and make a mark in the professional realm.Ms. Finkelstein exudes a profound zeal for education and veterans – a passion that transcends into her legal practice, focusing on estate planning. Her decision to pursue this field of law was fueled by her remarkable experiences as a clerk for the U.S. Air Force JAG Corps and a science teacher for elementary students with Teach For America. Moreover, as a Veterans Affairs Accredited Attorney, she established the noteworthy pro bono Estate Clinic at the Veterans Legal Institute (VLI).An accomplished writer and captivating speaker, Ms. Finkelstein boasts a rich literary portfolio, with multiple publications in the American Bar Association magazines such as GPSolo and OC Lawyer. She is also a seasoned and revered instructor of Continuing Legal Education Courses. She is sought-after for speaking engagements at various private and public events, where she eloquently expounds on the myriad advantages of effective estate planning for individuals, families and professionals alike.Ms. Finkelstein's impressive achievements have earned her numerous accolades in her field. Among these, she has been recognized as the Veterans Advocate of the Year by the VLI, while Expertise.com has honored her with the title of Probate Lawyer of the Year in Long Beach.