Joanne Lue’s practice focuses on estate planning, wealth transfer and planning, and trust and estate administration. She develops thoughtful and comprehensive estate plans and has experience counseling clients through trust and estate disputes and complex administrations.

During law school, Joanne served as a judicial extern to The Honorable Thomas Wm. Cain in the Probate Department of the Superior Court of California in Santa Clara County, where she reviewed and analyzed issues in probate cases regarding trusts, estates, elder abuse claims, guardianships and conservatorships.

Prior to joining the firm, Joanne was an associate at Thompson Welch Soroko & Gilbert LLP and Venable LLP. Joanne is fluent in Mandarin.

Having Joanne on our side has been invaluable. Joanne not only guided us through our future plans but also provided crucial support during the difficult times following the passing of a parent. Her expertise and compassion have made all the difference.

Silicon Valley Tech Entrepreneur

Areas of Focus

Services

Experience

  • Assisted founder clients with $600 million estate with complex estate planning and gifting strategies
  • Defended an IRS audit of an estate tax return (Form 706) in a complex estate involving fractional real estate interests that resulted in a 70 percent reduction in additional tax liabilities
  • Represented beneficiaries in trust administration across California, Florida and Maine, resolving a dispute among beneficiaries regarding payment of estate tax liabilities

  • Represented beneficiary in trust administration; advocated for client against decedent’s business partners on a buy-sell agreement in a post-death acquisition
  • Defended widow in a will contest filed by stepsons resulting in a settlement of a nominal payout totaling less than 3 percent of initial demand
  • Represented corporate bank fiduciary in $110 million trust administration in dispute with beneficiary who misappropriated funds from decedent’s estate
  • Represented Napa wine family in trust administration and mediation regarding division of vineyard property resulting in significant financial savings to the client
  • Assisted client with administration of $35 million estate providing support to a Chinese national beneficiary

Credentials

Education

  • University of San Francisco (LL.M., Taxation)
  • University of Santa Clara School of Law (J.D.)
  • University of California - San Diego (B.A.)

Admissions

Bar Admissions

  • California, 2016

Recognitions

  • Best Lawyers in America®, "Ones to Watch," 2021-2024

Professional Activities

  • San Mateo County Bar Association, Estate Planning Section
  • Kasner Symposium, Committee Member

Community Involvement

  • PARCA Auxiliary, Board Vice President