02/13/2026
The State Bar of California has proudly recognized W. Bailey Smith as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law. Remarkably, less than ½ of 1% of all attorneys achieve this prestigious certification in such a specialized field.
To earn this distinction, Bailey successfully completed a rigorous full-day written examination focused on estate planning, trust, and probate law. He also demonstrated extensive expertise and the required years of experience in these areas.
As part of the certification process, Bailey was evaluated by fellow attorneys and judges who are well-acquainted with his work in estate planning and probate matters.
While any attorney can claim proficiency in a specific legal field, how can you be sure they truly possess the expertise? If an attorney practices in multiple areas—from immigration to family law and estate planning—it could raise concerns. Would you trust a heart surgeon who also claims to be a podiatrist, dentist, and gastroenterologist? When dealing with complex issues, it’s wise to seek a specialist, whether in medicine or law.
Beware of attorneys who merely "dabble" in estate planning, as this can lead to ineffective or even dangerous outcomes. The State Bar of California has established a "certified specialist" program to help you identify attorneys who are truly experts in their field. This certification ensures that you are hiring someone who has proven proficiency in estate planning.
If you need to create a living trust, update an existing trust, or seek assistance with probate matters, contact the "Trust Doctor," W. Bailey Smith, at 949-833-8891, who has been certified as an estate planning specialist for more than 26 years.
