What do you not handle?

We do not take criminal defense or family law matters. If your issue falls outside our focus, we will tell you early and point you toward a qualified attorney when we can.

Do you always file a lawsuit?

No. We start with an Initial Case Assessment to weigh the facts, the law, the cost, and the leverage. Many disputes resolve through a demand, negotiation, or mediation before a complaint is ever filed.

California Civil Litigation Attorneys

Focused representation in trust and estate litigation, inheritance disputes, commercial and contract matters, and real-property disputes for individuals and businesses across California.

Schedule a Free Consultation (415) 275-1492

The attorneys on your case

Mark C. Smith

Principal Attorney & Founder

Berkeley Law · AmLaw Top 50 Firm · Federal Clerk · Combat Veteran
Nicholas Jacobs

Attorney, Estate Planning

Northwestern California Law
Seth Steward

Litigation Attorney

GW Law · Harvard Kennedy · Former Prosecutor · Air Force Veteran

Veteran-Founded & Led

Founded by Mark C. Smith, U.S. Army combat veteran.
Berkeley Law-Trained

Educated at UC Berkeley School of Law.
California Statewide

SF · Sacramento · Los Angeles · San Diego.

We take a focused approach to civil litigation. Rather than handling every kind of case, we concentrate on disputes where careful preparation and judgment move the outcome: trust and estate litigation, inheritance and beneficiary disputes, commercial and contract matters, business torts, and real-property disputes.

That focus pairs with our inheritance disputes practice and our general counsel work for California businesses.

Not sure you have a case? Start with an assessment.

Filing is rarely the first move. We begin with an Initial Case Assessment that weighs the facts, the law, the realistic cost, and the leverage, so you know where you stand before spending on a lawsuit.

Disputes we take on

Trust and estate litigation, including contested wills, trustee removal, breach of fiduciary duty, and beneficiary disputes
Commercial and contract disputes, including breach, indemnity, and payment claims
Business torts such as fraud, interference with contract, and unfair competition
Real-property litigation, including ownership, boundary, easement, and co-ownership disputes

What we refer out

Part of being useful is being honest about fit. We do not take these on, and we will point you toward a qualified attorney when we can:

Criminal defense
Family law and divorce
Post-judgment enforcement and collections

Our approach

We begin with an Initial Case Assessment: a clear-eyed look at the facts, the governing law, the realistic cost, and the leverage on each side. Many disputes resolve through a well-built demand, negotiation, or mediation. When litigation is necessary, the groundwork is already done.

Why Corcoran Smith Law Corp.

Civil litigation rewards preparation. The side that understands the documents, the law, and the leverage usually controls the outcome.

Corcoran Smith Law is a California firm with offices in Sacramento and San Francisco. We are veteran owned. The partner works the matter, and clients are not handed off to a junior associate after the first call.

Concentrating on trust and estate litigation, inheritance disputes, commercial and contract matters, and real-property disputes means we move faster and waste less of your money getting up to speed.

Schedule a Free Case Assessment

Tell us about the dispute. We will weigh the facts, the law, and the leverage, and explain the realistic next step.

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What to bring to your consultation

The contract or agreement at issue
Key emails, letters, and invoices
Any demand letters or court papers you have received
A short timeline of what happened
The outcome you are hoping for

Prefer to call?

(415) 275-1492

Frequently asked

Civil litigation questions

What kinds of civil cases do you take?

We focus on trust and estate litigation, inheritance and beneficiary disputes, commercial and contract matters, business torts, and real-property litigation. Our work pairs naturally with our inheritance disputes and general counsel practices.
What do you not handle?

We do not take criminal defense or family law matters. If your issue falls outside our focus, we will tell you early and point you toward a qualified attorney when we can.
Do you always file a lawsuit?

No. We start with an Initial Case Assessment to weigh the facts, the law, the cost, and the leverage. Many disputes resolve through a demand, negotiation, or mediation before a complaint is ever filed.

Client reviews

What our clients say

4.8 · 33 Google reviews

Thank you Nicholas Jacobs for your professionalism, attentiveness and commitment to helping us with some legal documentation. If you’re looking for a lawyer who’s articulate, knowledgeable and makes you feel comfortable, look no further! We’re so fortunate we had Nicholas help us navigate our needs every step of the way.

Nagam Jabbar October 2024 · Google
Nick and Mark were amazing to work with! Nick is such a nice man, and he was extremely knowledgeable and professional. He was passionate about his work, honest and very kind and supportive during my journey in contesting a trust. He communicated his strategies every step of the way and the documents he wrote were a testament to his commitment in helping me. Every T was crossed and every I was dotted. We had a good outcome, but even if we hadn’t, I would have been 100% satisfied with the effort he put into our case. I highly recommend this firm based on their professionalism, knowledge, commitment, honesty, and communication.

Kimberly Brink August 2025 · Google
Mark and Nicholas have been extremely professional, knowledgeable, and helpful throughout our legal matters. Mark assisted us with business related matters, while Nicholas guided us through estate planning and setting up our trust. Both took the time to explain everything clearly and led us in the right direction every step of the way. Their expertise, responsiveness, and attention to detail gave us confidence throughout the process. We highly recommend Mark and Nicholas to anyone seeking trustworthy and experienced legal counsel.

Elegant Auto Sales June 2026 · Google
I am very grateful to Corcoran Smith Law Corp for their outstanding support with my legal matter. From the very beginning, my lawyer took the time to truly listen to my concerns and explained everything clearly so I could understand the process. Nick was patient, compassionate, and always kept me updated, which gave me peace of mind during a very stressful time. His communication was excellent. I never felt left in the dark and always knew what was happening with my case. I felt like I had someone genuinely on my side who cared about the outcome. I highly recommend him and the entire team at Corcoran Smith Law Corp for anyone who needs legal guidance. They are professional, knowledgeable, and dedicated to their clients.

Rosheil Major August 2025 · Google
Attorney Nick was Great!! Five Star Excellence in his expert counsel composing my custom living trust. Nick was such a pleasure to work with during this difficult and confusing process. He advised me of all the important considerations and processes best suited for my custom individual planning. All documents meticulously organized for clients’ easy reference and understanding. Keeping me informed every step of the way; always readily responsive for call back/email to questions. I highly recommend him to all living trust clients and/or other legal matters!! Thank you so much Nick

Julie Jacobs June 2024 · Google
Attorney Jacobs was diligent, patient, knowledgeable and detailed in assisting me. Thank you Nick for your help with my legal matters. I highly recommend Nick Jacobs to anyone seeking legal assistance.

Crocks Supreme October 2024 · Google