The people behind your plan.
A dedicated team supporting a firm established in 1987 — committed to thoughtful estate planning and attentive client service.
J. Peter Wakeman
A California State Bar Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law, Peter concentrates his practice on estate and tax planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. He founded Wakeman Law Group in 1987.
Experience
Prior to founding the firm in 1987, Peter served as University Affairs Legal Counsel and Director of Planned Giving at Pepperdine University in Malibu, where he was also Adjunct Professor of Business Law at Seaver College and taught at the School of Law.
Publications & Speaking
Peter has written extensively on estate and tax planning. He co-authored “Charitable Options: The Use of an Option Agreement to Facilitate Gifts of Real Estate to Charitable Remainder Trusts,” published in The Estates, Gifts and Trusts Journal, and has written for the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate News of the State Bar of California. He is a frequent seminar speaker on tax and estate planning strategies.
Education
- J.D., Stetson University, St. Petersburg, Florida
- B.A., Vanderbilt University, Nashville, Tennessee
Affiliations
- State Bar of California
- The Florida Bar
- American Bar Association
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Ventura County Bar Association
- Ventura County Community Foundation Technical Advisory Council (Past Chairman)
- Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Conejo Valley (Board of Directors)
A dedicated team behind every plan.
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01
Joy Rhoades
Legal Assistant · Office ManagerJoy has worked alongside Mr. Wakeman since the firm's founding in 1987. As office manager, she coordinates the production of all estate planning documents and real-property trust funding. She holds a Bachelor of Arts from Pepperdine University.
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02
Michele Davis
Administrative AssistantMichele joined the firm in 2002 and assists in the production of all estate planning documents. She holds a bachelor's degree from Purdue University.
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Auriel Dye
Legal AssistantAuriel came to the firm with several years of customer service experience and assists with Trust Administration.
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Amy Adams
Administrative AssistantAmy is the firm's first point of contact for clients, both on the phone and at the front desk. She brings several years of customer service and administrative experience and assists with record keeping and estate planning support.
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Jeanette Simanek
Probate ParalegalJeanette joined the firm as a Probate Paralegal. She earned a B.A. in Legal Studies from the University of Central Florida and her J.D. from Chapman University Dale E. Fowler School of Law in 2024.
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Raquel Lipsett
ParalegalRaquel brings nearly 20 years of experience supporting attorneys in estate planning and trust administration. Her background also includes law firm operations and office management. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Services and an Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies, which she earned with high honors.
Let's begin the conversation.
Our team would be glad to help you take the next step in your estate planning.
Request a Consultation