California Estate Planning & Trust Litigation Attorney Protecting Families, Defending Legacies, and Resolving Inheritance Disputes

Christina M. Wickers Herman is a Managing Partner at Wickers, Wickers & Admans LLP, where her practice focuses on California trust and estate litigation, contested probate matters, and high-conflict fiduciary disputes, with an emphasis on resolving complex inheritance and family wealth conflicts as well as Estate Planning to avoid some of the conflicts that may arise.
Mrs. Wickers Herman, as lead litigation counsel, regularly represents trustees, beneficiaries, heirs, and fiduciaries in disputes involving trust administration, breach of fiduciary duty, undue influence, elder financial abuse, contested accountings, and interpretation of trust instruments. She is retained in matters involving blended families, closely held businesses, and estate assets.
In addition to litigation, Mrs. Wickers Herman advises clients on strategic estate planning designed to minimize future disputes, drawing on her litigation experience to proactively address risk factors that often lead to trust and probate conflicts, requiring careful consideration of both legal and interpersonal issues.
As Managing Partner and lead litigation counsel, Mrs. Wickers Herman maintains primary responsibility for litigation strategy, client advisement, and case resolution, and is regularly consulted on matters requiring probate counsel. She is known for her ability to assess risks, develop efficient litigation strategies, and guide cases toward resolution while remaining fully prepared to proceed to trial when necessary.
In addition to litigation, Mrs. Wickers Herman advises clients on estate planning with a focus on dispute avoidance, drawing on her litigation background to design plans that withstand scrutiny and reduce the likelihood of future conflicts.
Mrs. Wickers Herman is known for her practical, results-driven approach, guiding clients through emotionally charged disputes while working toward efficient resolution through motion practice, mediation, settlement, or trial when necessary. She has successfully handled matters at mediation at trial and regularly appears in Los Angeles County probate courts.
Mrs. Wickers Herman has been recognized by her peers with an Avvo 10/10 rating and through selection to Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2020, 2022 and Super Lawyers list in 2027. She was also included in Los Angeles Magazine as one of their Top 28 Attorneys in Wills & Estates in Los Angeles magazine in the October 2026 issue. She has been licensed to practice law in California since 2012. Mrs. Wickers Herman is also actively involved in legal education and community service.
Bar/Professional Activity
- Court Appointed Counsel for the Los Angeles Superior Court representing Proposed Conservatee’s rights, 2018 to present
- South Bay Bar Association Member 2012 to present, and sponsor
- Los Angeles Bar Association Member, Trust and Estates Section 2012 to present
- Western State College of Law Bar Association, 1L and 2L Student Representative, 2008–2011
- Member of the South Bay Estate Planning Counsel 2026-present
- Member of Benjamin Aranda American Inns of Court 2026-present
Pro bono/Community Service
- Board of Advisors for Bishop Montgomery High School, 2024 to present
- Moot Court Judge for the American Moot Court Association, 2015 to present
- Keep the Esplanade Beautiful, Sponsor 2025 to present
- Emcee and Event Coordinator, Orangewood Children’s Foundation, Orange, 2012
- Cancer Support Community, Redondo Beach, 2012
- Event Co-Chair, American Cancer Society, Relay for Life Beach Cities, 2007
- Judge, 10th Annual American Bar Association Labor & Employment Law Mock Trial Competition, 2013
- Assistant Coach, WSU Negotiation Team, 2012-2013
- LA Lawyers Philharmonic and Legal Voices 2013-2014
- Emcee and Event Coordinator, Hope for Kids, San Pedro 2002-2019
- Elks Lodge 2014 to present
- Jim Murray Memorial Foundation 2016 to 2018
Educational Background
- Loyola Marymount University, 1992-1994
- California State University Northridge, B.S. in Business, 2005-2007
- Western State College of Law, J.D., 2009-2012
Scholarly Lectures/Writings
- Wrote the article, Das Closes the Door on Civil Liability for Financial Institution Failure to Make Mandated Elder Abuse Report, that was published in the California State Bar Trust and Estates Quarterly on Financial Elder Abuse, Volume 16, Issue 4, Winter 2010
- Symposium Editor, Western State Law Review, 2010–2011, Editor, Symposium, Western State Law Review, 2011
- Board of Directors, Western State Law Review, 2011–2012, Board of Directors, Western State Law Review, Western State Law Review, 2012
- Worked with speakers, students and staff to produce the yearly Law Review Symposium on various legal topics. Symposium Board, Western State University Law Review, 2011
- On board of the Law Review. Reviewed articles for publication, maintained and directed all online presence, including creating the website for law review. Media Editor, Western State University Law Review, 2011
- Student Writer, Western State University Law Review, 2010
- Reviewed articles to be considered for publication. Created and maintained all online presence for the Law Review. Board Member, Media Editor, Western State University Law Review, 2012
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Included in the October 2026 Issue of Los Angeles Magazine as one of their “Top 28 Attorneys in Wills & Estates”
- Featured in Lawyer Monthly Magazine for Trust and Estate Law 2022
- Choir Member LA Lawyers Philharmonic & Legal Voices 2013–2014, 2013
- Environmental Law Section of the State of California, 13th Annual Student Negotiations Competition, March 23, 2012, 2nd Place, 2012
Firm News (Newsletters)
- Answered questions presented by students in the monthly news letter for the law school. Ask Christina, Western State College Of Law Students
Honors/Awards
- Super Lawyers List, Super Lawyers, in Trust and Estates 2027
- Rising Stars List, Super Lawyers, 2020, 2022
- Recognizing her achievement and success in the legal industry and was Winner in the category of – Estates, Trusts & Family Law – Lawyer of the Year in 2022. Estates, Trusts & Family Law Lawyer of the Year, Women In Law Awards, Lawyer Monthly Magazine, 2022
- Super Lawyers Rising Stars, Super Lawyers, 2022 and Super Lawyers list in 2027.
- Top 10 Attorney Award for the State of California, Family Law. Top 10 Attorney Award Family Law, National Academy of Family Law Attorney’s, 2021
- Winner in the category of Trusts & Estates – USA. Lawyer Monthly Legal Awards, Lawyer Monthly Magazine, 2020
- National Academy of Family Law Attorney’s Top Ten Ranking in the State of California 2021, National Academy of Family Law Attorney’s, 2021
- Women’s Leadership Award, Los Angeles Business Journal – June 2021
- Southern California’s Top Young Attorneys, American Registry, Published in Los Angeles Magazine, 2020
- Recognizing Ms. Wickers achievement and success in the legal industry and winner of the category of Trusts & Estates – USA. Women in Law Awards 2021, Lawyer Monthly Magazine, 2021
- Highest commendation for outstanding community service to the disadvantaged and disabled children of Hope 4 Kids Full Armor Mentors. For dedication, commitment and generosity to the youth of the 15th Council District. City of Los Angeles Certificate of Commendation, City of Los Angeles, Joe Buscaino, Councilmember 15th District, 2019
- Outstanding Community Service to children and families Hope 4 Kids in 2016. Certificate of Recognition, City of Los Angeles, State of California, 2016
- Certificate of Recognition-Outstanding Community Service, City of Carson, 2013, Certificate of Recognition-Outstanding Community Service, City of Carson, 2013
- Certificate of Distinguished Public Service, Western State College of Law, 2012, Certificate of Distinguished Public Service, Western State College of Law, 2012
- Academic Excellence Property, Witkin, 2009, Academic Excellence Property, Witkin, 2009
- Certificate of Appreciation-Dedication to Children, City of Los Angeles, 2013, Certificate of Appreciation-Dedication to Children, City of Los Angeles, 2013
- On behalf or the City of Los Angeles, thanks to Ms. Wickers for her time and dedication to the 2013 Hope 4 Kids/San Pedro Elks Lodge “Toys for Tots.” Also commending her contributions to the children of the community during the holiday season and beyond. Certificate of Appreciation, City of Los Angeles, 2013
- The highest level attainable through the Schools Public Service Program. Her service included a meaningful mix of work on behalf of the County Prosecutor’s office of Los Angeles, in the Hard Core Gang Unit, under attorney Alva Lin, and one of the County’s most successful faith-biased charities, serving abused and at-risk children. She generously donated her time despite a demanding law school schedule and a position of exceptional responsibility with the Law Office of Rodney W. Wickers, Certificate of Exemplary Public Service, Western State University College of Law, 2012
- Outstanding community service to the disadvantaged children and families of Hope 4 Kids in 2017. By Joe Buscaino, Councilmember 15th District, Eric Garcetti, Mayor. Certificate of Recognition, City of Los Angeles, 2017
- Beach Cities Relay for Life, Event Co-Chair of the 2008 Relay for Life. Exceptional Dedication, American Cancer Society, 2008
- Academic Excellence in Property. Witkin Award, Witkin & Western State University College of Law, 2009
- Outstanding community service to disadvantaged and disabled children of Hope 4 Kids Full Armor Mentors. Dedication, commitment and generosity to the youth of the 15th Council District. Signed by Joe Buscaino, Councilmember 15th District. Certificate of Commendation, City of Los Angeles, 2019
- Time, and dedication to the children in the community. Certificate of Appreciation, City of Los Angeles, 2015
- For outstanding valuable service to the residents of Los Angeles. For commitment and dedication to the community. Certificate of Congressional Commendation, U.S. House of Representatives, 2013
- In recognition and sincerest appreciation for outstanding community service and inspirational dedication in support of the Hope for Kids and San Pedro Elks Lodge Christmas Outreach. Exceptional leadership and remarkable contributions to the community. Certificate of Recognition, The City of Carson, 2013
- For outstanding community service provided to Hope 4 Kids disadvantaged and disabled children and their families, at the annual “Christmas Outreach” event. , City of Los Angeles Certificate of Appreciation, Janice Hahn, Councilwoman 15th District, 2009
- In honor of outstanding and valuable service to the residents of Los Angeles. In recognition of commitment and dedication to the community.