MICHAEL S. CHIELPEGIAN

Attached Files:

EDUCATION

Doctor of Jurisprudence, Conferred with Distinction, 1995
Stanford Law School

Bachelor of Science, Economics, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1992
Santa Clara University

PRACTICE

Mike’s practice focuses on estate planning, probate and trust administration, and general business and real estate matters.

Estate Planning
For over 15 years, Mike has assisted clients with customizing estate plans that meet their wishes, reduce the risk of future conflicts, and address the various tax issues. Being part of a family business himself, Mike is especially sensitive to issues of business and farm succession planning.

Probate and Trust Administration
After a person dies, Mike represents personal representatives and beneficiaries in both probate and trust administration matters. His experience in matters big and small, friendly and disputed, allows Mike to guide clients through a difficult time with care, efficiency and practicality.

Business and Real Estate Transactions
From working on initial public offerings and venture capital financings in the Bay Area to forming a corporation or limited liability company for a small family farm in Fresno, Mike possesses a wealth of knowledge and experience that is truly unique. Mike has extensive experience in business and real property transactions, including entity formations, financing transactions, sales and purchases of businesses and real estate, and leases.

EXPERIENCE

Mike and his wife Laura moved back to Fresno in 1997 so that Mike could fulfill his life-long dream of practicing law with his father, Elliott Chielpegian. Prior to coming back to Fresno, Mike was a corporate securities lawyer at Gunderson, Dettmer, Strough, Villeneuve, Franklin & Hachigian, LLP in Menlo Park, California representing start-up companies, venture capital firms, investment banks and publicly-traded companies. Before that, Mike was a law clerk for the Honorable Eugene F. Lynch (retired) of the United States District Court, Northern District of California in San Francisco.

Mike is admitted to practice before all California State Courts and the United States District Court for the Northern and Eastern Districts.

HONORS AND AWARDS

Mike is AV rated by Martindale-Hubbell.

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Mike is a member of the State Bar of California, the Fresno County Bar Association and the Estate Planning, Agricultural Law, and Real Estate sections of the Fresno County Bar Association.

PERSONAL

Mike and his wife Laura have 4 children: Matt, Lucy, Gaby and Cate. Mike currently serves on the school board of St. Anthony’s School and is the treasurer for the Edison High Baseball Boosters.