Susan H. McCollum is a versatile member of the Hollister & Brace law firm. She has both a degree in radiological technology and a bachelor of science degree in accounting from Weber State University.
At the J. Reuben Clark School of Law at Brigham Young University, Ms. McCollum emphasized taxation and estate planning in her studies. She wrote the chapter on corporate taxation for the Journal of Legal Studies.
Ms. McCollum has been employed by Hollister & Brace since 1983. In addition to the creation of estate plans to accomplish the planning goals of her clients, she has handled complex litigation including real estate disputes, and complex estate and trust litigation.
Ms. McCollum is dedicated to providing estate planning services to clients in a cost-effective manner. She uses technology which allows the creation of customized estate plans for her clients’ unique needs as efficiently as possible.
Ms. McCollum’s practice includes counsel to trustees handling trust administrations as well as probate administrations for estates of decedents. Representation of conservatees and conservators is also a significant part of her practice.
While being dedicated to informal dispute resolution where possible, Ms. McCollum is a zealous advocate when a dispute must be decided by the court. She has many years of experience with depositions and other discovery methods.
Respected by her peers in the Santa Barbara legal community, Ms. McCollum was awarded the Attorney of the Year award by Santa Barbara Women Lawyers in 1999.
In addition to providing service to the Santa Barbara County Bar Association both as an officer and director, Ms. McCollum is active in the William L. Gordon Chapter of the American Inns of Court in Santa Barbara as a Master of the Bar and a member of the Executive Board. She also is a long-time delegate from Santa Barbara to the California Conference of Delegates and works there to improve legislation in California.
For many years, Ms. McCollum has held an “AV” rating from Martindale Hubbell, Inc., its highest rating awarded to attorneys.
Education:
-
J.D., 1982, J. Reuben Clark Law School
at Brigham Young University - B.S. in accounting, 1979,
- Weber State University
- A.A.S. in radiological technology 1975,
Weber State University
Membership-Law:
- California Bar Association (Admitted 1983)
- Utah Bar Association (Admitted 1982)
- Santa Barbara County Bar Association (Director 1994, 1996-2000, President 1999)
- Santa Barbara Women Lawyers (Founding member, President 1989-92)
- Inns of Court – Master of the Bar
Practice Areas:
- Estate Planning
- Trust Administration
- Probate and Trust Litigation
- Real Estate Litigation