Atty. James Howard Efting

Atty. James Howard Efting

James Howard Efting is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning, trust law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.S. degree from California State University at San Jose in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years.

Sunnyvale Sunnyvale 47 yrs experience 47 year
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Estate Planning & More Attorney · Serving Sunnyvale, CA · 47+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About James Howard Efting at a Glance

James Howard Efting is a Member based in Sunnyvale, California, practicing at Jackson & Efting. They have 47+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1979. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, and estate planning. Admitted to practice in California (1979), U.S. District Court, Northern District of California (1979), and U.S. Supreme Court (1987). Educated at University of Santa Clara (J.D., 1979) and California State University at San Jose (B.S., 1976). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Active member of Santa Clara (Trustee, 1989) and Sunnyvale-Cupertino (President, 1989) Bar Associations State Bar of California. Serves clients in Sunnyvale, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About James Howard Efting

  • James Howard Efting is a lawyer practicing probate, estate planning, trust law and 1 other area of law
  • James received a B.S. degree from California State University at San Jose in 1976, and has been licensed for 47 years
  • James practices at Jackson & Efting in Sunnyvale, CA

Practice Areas Explained

James Howard Efting's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James Howard Efting handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Sunnyvale.

Trusts in Sunnyvale

James Howard Efting is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Probate in Sunnyvale

James Howard Efting is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →

Estate Planning & Probate in Sunnyvale

An estate planning attorney prepares wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives to protect your family and pass on your assets.

James Howard Efting is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Sunnyvale

Practicing law in California. Legal matters in California are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Sunnyvale are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate California state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in California brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in California courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Sunnyvale Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Sunnyvale-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.

Looking for additional California attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Sunnyvale or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About James Howard Efting

Where is James Howard Efting's law office located?
James Howard Efting's law practice is located in Sunnyvale, California. The firm is Jackson & Efting. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James Howard Efting handle?
James Howard Efting focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has James Howard Efting practiced law?
James Howard Efting has 47+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1979.
Where did James Howard Efting go to law school?
James Howard Efting earned their education at (J.D., 1979); (B.S., 1976).
How can I contact James Howard Efting for a consultation?
You can contact James Howard Efting directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James Howard Efting received?
James Howard Efting's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Sunnyvale Choose James Howard Efting

Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish James Howard Efting's practice in the field of trusts, probate, and estate planning.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

James Howard Efting brings 47+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Multi-State Bar Admission

Licensed in California, U.S. District Court, Northern District of California, and U.S. Supreme Court, James Howard Efting can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

Covering trusts, probate, and estate planning, James Howard Efting can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.

Local Presence in Sunnyvale

A Sunnyvale-based practice means James Howard Efting attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.

Case Types

Common Legal Issues James Howard Efting Handles in Sunnyvale

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James Howard Efting has experience with under California law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.

Last wills and testaments
Estate Planning
Revocable living trusts
Estate Planning
Powers of attorney
Estate Planning
Probate proceedings
Estate Planning

This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact James Howard Efting directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find James Howard Efting Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Sunnyvale commonly use a combination of the attorney's name and their specific legal need. The following search terms frequently lead people to this profile and to attorneys like James Howard Efting.

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If any of the above matches what you searched for, you've found the right profile. Use the contact options at the top of this page to get in touch with James Howard Efting directly.

James Howard Efting's Practice Areas & Specializations

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
University of Santa Clara
- 1979
B.S.
California State University at San Jose
- 1976

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1979
U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
Admitted: 1979
U.S. Supreme Court
Admitted: 1987

Client Reviews & Ratings — James Howard Efting

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