Atty. Michael Gilfix

Atty. Michael Gilfix

Michael Gilfix is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust law, probate law and 5 other areas of law. Michael received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years.

Palo Alto Palo Alto 53 yrs experience 53 year
Call (650) 549-9105 Book Appointment

Estate Planning & More Attorney · Serving Palo Alto, CA · 53+ Years Experience

Profile Summary

About Michael Gilfix at a Glance

Michael Gilfix is a Member, Principal based in Palo Alto, California, practicing at Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP. They have 53+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1973. Their practice focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, and elder law. Admitted to practice in California (1973). Educated at Stanford University (J.D., 1973) and Stanford University (B.A., 1969). Recognitions include AV Preeminent. Serves clients in Palo Alto, CA and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated October 2026

About Michael Gilfix

  • Michael Gilfix is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust law, probate law and 5 other areas of law
  • Michael received a B.A. degree from Stanford University in 1969, and has been licensed for 53 years
  • Michael practices at Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP in Palo Alto, CA

Practice Areas Explained

Michael Gilfix's Areas of Legal Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael Gilfix handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Palo Alto.

Trusts in Palo Alto

Michael Gilfix is one of 103,428 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in California →

Probate in Palo Alto

Michael Gilfix is one of 127,041 probate attorneys indexed nationally. Browse probate attorneys in California →

Estate Planning & Probate in Palo Alto

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

Michael Gilfix is one of 224,789 estate planning attorneys indexed nationally. Browse estate planning attorneys in California →

Elder Law in Palo Alto

Elder law attorneys for Medicaid planning, long-term care, guardianship, conservatorship, and elder abuse.

Michael Gilfix is one of 52,999 elder law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse elder law attorneys in California →

Jurisdictional Context

Why Local Counsel Matters in Palo Alto

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 Palo Alto 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.

Palo Alto Courts and Legal Process

Choosing a Palo Alto-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 Palo Alto or all attorneys in California.

Frequently Asked

Common Questions About Michael Gilfix

Where is Michael Gilfix's law office located?
Michael Gilfix's law practice is located in Palo Alto, California. The firm is Gilfix & La Poll Associates, LLP. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does Michael Gilfix handle?
Michael Gilfix focuses on trusts, probate, estate planning, elder law. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in California.
How long has Michael Gilfix practiced law?
Michael Gilfix has 53+ years of legal experience and has been licensed since 1973.
Where did Michael Gilfix go to law school?
Michael Gilfix earned their education at (J.D., 1973); (B.A., 1969).
How can I contact Michael Gilfix for a consultation?
You can contact Michael Gilfix 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 Michael Gilfix received?
Michael Gilfix's notable recognition includes: AV Preeminent.

Professional Profile

Why Clients in Palo Alto Choose Michael Gilfix

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 Michael Gilfix's practice in the field of trusts, probate, estate planning, and elder law.

Decade-Tested Legal Experience

Michael Gilfix brings 53+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.

Broad Practice Area Coverage

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

Local Presence in Palo Alto

A Palo Alto-based practice means Michael Gilfix 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 Michael Gilfix Handles in Palo Alto

Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael Gilfix 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 Michael Gilfix directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.

Search Reference

How People Find Michael Gilfix Online

Prospective clients searching for legal help in Palo Alto 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 Michael Gilfix.

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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 Michael Gilfix directly.

Education & Law School Background

J.D.
Stanford University
- 1973
B.A.
Stanford University
- 1969

Awards & Professional Honors

AV Preeminent

Bar Admissions & Licensed Jurisdictions

California
Admitted: 1973

Client Reviews & Ratings — Michael Gilfix

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