George Butler Johnston, Elder Law Attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate
MemberatNill & Johnston
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
Practicing elder law in Rancho Santa Margarita since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you George Butler Johnston?
This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.
Quick answer
George Butler Johnston is a member based in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. George has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nill & Johnston.
- Based in
- Rancho Santa Margarita, CA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Elder Law · Estate Planning · Probate
- Handles Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate matters from Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About George Butler Johnston: George Butler Johnston is a member based in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. George has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nill & Johnston.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by George Butler Johnston
George concentrates on elder law, estate planning, probate, ssd, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case George handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Elder Law
View other Elder Law attorneys
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
Probate
View other Probate attorneys
SSD
View other SSD attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Elder Law cases in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
George takes elder law matters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
George takes estate planning matters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
George takes probate matters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
SSD cases in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
George takes ssd matters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
George takes trusts matters in Rancho Santa Margarita, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before George agrees to represent you.
Biography
About George Butler Johnston — Over 39 years of California elder law experience
George Butler Johnston is a member based in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA. The practice focuses on Elder Law, Estate Planning, and Probate. George has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Nill & Johnston.
George Butler Johnston is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust law, probate and 2 other areas of law. George received a B.A. degree from George Mason University in 1975, and has been licensed for 39 years. George practices at Nill & Johnston in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
How George handles elder law matters
George Butler Johnston is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trust law, probate and 2 other areas of law. George received a B.A. degree from George Mason University in 1975, and has been licensed for 39 years. George practices at Nill & Johnston in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA.
The kind of cases George takes
George reviews new inquiries case-by-case for elder law, estate planning, and probate matters in Rancho Santa Margarita and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
George Butler Johnston's legal education and bar admissions
Simon Greenleaf School of Law
J.D. · 1986
George Mason University
B.A. Government · 1975
Jurisdictions
George's state bar admissions
California
1987 · ACTIVE
George studied at J.D. in Simon Greenleaf School of Law and B.A. Government in George Mason University.
Law school and academic background
George completed J.D. in Simon Greenleaf School of Law and B.A. Government in George Mason University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice George runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
George's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California (Member, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section) National Organization of Social Security Claimants' Representatives Estate Planning Council of South Orange County
membership
Locations
George Butler Johnston's office in Rancho Santa Margarita
George's primary office is at 30021 Tomas, Ste. 300, Rancho Santa Margarita, CA, 92688-2128. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Nill & Johnston
30021 Tomas, Ste. 300
Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2128
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of George Butler Johnston
George has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
Only verified clients who have consulted with George Butler Johnston can leave a review.
Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire George Butler Johnston — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new elder law attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with George usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
George charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain George's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; George will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a elder law attorney in Rancho Santa Margarita, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many elder law matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for George
George discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in elder law practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every elder law matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. George confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
George's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many elder law practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about George Butler Johnston
How much does it cost to hire George for a elder law case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. George walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does George offer a free consultation?
George charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain George's office. Some elder law attorneys offer free consults — check George's current terms during booking.
How long do elder law cases in California typically take?
Simple elder law matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. George gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can George take my case if I'm outside Rancho Santa Margarita?
George is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — George will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with George?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. George will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is George accepting new elder law clients right now?
George's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Elder Law attorneys serving Rancho Santa Margarita, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California
George handles elder law matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified elder law attorneys in that community.
- Rancho Santa Margarita109 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated elder law attorneys in California
If George's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these elder law attorneys in Rancho Santa Margarita handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Mark S. Drobny
Sacramento, California
5.0· 395
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

Arsen Sarapinian, Esq.
Beverly Hills, California
5.0· 100

Jeffrey Robert Loew
San Mateo, California
5.0· 47

Michael Brett Abramson
San Diego, California
5.0· 39

Blaine Morgan Brown
San Juan Capistrano, California
5.0· 34