GB

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

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.

Claim this profile — free

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 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.

Main office

Nill & Johnston

30021 Tomas, Ste. 300

Rancho Santa Margarita, CA 92688-2128

Open in Google Maps

Client 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 consultation

Hiring 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.

More counsel

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.