Raymond George Ellis, Estate Planning Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 54 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, General, and Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Senior CounselatOrrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
San Francisco, CA
Practicing estate planning in San Francisco since 1972.
- 54+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Raymond George Ellis?
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
Raymond George Ellis is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Tax. Raymond has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 54 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · General · Tax
- Handles Estate Planning, General, and Tax matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 54 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Raymond George Ellis: Raymond George Ellis is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Tax. Raymond has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Raymond George Ellis
Raymond concentrates on estate planning, general, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Raymond handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
View other Estate Planning attorneys
General
View other General attorneys
Tax
View other Tax attorneys
Trusts
View other Trusts attorneys
Estate Planning cases in San Francisco, California
Raymond takes estate planning matters in San Francisco, 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 Raymond agrees to represent you.
General cases in San Francisco, California
Raymond takes general matters in San Francisco, 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 Raymond agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in San Francisco, California
Raymond takes tax matters in San Francisco, 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 Raymond agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in San Francisco, California
Raymond takes trusts matters in San Francisco, 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 Raymond agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Raymond George Ellis — Over 54 years of California estate planning experience
Raymond George Ellis is a senior counsel based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, General, and Tax. Raymond has over 54 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Raymond George Ellis is a lawyer practicing tax, private wealth, nonprofit organizations and 1 other area of law. Raymond received a B.A. degree from Wheaton College in 1965, and has been licensed for 54 years. Raymond practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Working with Raymond on a estate planning matter
Mr. Raymond George Ellis is a lawyer practicing tax, private wealth, nonprofit organizations and 1 other area of law. Raymond received a B.A. degree from Wheaton College in 1965, and has been licensed for 54 years. Raymond practices at Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP in San Francisco, CA.
Who Raymond represents
Raymond reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, general, and tax matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Raymond George Ellis's legal education and bar admissions
University of California, Hastings College of the Law
J.D. · 1972
Wheaton College
B.A. Mathematics · 1965
Jurisdictions
Raymond's state bar admissions
California
1972 · ACTIVE
Raymond studied at J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of the Law and B.A. Mathematics in Wheaton College.
Law school and academic background
Raymond completed J.D. in University of California, Hastings College of the Law and B.A. Mathematics in Wheaton College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Raymond runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Raymond George Ellis
Raymond has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Raymond's professional memberships and bar associations
State Bar of California
membership
The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
bar_fellowship
Locations
Raymond George Ellis's office in San Francisco
Raymond's primary office is at The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street, San Francisco, CA, 94105-2625. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP
The Orrick Building, 405 Howard Street
San Francisco, CA 94105-2625
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Raymond George Ellis — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Raymond. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Raymond George Ellis claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Raymond George Ellis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Raymond usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Raymond charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Raymond'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; Raymond will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning 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 Raymond
Raymond discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning 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. Raymond confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Raymond's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Raymond George Ellis
How much does it cost to hire Raymond for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Raymond walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Raymond offer a free consultation?
Raymond charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Raymond's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Raymond's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in California typically take?
Simple estate planning 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. Raymond gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Raymond take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
Raymond 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 — Raymond 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 Raymond?
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. Raymond will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Raymond accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Raymond's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
Raymond handles estate planning matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 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
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
More counsel
Other top-rated estate planning attorneys in California
If Raymond's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in San Francisco handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Mark S. Drobny
Sacramento, California
5.0· 395

Michael Shemtoub
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 218

Farid Yaghoubtil
Los Angeles, California
5.0· 155
Douglas MacMillan Borthwick
Santa Ana, California
5.0· 118

David Payab, Esq.
Woodland Hills, California
5.0· 108

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