Business Details
Trusted Legal Representation Since 1888
Established in 1888, our firm stands as the third oldest law practice in California, combining over 125 years of collective legal expertise with modern legal strategies. Our attorneys specialize in Litigation, Real Estate, Business Law, Arbitration & Mediation, Probate, Trust Administration, Conservatorships, Guardianships, and Estate Planning. We serve local and national businesses, real estate leaders, government agencies, and individuals seeking premier legal representation. Our legacy of excellence is underscored by our designation as preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell, reflecting our commitment to professional skills and ethics.We emphasize individual attorney specialization, teamwork, and technology to deliver results-driven solutions tailored to each client's needs. Our client roster includes sitting and retired judges, fellow attorneys, elected officials, and prominent business owners, a testament to our trusted reputation in Northern California.
Services
Probate Administration
Trust Administration
Estate Planning
Real Estate Law
Business Litigation
Highlights and features
- We offer over 125 years of combined legal experience in Northern California.
- Our attorneys specialize in diverse practice areas including estate planning and litigation.
- Recognized as preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell for professional skills and ethics.
- Our client base includes judges, attorneys, and prominent business leaders.
- We combine individual attorney specialization with modern legal technology.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale-Hubbell
What people say
Multi-generational experience
Martindale-Hubbell highest ratings
Deep local knowledge
Estate planning expertise
Trusted representation
Services
Probate Administration
Our Probate Administration service guides clients through estate settlement processes following death. We handle court filings, asset management, creditor claims, and property sales while ensuring compliance with California probate laws. Clients benefit from our decades of experience resolving complex estate matters efficiently and compassionately.
Trust Administration
Trust Administration involves managing revocable and irrevocable trusts according to grantor intentions. We oversee trust assets, facilitate property sales, prepare beneficiary accountings, and resolve trust litigation. Our attorneys combine technical expertise with personalized service to ensure smooth trust administration for families and institutions.
Estate Planning
Estate Planning creates comprehensive strategies for asset protection and transfer. We draft wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual circumstances. Our approach balances legal precision with practical solutions to safeguard family legacies and minimize future legal complications through proactive planning.
Real Estate Law
Real Estate Law services cover property transactions, title disputes, and development matters. We represent clients in commercial and residential deals, ensuring compliance with California land use regulations. Our experience spans complex real estate closings and litigation resolution for property owners and businesses.
Business Litigation
Business Litigation addresses commercial disputes through courtroom advocacy and alternative dispute resolution. We represent clients in contract disputes, partnership conflicts, and business torts. Our approach combines aggressive representation with strategic counsel to protect business interests while minimizing operational disruption.
People
Robert F. Sinclair
Lawyer
Robert F. Sinclair graduated from UC Davis with honors in 1974 and earned his Juris Doctorate, bringing decades of legal expertise to our firm's clients.
Randall R. Wilson
Lawyer
Randall R. Wilson, a Placer County native with 33+ years of practice, specializes in business law and community-focused legal representation across Northern California.
Russell P. Baldo
Lawyer
Russell P. Baldo, admitted to California Bar in 1973, focuses on estate planning and probate, becoming the first non-Chamberlain partner in 1980 after joining in 1974.
Scott D. Christensen
Lawyer
Scott D. Christensen provides 22+ years of real estate law expertise, serving Northern California clients with specialized legal counsel and transactional support.
Vicki L. Canales
Paralegal
Vicki L. Canales brings extensive paralegal experience since 1984, supporting our legal team with meticulous case management and client coordination across office locations.
Questions
What areas of law does Sinclair, Wilson, Baldo & Chamberlain specialize in?
We specialize in Probate, Trust Administration, Estate Planning, Real Estate Law, Business Litigation, and Conservatorships/Guardianships proceedings.
How long has the firm been in operation?
Our firm traces its roots to 1888 in Auburn, California, making us the third oldest law firm in the state with continuous operation.
What makes your firm different from other Northern California law practices?
We combine over 125 years of collective experience with Martindale-Hubbell's highest professional ratings and deep community roots across multiple generations.
Do you handle both individual and business client matters?
Yes, we represent individuals, families, local businesses, and national organizations in both personal and commercial legal matters across Northern California.
How are trust and probate matters typically resolved?
We employ a combination of court administration, mediation, and negotiated settlements to resolve trust and probate matters efficiently while protecting client interests.
