Guzman Law Group, PC

Above: L to R: Attorneys Charles Scheurich, Carol T. Contes, Drew C. Hallett, Edward Powell, Denise M. Guzman, Charles Shelton, Marcus Chang, Maaha Khan, Jane S. Lee

Highlights

• Business & Finance Transactions
• Trust & Civil Litigation
• Estate Planning & Trust Administration
• Entertainment & Celebrity Estates

Guzman Law Group has been an advocate for the South Bay community for over 30 years. Founded by Denise M. Guzman, the firm delivers legal services that include business and finance transactions, trust and civil litigation, estate planning and trust administration. The experienced team acts as trusted advisors to a diverse clientele, from individuals and families to local entrepreneurs and corporations, providing solutions tailored to each client’s needs. With the firm’s proximity to Hollywood, it also focuses on entertainment law and celebrity estates. Guzman Law Group is certified as a Women’s Business Enterprise by the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

What satisfies you about your job?

Denise M. Guzman, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: It’s incredibly fulfilling to know that the work I do truly makes a difference in people’s lives. Whether I’m helping a client build their dream business, guiding a family through a sensitive estate matter or mentoring a young attorney, there’s a real sense of purpose in what I do. 

What is your advice for your younger clients?

Marcus Chang, Business and Estate Planning Attorney: It’s important to plan ahead to protect yourself and your family because life can change unexpectedly. In my experience, when clients face sudden health issues or emergencies, it’s much easier on their loved ones if proper planning is already in place. Taking the time now to create a thoughtful estate plan brings peace of mind and ensures your family is supported no matter what happens.

Drew Hallett, Business and Litigation Attorney: I advise all my clients—but especially younger clients—not to rely on online templates or AI-generated contracts in place of legal counsel. While it may seem like a cost-saving move, these documents often lack the nuance and specificity needed to protect your interests. I’ve seen too many cases where a client tried to save a few hundred dollars up front, only to spend tens of thousands later resolving a dispute that could have been avoided. A brief consultation with an attorney before signing can save you significant time, money and stress.

What inspired you to pursue this profession? 

Jane S. Lee, Estate Planning, Trust Administration and Probate Attorney: My motivation to focus on estate planning, trusts and probate arose from a desire to assist my loved ones through a difficult time. This experience expanded my perspective and inspired me to serve others in my community facing similar challenges. Today I am committed to guiding individuals and families through these complex legal processes with clarity, compassion and support.

How do you help business owners align their financial goals with philanthropic values? 

Edward Powell, Corporate, Securities, & Finance Attorney: Many of our clients are business owners who want to make a meaningful impact in their communities while also planning for a future sale. A charitable remainder trust can be a smart way to achieve both goals—offering tax advantages and lifetime income while supporting philanthropic causes. It’s important to set it up well before any transaction, so early coordination with legal and tax advisors is key. With the right planning, charitable giving can be both impactful and financially strategic.

What types of industries rely on the services of Guzman Law Group?

Carol T. Contes, Entertainment, Copyright & Trademark Attorney: The South Bay is a vibrant hub for creatives working across entertainment, tech and digital media. Many of my clients are filmmakers, producers and artists in television, streaming, music and theater. We often work with celebrity estates to ensure their intellectual property continues to be utilized with integrity. It’s rewarding to support projects that honor a creator’s legacy while adapting to today’s evolving media landscape.

Drew Hallett: We work with a wide range of industries, but our core clients are family-owned, mid-sized businesses with revenues between $5 million and $200 million. These include companies in architecture, health care, entertainment, skin care and, increasingly, real estate and property management. Family-owned property management companies, in particular, tend to rely on all three of our firm’s pillars of service: business transactions to form and operate the company, estate planning to pass its legacy to the next generation, and litigation when disputes inevitably arise. Our ability to provide all of these services under one roof allows us to develop comprehensive strategies that address overlapping legal issues across business and family dynamics.

Photographed by Marisa Guzmán-Aloia