Let’s establish something right at the beginning. Shannon Switzer, J.D., Partner in the law firm Craton, Switzer and Tokar LLP, is a very special person and a highly credentialed professional:
- Bachelor of Arts degree from University of Southern California
- Juris Doctorate degree from Chapman University School of Law
- Admitted and qualified to practice before all of the State Courts in California, the U.S. District Court (Central District of California) and the Supreme Court of the United States
- Certified as a mediator under the Dispute Resolution Program Act in California
- Member of the Orange County and Long Beach Bar Associations – Trust and Estate sections
- Serves on the Chapman University School Law Alumni Advisory Board and the Chapman University Endowment Council
- Works with the Public Law Center to provide volunteer pro bono legal services to Orange County residents in need.
When asked about her decision to become a lawyer, Shannon comments, “I wish I could say there was a defining ‘Ah Ha’ moment, but I just know that from the age of 7, I was drawn to civil rights issues, especially influenced by Martin Luther King and his championship of equality for all. Becoming a lawyer seemed a natural culmination of all of those interests.
“When I began the practice of law, I was drawn to estate planning, probate and trust administration as it was a direct way to be of service. Even though I was concerned that perhaps at times it would be dry and clinical, I found out, actually, it was quite the opposite. Planning for someone’s legacy and helping to implement that plan for their family and heirs is an intimate journey with my clients and their families. Getting the legal work product to correctly reflect my client’s intent is critical to honoring their legacies and providing the guidance and support that reflects my client’s values for the next generation. This area of practice has proven to be very rewarding.
“Our law firm was established in 2002 after senior partner Curt Craton and I left our prior firm to form a new partnership of our own. We wanted to focus on a personalized approach to serving our client’s needs related to estate planning and administration, business formation and management, succession planning, and asset protection. Recently, we have had the good fortune of adding Robert Tokar as a partner, enhancing our business ligation practice and adding a family law practice, including dissolution of marriage and custody matters. To keep our services unique, we have vowed to have a highly personalized and accessible approach to legal services. We listen, all the time thinking what is the best we can do for this client to help them reach their specific goals. In estate planning that includes tax planning and succession planning. Our firm focus is on ‘Preserving your legacy today and beyond.’”
Shannon’s an Old Town Seal Beach resident and her law firm has been a member of the Chamber for the past several years. While she volunteers for the Classic Car show and other Chamber events, her involvement with the Chamber’s Leisure World Outreach Committee, which acts as a liaison between the Leisure World community and the greater Seal Beach community, is especially rewarding. “Leisure World is 1/3 of the population of the City of Seal Beach,” says Shannon, “and the residents there are a great resource for the economy and leadership of Seal Beach. Again this year, there will be a partnership with The Seal Beach Chamber of Commerce and the Golden Rain Foundation to bring community businesses and their products to the grounds of Leisure World for the benefit of member residents. It will be an exciting and productive day for everyone! I’m proud to be a part of the Outreach Committee.”
Contact info: sswitzer@cratonlaw.com; 562-628-5533; 100 Oceangate, Suite 1200, Long Beach, CA, 90802.
