JOHN "JACK" COWARD
PARTNER
BIO
Jack Coward has been a licensed attorney with his law office in Silicon Valley for more than forty five (45) years.
He graduated magna cum laude from College of the Pacific, University of the Pacific in 1972. Mr. Coward graduated from McGeorge School of Law in 1976. He taught law for more than twenty four (24) years in San Jose State University’s College of Business. His teaching included courses at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
He has been recognized as a Super Lawyer and AV rated attorney by Martindale Hubbel for more than fifteen (15) straight years.
In addition to the preparation of thousands of estate plans he is an experienced litigator in the areas of estate and trust law and administration. His trials have involved claims for lack of mental capacity to execute an estate plan, undue influence, elder abuse and forged wills, trusts and deeds. He has represented contractors, design professionals (architects and engineers) in a wide variety of matters whether they were plaintiffs or defendants. He has been involved in the settlement of family partnerships where the assets exceed $100,000,000 in value.
Because of his trial expertise Jack has been asked to serve as mediator, arbitrator and special master by the Courts and a variety of attorneys. He is a principal in Resolution TEAM, a private mediation firm
MATTHEW GEISICK
MANAGING PARTNER
BIO
Matthew “Matt” Geisick has been a licensed attorney for more than eleven (11) years. During the past ten (10) years, his practice has focused on estate planning and estate and trust litigation and administration.
During his ten (10) years in trusts and estate, Matt has prepared hundreds of estate plans, administered countless estate and trusts, and litigated numerous matters including cases involving undue influence, elder abuse, loss of capacity, and forged estate planning documents. Matt has also represented beneficiaries in actions against Trustees including suspension and removal. He is on the court appointed attorney conservatorship panel for Santa Clara County and has represented dozens of proposed conservatees.
Matt is the Immediate Past President of the Silicon Valley Bar Association (“SVBA”). The SVBA is the premiere bar association for Trust and Estates attorneys in Santa Clara County and Southern San Mateo County. He continues to serve as a member of the SVBA Board of Trustees.
Prior to starting his Trust and Estates practice, Matt interned at the District Attorney’s office and worked for a local criminal defense attorney. As a result, he made hundreds of appearances in local courts and has extensive court room experience. He is an Eagle Scout.
Throughout his professional career Jack has served a number of nonprofit organizations including Cupertino Community Services, PACE (Autistic Center), AYSO Soccer, Habitat for Humanity, and Silicon Valley Bar Association.
Areas of Practice
70% Estates and Trusts
40% Litigation
30% Business and Real Estate Planning
Bar Admissions:
California, 1976
Education:
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific, Sacramento, California
J.D. - 1976
University of the Pacific, College of the Pacific - 1972
Honors: Magna Cum Laude
Classes/Seminars:
Arbitration Section of the Santa Clara County Bar Association; San Mateo County Bar Association - "ADR in the Probate Department", Speaker
Silicon Valley Bar Association - "Serving as a Referee Appointed By the Santa Clara County Superior Court"
Silicon Valley Bar Association Luncheon Seminar - "Mediation; The Medication for an Ailing Estate or Trust", Speaker
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Silicon Valley Bar Association, Member and Form Treasurer; Executive Committee of the Estate Planning, Trust and Probate section of the Silicon Valley Bar Association, Member; Santa Clara County Bar Association, Member Judiciary Committee; Sunnyvale-Cupertino Bar Association, Member
Education:
Lincoln Law School of San Jose, San Jose, California
San Jose State University
Major: Broadcast Journalism
Professional Associations and Memberships:
Silicon Valley Bar Association, President
Community Technology Alliance, General Counsel
Past Employment Positions:
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office, Intern
Mortgage Bank, Account Manager