Before he ever entered a courtroom or drafted an estate plan, Leighton experienced what it was like to be a U.S. Marine. Leighton learned many tough lessons in the Marine Corps and developed an interest in law after achieving the rank of captain. His interest in law persisted after leaving the Marine Corps which led him to the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.

While attending law school, Leighton developed an interest in techniques to defend the transfer of wealth. He interned for a federal judge, clerked for an outstanding lawyer who focused on trusts and estates, and concentrated his legal studies in business law and tax law. After graduating, he worked as a judicial intern for the Honorable Judge Marshal Whitley at the Superior Court in Alameda County. Leighton obtained a firm grounding in all of the major areas of federal taxation when went on to obtain a Master in Laws (Taxation) at Golden Gate University School of Law. The application of trust, estate, and tax law to individuals and businesses shifted into high gear when he went on to work for an international tax firm representing private clients and ultimately joining a trusts and estates practice at a boutique law firm.

Today, Leighton’s interest in using techniques to defend the transfer of wealth still exists. However, he now recognizes his integrated trust, estate, and tax experience can provide him with valuable strengths that can be strategically leveraged to help clients.