Probate court and DMV hearings are often daunting experiences, but having an attorney with deep courtroom experience can make a significant difference. Rodney Gould, who leads the Law Office of Rodney Gould in Sherman Oaks, brings over 30 years of legal practice to these challenging areas. His unique career path, which includes serving as a civil prosecutor for the United States Postal Service and a special assistant U.S. attorney, equips him with skills that are directly applicable to the contentious nature of probate litigation and the procedural complexities of DMV hearings.
Gould's legal journey began in 1991 when he started as a civil prosecutor for the United States Postal Service, handling mail fraud cases in Washington, D.C. He then served as a special assistant U.S. attorney for the District of Columbia with the Department of Justice. Transitioning to private practice, he represented major national companies, including Starbucks, MCI, USAA, and Bank of America. This blend of government litigation and corporate defense work shapes his approach to probate and administrative cases, providing a solid foundation for advocating on behalf of individuals and families.
Probate disputes rarely remain simple; heirs disagree, wills are challenged, and administration drags on when documents are unclear. Gould has handled numerous probate cases in Superior Courts across California and has argued appeals in several districts of the California Courts of Appeal. His litigation background is crucial when a probate matter turns contentious, as he has stood before a judge defending an estate plan, not just drafted one and hoped it holds up. His probate work covers trust administration, affidavits of heirship, and determination of heirship cases, along with broader estate planning documents such as wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance directives—documents that often become the subject of probate disputes when poorly drafted or contested.
In addition to probate court, the firm also represents clients at DMV hearings, an area of law that receives little attention but can carry serious consequences for a person's ability to drive, work, or maintain independence. These hearings involve their own procedures and deadlines, and having an attorney who understands how to present a case to a state agency can change the outcome. Gould's litigation experience, built across federal and state courtrooms, directly informs how he prepares clients for these proceedings, ensuring they are well-represented in front of administrative bodies.
Gould grew up in Michigan and earned his bachelor's degree from Eureka College in Eureka, Illinois, before completing his law degree at the University of Illinois College of Law. He now runs his practice out of Sherman Oaks, serving clients throughout the Los Angeles area. Beyond his professional commitments, Gould remains active in the community, serving on the boards of organizations including AIDS Project Los Angeles, Project Angel Food, his alma mater Eureka College, the National City Christian Church Foundation, the Disciples Seminary Foundation, and Christian Church Homes of Northern California. He is also connected to First Christian Church of North Hollywood.
A contested probate case or an unexpected DMV hearing can upend a family's finances and daily life quickly. Having an attorney who has litigated these exact issues, rather than one who only handles the paperwork side, gives families a real advocate when things get complicated. Gould's decades in courtrooms across the country back up the guidance he gives clients facing these situations. For more information, visit the Law Office of Rodney Gould website.
