Attorney Spotlight: Jeffrey M. Oberto
Jeffrey M. Oberto is a Senior Associate with Keystone Law Group, P.C. Jeffrey’s practice is focused primarily on trust, estate, and conservatorship litigation and administration matters.
Prior to joining Keystone, Jeffrey practiced at a probate litigation firm where he represented trustees, beneficiaries, executors, heirs, and conservators in all aspects of litigation. Jeffrey has extensive experience litigating matters involving elder abuse, fraud, incompetency, and undue influence. Jeffrey is passionate about representing individuals from all walks of life during every aspect of the litigation process and doing everything in his power to help each client achieve the best possible outcome.
Fast Facts
We often hear from clients about their appreciation for Jeff’s approachability and his dedication to their cases. Jeff is committed to doing whatever is needed to understand our clients’ goals and then to helping them achieve the best outcome obtainable in the circumstances. Although he already has an impressive set of litigation skills, he is constantly working to improve. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed working with him as part of the Keystone team.
– Partner Jim Bush
Grew up in Fresno
Graduated from University of California, Irvine with an undergraduate degree in Psychology
Graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law
Tutored and mentored children and teens with autism and learning disorders throughout college.
What inspired you to pursue a legal career?
The short answer is my mom. She was a federal prosecutor when I was growing up and became a federal judge in 2010, right as I was navigating my final year of college. As a kid, we’d spend every night at the dinner table, talking about our days, and she would share stories from her cases and trials. Even though I was just a kid and didn’t know anything about law, I’d listen intently and offer my perspective on her cases, not realizing at the time how much those conversations were shaping me. Looking back, those moments weren’t just about law – they were about learning to analyze, to empathize, and to see the world through different lenses.
What skills or qualities do you think are essential for success in your role?
Empathy is at the heart of everything I do. In probate, being able to truly listen, to understand clients’ fears and frustrations, and to offer not just legal guidance but emotional reassurance makes all the difference. I don’t just see cases; I see people, families, and the deeply personal stories behind them.
– Senior Associate Jeffrey M. Oberto
But empathy alone isn’t enough. A strong sense of self is just as crucial. In this field, you’re constantly navigating high-stakes situations, facing difficult decisions, and sometimes dealing with intense emotions from clients and opposing parties alike. If you don’t have confidence in yourself, in your knowledge, and in your ability to lead clients through the process, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. I’ve learned that staying grounded – knowing who I am and why I do this work – helps me push forward even when cases become challenging.
What do you like most about the work that you do?
What I love most is the ability to connect with people from all walks of life, each with their own stories, backgrounds, and challenges. Some clients share experiences similar to mine, while others come from entirely different worlds, but at the end of the day, all of them turn to me and my colleagues for help with something they can’t navigate alone. I’ve learned that the one commonality among all clients, and people, is that they want to be heard and understood. Being able to step in when someone is at their lowest, especially after a loss in the family, is incredibly meaningful. In those moments, when they’re sad, vulnerable, and overwhelmed, I take pride in being a source of reassurance and guidance. Knowing that I can help bring clarity and support during one of the darkest times in their lives is what drives me every day.
What have been some of your most memorable cases?
One of the most memorable cases I’ve worked on involved a woman who had been completely disinherited by her late husband. He had created a trust that excluded her as a beneficiary and even forged an IRA spousal waiver, making it seem as though she had willingly given up her rights. At 70 years old, she found herself struggling financially, despite the significant assets left behind.
When she came to us, she was exhausted, overwhelmed, and uncertain about her future. After years of litigation, we were able to prove that the waiver had been falsified and that her husband had commingled his funds to manipulate the estate. Ultimately, we secured her rightful share – a seven-figure sum that gave her the financial stability she deserved. It was incredibly rewarding to help her reclaim what had been unjustly taken from her and to see the relief and gratitude in her eyes when justice was finally served.
What do you enjoy most about working at Keystone?
There’s so many things to love. First, Keystone is a truly collaborative environment. Plenty of law firms claim to have great culture, but Keystone actually delivers on that promise. Every day, I get the chance to learn from incredibly experienced attorneys while also sharing knowledge of my own – it’s this constant exchange of ideas that makes working here so fulfilling.
The firm also offers a level of flexibility that’s rare in the legal industry. Whether it’s a personal or professional need, I know I can count on my colleagues to have my back. When I need to be there for my family, no one bats an eyelash – there’s always someone willing to step in and support. That kind of trust and camaraderie makes all the difference. I feel lucky to be part of a team that values both growth and balance.
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your role?
Challenges are inevitable in this profession. There are facts and laws you simply can’t change, and no matter how much you want to, you can’t control every outcome. But what I can control is my approach: staying positive, working relentlessly to put my client in the best possible position, and never losing sight of why I do this work.
There are moments when the stress weighs heavy, especially when I deeply care about my clients and their futures. That’s why I make time for myself – to reset, to recharge, and to find clarity. Whether it’s running trails or surfing, those activities away allow me to recharge and maintain a positive mindset.
At the end of the day, I remind myself that I’m doing this for my clients, who truly need my help, and put a great deal of trust in me. I try to treat every one of them as if they were my family […]
– Senior Associate Jeffrey M. Oberto
[…] just like my dad did as an orthopedic surgeon. He truly cared for each patient as if they were his own, and I’ve adopted that mindset, which allows me to be a strong advocate and someone they can rely on when they need it most.
What advice would you offer to new attorneys interested in your field?
If you’re interested in probate, start early – take wills and trusts in law school to see if it peaks your interest. Internships are also key. Getting hands-on experience allows you to see how probate works in practice and gives you the chance to learn from seasoned attorneys who’ve seen it all. But beyond that, building relationships is just as important. Probate is a tight-knit field, and the legal community is smaller than you might think – if you know someone who knows someone, doors will start to open.
What do you think the future holds for this area of law, and how are you preparing for it?
As more estates change hands and families navigate complex inheritances, the demand for experienced legal guidance will only grow. While no one can predict exactly how the landscape will shift, what I do know is that staying alert with ever-changing trends in the legal field is key. For me, that means taking things day by day, staying engaged with the latest legal developments, and continuing to sharpen my skills so I can serve my clients as effectively as possible.
I don’t dwell too much on what’s coming next, but instead focus on what I can do right now. Being present, adaptable, and committed to doing the best possible job today is the best way to ensure I’m ready for whatever the future holds.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
When I’m not working, you’ll usually find me outdoors. I usually start my mornings with a trail run. Surfing is another passion of mine, and I try to get in the water a few times a week. I also watch as many Dodgers games as possible.
One of my most meaningful endeavors is volunteering with my rescue dog, Roscoe, at UCLA. He’s a certified therapy dog through Pet Partners, and together, we visit patients of all ages, but mostly children in the pediatrics unit. We’ve been doing this for four years now.
What might people be surprised to know about you?
I’ve been running ultra marathons for about four years. The longest race I’ve done is the Wasatch100, a 100-mile marathon through the mountains of Utah.
Jeff Oberto’s unwavering communication, meticulous attention to detail, and genuine belief in my case were unmatched. He tirelessly fought for me, LITERALLY, even through holidays, displaying a level of commitment that went above and beyond. I felt genuinely supported, knowing he had my back. Jeff didn’t just promise; he delivered. He proved that the right attorney can make all the difference, and Jeffrey Oberto is that attorney.
Jeffrey Oberto showed up for our family in every way that mattered. He treated us with empathy, dedication, and professionalism. He fought alongside us, not just for us, he was exactly who we needed.
Jeffrey Oberto is the most amazing attorney I have ever worked with. Jeff absolutely knew how to best handle my situation! He understood the urgency and made every effort to expedite the case. Jeff kept me informed every step of the way. I never had to call or email for a status update. I highly recommend Keystone Law but specially Jeff Oberto!