Attorney Spotlight: Laurence C. Osborn
Larry has over 30 years of litigation experience in probate, civil, business, and real estate matters in both state and federal courts. He has represented a broad range of probate clients and handled hundreds of petitions, including complex disputes involving conservatorships, fiduciary roles, creditor claims, fraud, accountings, and will and trust contests.
Before joining Keystone, he was a litigation partner at Baker, Keener & Nahra LLP. In addition to probate and trust matters, he litigated high value cases, including: real property disputes, defending class actions, represented management and entities in business disputes, corporate, partnership, and limited liability company dissolutions, and defended professionals on professional liability claims.
Fast Facts
Larry is the consummate professional. Not only does he have the skills that define the best attorneys, he has the wisdom and experience to know how best to apply them for his clients’ benefit. And no matter the stress of any particular moment, Larry always stays calm and provides a measured response on which his clients and his partners know they can rely. We all appreciate having him on the Keystone team.
– Partner Jim Bush
- Passionate music enthusiast and musician, who plays both drums and guitar
- Graduated from University of Texas at Dallas, with an undergraduate degree in Business Administration
- Graduated from Pepperdine University School of Law
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your role?
My motivation comes from the strategy involved in facing new or unique circumstances and issues, client relationships, and collaboration with colleagues. Even after many years in practice, new and unique issues continue to arise, which keeps the work engaging.
Equally important is maintaining balance. You need interests outside of the law to avoid burnout. The practice of law is demanding, and you need something else to balance the environment of litigation. Having hobbies helps ensure you are not constantly focused on your cases.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
What I enjoy most now is the strategic “chess game” of litigation, such as anticipating arguments, developing litigation and trial strategy, and responding effectively to opposing counsel.
– Partner Larry Osborn
Client relationships are equally important. Understanding their goals and earning their trust can make or break a case. I also consider collaboration with colleagues to be of high value; they often bring fresh perspectives that uncover a view of an issue or case I had not considered.
What have been some of your most memorable cases?
Years ago, I represented a client in a fascinating case that centered on his adoption and his rights to his biological father’s estate. The case involved issues of probate, parental rights, intestacy, and application of legal principles on adoption from the 1950s. The case went through the trial court and up to the Court of Appeal. It was such an interesting matter that the Justices of the Court of Appeal held us after oral argument to discuss further aspects of the case and to express their intrigue with the issues presented.
Earlier in my career, I worked on an international business litigation matter that spanned about 15 years. It began in 2007, went through two trials, and then the Court of Appeal twice, branching into federal court litigation that continued for another five years. We ultimately reached a resolution in 2023, after strategic positioning in federal court created the leverage needed to settle. It remains the longest and most complex case I have had to handle.
What is the most valuable thing a lawyer can do for their clients?
The most important qualities are empathy and a strong capacity for active listening. You need to understand your client’s perspective and goals to effectively represent them. Without that connection, it is difficult to achieve the results they are seeking.
What inspired you to pursue a legal career?
I initially planned to become an accountant, but as I was closer to graduating, I realized it was a worthwhile education but not the right fit for a career. A friend connected me with a lawyer in Texas who encouraged me to shadow him and find out about the day-to-day life of a lawyer. I spent some time attending hearings and trials and even sat in on client meetings. That experience gave me a real understanding of the profession and sparked my interest in law. His mentorship and encouragement played a major role in my decision, and we have remained friends over the years.
What do you think the future holds for this area of law, and how are you preparing for it?
This area of law is growing rapidly, driven in part by an aging population and increasingly complex family dynamics. These factors are leading to more disputes that require legal resolution.
At Keystone, we are well positioned for this growth. The current and anticipated technological advances, including AI, will play an increasingly significant role, though its full impact is still uncertain. The pace of change in the way we practice law is much faster than when I began my career, and staying adaptable is key.
What do you believe were the key factors behind your success in achieving partnership?
I really enjoy what I do, and Keystone provides a great environment to practice law. Of course, hard work and commitment were central. Transitioning to Keystone required adapting to a much more advanced technological environment. That was a significant adjustment but has reaped many benefits.
Never stop being a student no matter what you do. I remained committed to learning and improving, and I was fortunate to have strong support along the way. Building meaningful professional relationships at Keystone was also important.
How has your experience at Keystone supported your professional development?
Keystone has elevated my practice in many ways, particularly through its use of technology and the caliber of its talented people.
– Partner Larry Osborn
The standards are high, and the lawyers and staff are exceptional.
I have also had opportunities to expand into areas of professional development, which I had not focused on earlier in my career.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish as a partner?
Becoming a partner was an honor, and I am still growing into the role. I remain committed to handling cases, but I am also focused on mentoring younger attorneys and helping them develop their skills.
I value the opportunity to contribute to Keystone’s future by sharing insights, participating in decision-making, and helping the firm continue to evolve.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
I’ve been passionate about music my entire life. I started playing drums at 10 years old and later learned guitar. I played in a regularly performing band for over 20 years while practicing law full-time. While I scaled back during COVID, I am still very involved in music.
I am especially drawn to classic rock from the 60s, 70s, and 80s, and I continue to play both drums and guitar.