Attorney Spotlight: Stefan O'Grady
Stefan O’Grady is a Partner at Keystone Law Group, P.C. With two decades of litigation experience, including 15 years of probate litigation experience, Stefan represents beneficiaries and fiduciaries (professional and non-professional) in contested and non-contested probate, trust and conservatorship matters. He also handles estate and trust administration issues. His expertise in all areas of trust and estate law allows Stefan to anticipate the needs of his clients to help them effectively protect their rights in and out of the courtroom.
During law school, Stefan was a Comment Writer for the International Law Journal, a member of the Appellate Moot Court Board, Vice-President of the International Law Society, and a member of the Student Bar Association. At graduation, Stefan received the Practicing Law Institute’s Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy and the Chair Award for Excellence in Appellate Advocacy.
Fast Facts
Stefan’s work ethic and dedication to his clients is unparalleled. He is an exceptional probate litigator who consistently goes the extra mile to ensure that his clients get the best results possible. If I had a probate case referral from a friend or family member, Stefan is the attorney who I would want to handle that case. It has been a pleasure working together with him and having him be a part of the Keystone team!
– Partner Joshua Taylor
- Passionate soccer fan
- Graduated from University of California, Irvine with an undergraduate degree in Political Science
- Graduated from University of San Diego School of Law
- Graduated from the University of San Diego Knauss School of Business with a Master in Business Administration
What have been some of your most memorable cases?
One of my most memorable cases from the past year was one where the estate was worth about $10 million and we represented three brothers who, in every prior version of their mother’s trust, had been the only beneficiaries. While their mother was on her deathbed, a new trust amendment appeared that redirected a quarter of her estate to a caregiver. Given her serious medical condition, it was clear she no longer had the capacity to make those decisions, and that this caregiver had exerted undue influence over her. We were ultimately able to resolve the case informally without a protracted and expensive trial that ensured that the brothers received 95 percent of everything their mother intended they receive in all the prior iterations of her trust when her capacity was not in question.
Another case that stands out is a trust contest where I represented the trustee, who was also the sole beneficiary of the trust. Her sisters sued her alleging that she had unduly influenced their mother. The judge’s decision was in my client’s favor, and my client received the full benefit of the trust as her mother intended.
What inspired you to pursue a legal career?
I was a political science major in undergrad at UCI, and I had a sense early on that I wanted to go to law school. I gravitated toward courses that focused on the law, especially those involving constitutional studies, and I found the material genuinely fascinating. By my junior year, it was clear to me that law was the path I wanted to pursue.
What do you enjoy most about the work that you do?
First, the work itself is incredibly intellectually stimulating. Even when cases look similar on the surface, the facts are always different, and applying those facts to the law keeps me on my toes. There’s always something new to discover with every case.
Second—and what really sets this area of law apart for me—is the clients. In probate and trust matters, you’re not representing a business or a corporation; you’re representing individuals for whom these matters carry real emotional weight. These cases involve family, legacy, and very personal dynamics, so clients often have deep feelings about the process.
In many ways, you end up serving not just as a lawyer, but also as a counselor, helping them navigate something that can be both legally complex and emotionally challenging. I truly enjoy those client interactions and the human side of this work.
– Partner Stefan O’Grady
What is the most valuable thing a lawyer can do for their clients?
You must listen. I bring my litigation experience to every matter, but I’ve learned that, above all, clients want to feel heard. Taking the time to really listen, to understand what they’re going through, goes a long way. It’s a core part of my work, and it’s something I never take lightly.
How do you stay motivated and overcome challenges in your role?
You really need to have interests outside the office. We work long hours, so having something that lets you reset your mind is essential. For me, it’s going to the gym, spending time with my Corgi Harry, watching soccer as a passionate Galaxy fan and season‑ticket holder for years, and traveling to England each year to visit my dad. Those parts of my life keep me grounded. If life were only about work, it would be hard to maintain the energy and focus this job requires.
What do you think the future holds for this area of law, and how are you preparing for it?
Probate is a growing area of law, so we should be ready for anything. More and more attorneys are practicing probate and trust litigation, but it still remains a fairly niche field. One of the advantages of being at Keystone is that the firm is built to adapt as the practice area evolves. Our firm places a huge emphasis on technology, and I think that’s going to be essential as our field continues to expand.
As probate and trust work becomes more widely practiced, it is firms like Keystone that stay focused on changes in technology that will evolve to better meet the needs of clients. That’s something we focus on here, and it’s how I prepare for what’s coming next.
– Partner Stefan O’Grady
What do you believe were the key factors behind your success in achieving partnership?
I’ve always tried to work hard, stay committed to this practice area, and show that I was invested in the long term. Over time, that consistency helped me grow.
I’ve built a solid foundation in probate and trust litigation, and I genuinely enjoy the work—whether it’s writing, appearing in court, or taking on speaking and writing opportunities. I’ve also been told I work well with clients, especially in emotional situations, and I try to approach those moments with patience and empathy.
In the end, I think it was a combination of steady effort, developing experience, and the support around me that helped me reach partnership.
How has your experience at Keystone supported your professional development?
Keystone has supported me in countless ways. I’ve been practicing for about 20 years, and Keystone’s commitment to flexibility and its willingness to evolve based on the needs of its employees is unmatched. The firm adapts as our practice area grows, embraces new technology, and constantly looks for ways to improve how we work.
Looking ahead, what do you hope to accomplish as a partner?
I want to help Keystone continue as the best trust and probate litigation firm in California, which means contributing to the firm’s growth, its success, and its role within the broader trust and probate community. As a partner, I also hope to be more involved in promoting the firm and building its presence. Being in this role gives me an opportunity to do that, and I’m excited to play a part in helping the firm achieve its goals.
When you are not working, what would people find you doing?
I spend a lot of my free time at the gym, on my Peloton, or out walking my dog. I’ve always enjoyed being active; before law school, I was a dancer and truly enjoyed performing. I’m also a big soccer fan and love going to matches, whether locally or abroad.
My family and I had Atty Stefan O’Grady and the Keystone Law Group handle a probate matter for us. My cousin researched area attorneys for the matter and Stefan was the absolute best choice that could have been made. The whole office works like a well oiled machine, always keeping us updated with every detail of the case. I couldn’t imagine a better team for the job. I highly recommend this firm for anyone considering them.
I had the honor to have Mr. Stefan O’Grady representing my sister who has dementia and needed help re her personal care and her estate. Mr. O’Grady was sensitive to her needs and at the same time very creative and resolute in providing an excellent product that was able to provide her outstanding results!
Having my first ‘law/court’ experience was very overwhelming. My experience with Keystone Law Group was made easier overall by Stefan and his team. He was very professional, efficient & helpful guiding us to a resolution with our situation.