About

About Our Firm

Honesty, integrity and experience are the cornerstones of our firm.  With over 35 years of experience, attorney Russell "Rusty" Griffith provides peace of mind by preparing personalized estate plans for his clients to address their specific needs and concerns.  He also assists with administering trusts and estates upon incapacity or death.  Rusty also provides probate court services where there has been a failure to fully plan.

Getting started and addressing these weighty issues can be difficult but can't be ignored.  Our goal is to help get these important life "to do" items done.   A call or e-mail to set an appointment is the first step.

Rusty enjoys top ratings on Yelp and on Nextdoor.  We are proud that our practice has been built on referrals from our satisfied client base and other professionals.


Rusty graduated from Miami University (Ohio) in 1981 and California Western School of Law in 1985.  He worked as an associate attorney with the San Diego law firms of Herring, Stubel & Lehr and then Kolodney & Pressman before starting his own legal practice in the early 1990's.   In 2000, Rusty and Robert Rochelle formed the law firm of Rochelle & Griffith, LLP.  During that partnership, Rusty acquired the estate planning practice of his friend, Dennis Fay, of Fay & Lawler, upon Dennis' passing.   Rob retired in at the end of 2019.   Rusty now practices law under his corporation, Russell E. Griffith, a Professional Corporation. 

Rusty is also a member of the Encinitas Business Exchange, The Business Advisory Counsel and Probate Attorneys of San Diego.  He is also a past President of the Encinitas Chamber of Commerce.


Our Mission

Our mission is to provide each and every client with skilled legal advice and services in a timely and efficient manner. We handle every case with accountability and responsiveness.  Our mission is based on the values we hold true: honesty, integrity and experience.

Our Team

We're proud of our strong and long standing relationships with our clients
and our reputation of honesty, integrity and experience.

Russell E. Griffith

An attorney since 1985, "Rusty" is the firm founder and lead attorney.  He enjoys activities with friends and family.  He likes hiking, road trips, cooking and home improvement projects.

Patrice Lochner

"Patti" has been the office manager and a legal assistant for 20 years.  She enjoys her two boys, is active in local youth soccer  with her husband and is an avid knitter.

Cynthia G. Griffith

Cynthia provides Notary services for the Firm.  She enjoys interacting with clients.  Family and friends are a priority to her. She loves to travel and is an artist focusing on oil painting.  

Connor G. Griffith

Connor is our newest team member serving as an office assistant. He loves high adventure and all things outdoors.  If friends are included all the better.  He's also an excellent cook. 
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