William Cumming
Top rated Business Litigation attorney in Costa Mesa, California
Cumming & Associates, APLC
Practice areas: Business Litigation, Business & Corporate, Estate Planning & Probate; view more
Licensed in California since: 1999
Education: Loyola Law School Los Angeles
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2026 
Selected to Rising Stars: 2006 - 2007 Call today:
714-361-9844
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Free Consultation Cumming & Associates, APLC
3080 Bristol StSuite 630
Costa Mesa, CA 92626 Visit website
Details
Attorney William R. Cumming founded Cumming & Associates, APLC, to offer businesses and individuals in California with representation and advocacy backed by more than two decades of experience. With the goal of providing high-quality, client-focused service, Bill handles litigation disputes in a variety of areas, such as corporate transactional matters, real estate, and estate planning.
After receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and political science from the University of California, Los Angeles, Bill spent some time teaching English in Japan. He returned to the U.S. and earned his Juris Doctor from Loyola Law School in 1998.
Bill is admitted to practice in all state courts and before the U.S. District Courts for the Central District of California, the Eastern District of California, the Northern District of California, the Southern District of California, and the 9th Circuit.
Bill is regularly retained to represent buyers and sellers in complicated business transactions relating to the purchase or sale of businesses and real properties. Bill also regularly works with start-up companies and helps prepare the relevant documents to raise money.
Bill also has a heavy litigation practice in which he represents clients in business and real property disputes in both state and federal courts.
Bill is also experienced as an estate planning attorney with a proven track record of drafting and reviewing comprehensive estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and advance healthcare directives. Skilled in advising clients on asset protection, wealth transfer, and tax minimization strategies tailored to their unique needs. Adept at managing trust administration and probate matters, collaborating with financial advisors and accountants to ensure clients’ estate plans align with their overall financial objectives. Bill has successfully represented clients in probate proceedings and resolve disputes involving contested wills and trusts, while providing ongoing counsel to high-net-worth individuals and families on succession planning and charitable giving
Bill frequently shares his knowledge of real estate, litigation, and estate planning matters to professional organizations. He has also served as an adjunct law professor at Trinity Law School. He is a member of several bar associations, including the Orange County Chapter of the Federal Bar Association, the American Bar Association, the Orange County Bar Association, and the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. He has his real estate broker's license, and he has also obtained his pilot’s license.
Practice areas
Business Litigation, Business/Corporate, Estate Planning & ProbateFocus areas
Business Organizations, Contracts, Estate Planning, Limited Liability Companies, Living Wills, Partnership, Power of Attorney, Probate & Estate Administration, Trade Secret
- 40% Business Litigation
- 40% Business/Corporate
- 20% Estate Planning & Probate
First Admitted: 1999, California
Professional Webpage: https://www.cummingandassociateslaw.com/william-r-cumming/
Bar / Professional Activity
- The California Association of Realtors. , 2025
- Member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers. , 2025
- I served as a temporary judge in small claims matters as part of the Temporary Judge Program. Through this program, the court maintains a panel of trained and experienced attorneys who preside over various types of cases, including small claims, traffic, family law, probate, and in other capacities at the discretion of the Presiding Judge. Temporary judges can serve in all court locations. It has been a privilege to serve the legal community in this capacity. , 2025
- Member of the Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter., 2025
- Member of the Orange County Bar Association., 2025
- Member of the American Bar Association., 2025
- Member of the Association of Business Trial Lawyers., 2025
- Presentation to CPA Firm Re Estate Planning and Asset Protection In February 2024, I gave a presentation to a large CPA firm that dealt with the topics of estate planning and asset protection. A large group of CPAs and other professionals attended the 45-minute PowerPoint presentation, which was well received. , 2024
- The California Association of Realtors. , 2024
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, 2024
- American Bar Association, 2024
- Orange County Bar Association, Member, 2024
- Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, 2024
- Sworn in as a judge for the Temporary Judge Program I was selected and sworn in as a judge for the Temporary Judge Program. Through this program, the court maintains a panel of trained and experienced attorneys who preside over various types of cases, including small claims, traffic, family law, probate and in other capacities at the discretion of the Presiding Judge. Temporary judges can serve in all court locations. It has been a privilege to serve the legal community in this capacity. , 2024
- Frequent Lecturer at different organizations regarding real estate and bankruptcy issues., 2023
- Federal Bar Association, Orange County Chapter, 2023
- American Bar Association, 2023
- Orange County Bar Association, Member, 2023
- Association of Business Trial Lawyers, 2023
- Adjunct Law Professor, Trinity Law School, 2023
- U.S. District Court for the Central District of California, 2023
- U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California, 2023
- U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, 2022
- U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, 2023
- U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, 2023
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- I represented an older woman who lost her home because of a foreclosure by the HOA. I was retained shortly before trial after extensive litigation. I settled the case shortly before trial, and the terms are confidential. , 2025
- I represented several defendants in a breach of contract and fraud case that went to trial in Los Angeles. The plaintiffs sought damages of nearly 20 million dollars. The week-long bench trial is over, and the parties are waiting for a written ruling. , 2025
- I represented the owner of several fast-food restaurants in California and Nevada and other defendants. The plaintiff filed a lawsuit contending he was a 25% owner of the company because of promises made to him and work he did for the company. After a litigating the case for nearly year, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement. , 2025
- I represented a large real estate broker, the agent for the broker, and the sellers of a multi-million-dollar home in San Clemente, California. The buyers argued that the defendants failed to disclose defects associated with the home when it was sold. The parties decided to participate in mediation before a lawsuit was filed and settled on confidential terms. , 2024
- I represented a wealthy defendant who was sued by a design professional who allegedly provided services and merchandise that were not paid for. The defendant argued that no money was owed. After a lengthy litigation, the plaintiff dismissed the case for a waiver of costs. , 2024
- I represented a plaintiff who filed a breach of contract and fraud complaint relating to a real estate investment in Orange County, California. Shortly after the complaint was filed, the parties entered into a confidential settlement agreement. , 2024
- I represented several plaintiffs in a breach of contact cause of action relating to a dispute about a loan and business transaction. Teh case went to trial and the court issued a judgment in plaintiffs' favor totaling $440,259.76. , 2024
- I represented a seller in a real estate transaction that went bad. The buyers alleged the clients failed to disclose several defects associated with the home at the time of sale. The sellers disputed the allegations. The sellers, real estate broker, and real estate salesperson were all named in the complaint. The parties reached a confidential settlement offer at the mediation. , 2024
- I represented a father, his daughter, and son in law in a dispute involving the transfer of real property and issues involving elder abuse. My clients were the defendants and we argued that the claims made by the plaintiffs, who were the father's two other daughters, had no merit. The plaintiffs were seeking nearly a million dollars. We settled right before the trial for a small fraction of the demand. , 2024
- I went to trial in federal court in Los Angeles relating to a dispute involving the use of a trademark and service mark. I represented the defendant and counter-claimant. After a two-day jury trial, which was phase one of the case, the jury returned a verdict that was helpful for my client as we entered phase two of the trial, which should be later in the year. , 2024
- I represented several plaintiffs in a breach of contract case in the Orange County Superior Court. The case went to trial, and the plaintiffs prevailed. The Court entered a judgment against the defendant for approximately $400,000., 2024
- Represented a client whose husband had a judgment against him and later filed Chapter 7 bankruptcy. The judgment was deemed non-dischargeable. The judgment creditor pursued a claim against the spouse of the debtor, claiming he could obtain the sale proceeds from the sale of her home that she owned as her sole and separate property. The spouse argued the judgment creditor was not entitled to the sales proceeds. The court granted the spouse's motion and held the judgment could not be used to obtain the sale proceeds, and the judgment creditor appealed. On appeal, the parties reached a confidential settlement. , 2023
- I represented two defendants in an alleged securities litigation case and the potential exposure was seven figures. We filed two demurrers that were granted. After much negotiation for over two years, we were able to settle the case for what we offered two years earlier. , 2023
- Motion to Set Aside Default Judgment Prevailed on a motion to set aside an entry of default and default judgment against a defendant in which the judgment totaled $3.4 million that was based upon claims of conversion and fraud. , 2022
- Prevailed on a motion for summary judgment relating a dispute between the parties as to whether the money the defendants invested was considered a loan or investment and whether the repayment to the defendants was at a usuary interest rate. , 2022
- Settlement I represented a company called Hand Air Express, LLC as a defendant in a lawsuit. A lawsuit alleged Hand Air Express, LLC owed a staffing company that provided employees to Hand Air Express, LLC approximately $300,000. The parties litigated the dispute and over a period of time, the general consensus was that plaintiff's claims had little to no merit. The parties settled for a nominal amount. , 2022
- Settlement I represented defendant Sunny Wong in a litigation case entitled Yiu Tung So v. Sunny Wong, et al. filed in the Orange County Superior Court. The dispute related to and arose out of a partnership dispute. After extensive negotiations, the case was settled for a confidential amount. , 2021
- Settlement I represented Mission Viejo Ornamental Iron, Inc. in a federal copyright infringement lawsuit filed in the United States District Court Central District of California and entitled Parasoleil, LLC v. Coastal Cuttings, LLC, et al. After discovery and motion practice, Mission Viejo Ornamental Iron, Inc. settled for a confidential amount. , 2021
- Settlement I represented Adam Bright who was a defendant in a breach of contract case filed in the Orange County Superior Court involving a dispute relating to a breach of promissory note for approximately $70,000. After extensive negotiations, the parties reached a settlement without the time and expense of litigation. , 2021
- Verdict We represented MFC Lending, LLC in a complaint against Westbrook Pacific & Associates and Brandon Demps relating to the breach of a promissory note and fraud-related claims relating to the promissory note. After presenting evidence at trial, the court awarded MFC Lending, LLC approximately one million relating to the breach of the promissory note and upheld the fraud claims., 2021
- Verdict I represented a plaintiff named Afshin Shahintabe in a lawsuit against Brad Gorman filed in the Orange County Superior Court. The lawsuit related to Mr. Gorman improperly taking $545,000 from Mr. Shahintabe relating to EB-5 visa program. After presenting evidence at trial, the court entered a default judgment against Mr. Gorman and in favor of Mr. Shahintabe for approximately $800,000. Their was also a finding of fraud. , 2021
- Represented the plaintiff real to a real property dispute relating to who was the correct owner. The parties settled shortly before trial for a confidential amount., 2020
- Represented an employer who hired two people as independent contractors. A lawsuit was filed alleging misclassification of their employment status, PAGA violations, and other various employment claims. The parties reached a confidential settlement before trial, 2020
- Bill Cumming was retained to represent a defendant in a lawsuit filed in the Orange County Superior Court relating to whether the defendant improperly obtained money from another business while he was employed by the plaintiff who was his prior employer. The plaintiff was demanding $200,000 in damages. A letter was sent to the plaintiff's counsel explaining the weakness of the case. The parties settled for a nominal amount and avoided the time and expense of litigation, 2020
- Represented an individual as a defendant who was sued for breach of contract relating to the purchase and sale of a business. The client was the defendant. We argued the contract at issue was not between the plaintiff and the individual defendant, but rather the plaintiff and the corporate defendant. We file a motion for summary judgment and it was granted it is entirety, 2019
- Bill Cumming was retained to represent the plaintiff in two separate lawsuits relating to a derivative action and a dissolution action. The two cases were consolidated. The case related to a business dispute between two parties and whether the defendant improperly started a new company to compete with an existing company the parties owned together. Shortly before trial, the parties reached a confidential settlement after a 15 hour mediation, 2018
- Bill Cumming was retained to represent defendant Juny Campos in a case entitled Aracelia Aguilar-Garcia v. Juny Camps filed in the Superior Court of the State of California, County of Riverside. The case related to whether the plaintiff was entitled to have an ownership interest in a house located in Riverside County. After a 14 day bench trial, the court issued a defense verdict and awarded the defendant approximately $80,000 in attorney's fees and costs, 2018
- Bill Cumming represented plaintiff Cynthia Daniel in an adversary action filed in the United States Bankruptcy Court Central District of California entitled Cynthia Daniel v. Jose Del Valle, Adversary Case No. 6:10-ap-01361-MJ. After a 10-day bench trial, the court issued a memorandum of decision holding that defendant Jose Del Valle engaged in fraudulent conduct relating to a real estate Ponzi scheme, and a judgment was entered against Jose Del Valle for $1,136,321, 2017
Representative Clients
- EOS Organization, Inc. , 2025
- Several Christian ministries and churches relate to corporate needs. , 2025
- Sira Sight, Inc. , 2025
- So far in 2025, I have represented individuals, families, and companies in creating approximately 25 new corporate entities for clients, including limited liability companies and corporations, which are used for various purposes, such as starting a new company or protecting assets. , 2025
- So far in 2025, we have represented over 30 individuals with estate planning needs. Our estate planning services include evaluating existing estate plan documents, preparing and updating wills and trusts, reviewing and updating beneficiary designations and account titling, and establishing powers of attorney and healthcare directives. We work closely with clients to develop comprehensive strategies for asset preservation, efficient wealth transfer, and minimizing estate taxes, ensuring that their wishes are carried out and their loved ones are protected. , 2025
- Atlantic Pacific Redevelopment, LLC is a real estate investment firm., 2025
- Over 50 individuals with estate planning needs. Our estate planning services include evaluating existing estate plan documents, preparing and updating wills and trusts, reviewing and updating beneficiary designations and account titling, and establishing powers of attorney and healthcare directives. We work closely with clients to develop comprehensive strategies for asset preservation, efficient wealth transfer, and minimizing estate taxes, ensuring that their wishes are carried out and their loved ones are protected. , 2024
- Clyde's Hot Chicken, 2024
- Several Christian ministries and churches relate to corporate needs. , 2024
- World Challenge, Inc. a nonprofit organization., 2023
- Represented several private companies in stock and asset sales in 2022 to a publicly traded buyer. I was responsible for drafting, reviewing, and revising the purchase agreement and related documents, the due diligence process, and other related issues. The transaction totaled around $11 million. , 2022
Transactions
- I have represented several people and companies that sold personal, commercial, and industrial real properties. I generally work closely with real estate brokers and clients to review and revise documents relating to the transaction and provide legal advice regarding the transaction. The value of the real properties relating to these transactions in approximately $20 million. , 2025
- So far in 2025, I have created 25 new corporate entities for clients, including limited liability companies and corporations, which are used for various purposes, such as starting a new company or protecting assets. , 2025
- So far in 2025, I have represented the buyer or seller in seven transactions involving the purchase or sale of assets or equity in a business. The combined value of the transactions is $15 million. , 2025
- So far, I worked with different clients to create approximately 15 corporate entities during the calendar year. , 2024
- So far, for 2024, I have been personally involved in four transactions relating to the purchase and sale of companies, which involved stock purchase agreements and asset purchase agreements. I represented both the buyers and sellers. The total value for all the transactions was about $5 million. , 2024
- So far, for 2024, I have completed 15 estate plans for families. , 2024
- I worked with different clients to create approximately 25 corporate entities during the calendar year. , 2023
- In 2023, I have completed 30 estate plans for families. , 2023
- I represented the buyer in selling real property in Menifee, California. I was responsible for due diligence, preparing and revising the purchase agreement documents, and other related issues. The real property sold for $11 million. , 2023
- By the close of 2023, I was personally involved in about a dozen transactions relating to the purchase and sale of companies, which involved stock purchase agreements and asset purchase agreements. I represented both the buyers and sellers. The total value for all the transactions was about $30 million. , 2022
- Represented the seller of a private company in a stock sale transaction to a buyer that is a publicly traded company. I was responsible for drafting, reviewing, and revising the purchase agreement and related documents, the due diligence process, and other related issues. The transaction was for $1.6 million. , 2022
- Represented the seller of a private company in a stock sale transaction to a buyer that is a publicly traded company. I was responsible for drafting, reviewing, and revising the purchase agreement and related documents, the due diligence process, and other related issues. The transaction was for $3.2 million. , 2022
- Represented the seller of a private company in a stock sale transaction to a buyer that is a publicly traded company. I was responsible for drafting, reviewing, and revising the purchase agreement and related documents, the due diligence process, and other related issues. The transaction was for $5.6 million. , 2022
- Represented the seller in the sale of a limousine business for $4 million dollars, 2020
- Represented several clients in the creation of corporations and limited liability companies, 2020
- Represented the buyer in a purchase of a manufacturing company for $125,000, 2020
- Represent the seller in a pending sale of his insurance business for $2.8 million, 2020
- Represented two partners in a joint venture agreement to purchase three assisted living companies and real properties that operated each company, 2019
- Represented several clients in the creation of corporations and limited liability companies, 2019
- Represented the seller in a sale of a limousine business and the purchase price was $7.5 million, 2018
- Represented several clients in the creation of corporations and limited liability companies, 2018
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Real estate brokers license. , 2025
- Pilot's license for flying airplanes. , 2025
- Pilot's license., 2024
- Real Estate Brokers License., 2024
- Pilot's License, 2023
- Real Estate Brokers License, 2023
Pro bono / Community Service
- I volunteered to serve as a judge pro tem in small claims cases for the Temporary Judge Program through the Orange County Superior Court. , 2025
- Volunteer in different capacities at church, which include playing music, kids's ministry, and AWANA., 2025
- I volunteered to serve as a judge pro tem in small claims cases for the Temporary Judge Program through the Orange County Superior Court. , 2024
- Volunteer in different capacities at church, which include playing music, kids's ministry, and AWANA., 2024
- I represented a retired pastor pro bono that was sued by a former church member that alleged the pastor owed her money. The pastor did not owe her any money. We filed a motion for summary judgment that was granted. The case was resolved in 2023 after five years of litigation. , 2023
- Volunteer in different capacities at church, which include playing music, kids's ministry, and AWANA., 2023
Educational Background
- Loyola Law School in Los Angeles, CA, 1995-1998
- The University of California Los Angeles (UCLA), B.A. in Economics and Political Science, 1990-1994
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- Presentation to CPA Firm presentation called Estate Planning and Asset Protection - What You Need to Know. I gave a presentation to a large CPA firm that dealt with the topics of estate planning and asset protection. A large group of CPAs and other professionals attended the PowerPoint presentation, which was well received. , Presenter, Estate Planning and Asset Protection - What You Need to Know, Financial Services Industry, 2025
- Presentation to CPA Firm presentation called Estate Planning and Asset Protection - What You Need to Know, in February 2024. I gave a presentation to a large CPA firm that dealt with the topics of estate planning and asset protection. A large group of CPAs and other professionals attended the 45-minute PowerPoint presentation, which was well received. , Presenter, Estate Planning and Asset Protection - What You Need to Know, CPA Firm, 2024
- Adjunct Law Professor, Trinity Law School
- Overseas Missionary Fellowship, English Trainer
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Nominated and selected for the Elite Lawyer award. , 2025
- Selected as Super Lawyer., 2024
- Nominated and selected for the Elite Lawyer award. , 2024
- Nominated and selected for the Elite Lawyer award. , 2023
- Selected as Super Lawyer., 2023
Honors
- I was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer. , Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers, 2024
- I received an award from Lawyer Monthly ADR relating to my work as a trial attorney. , Lawyer Monthly ADR Award, Lawyer Monthly ADR Award, 2024
- I received an award from Lawyer Monthly ADR Awards relating to my work as a litigation attorney. , Lawyer Monthly ADR Awards, Lawyer Monthly ADR Awards, 2023
- I was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer. , Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2022
- I was nominated and selected as a Super Lawyer. , Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers, 2021
Industry Groups
- Business Community
- Churches
- individuals needing estate plans
- Real Estate
Selections
6 Years Super Lawyers
2 Years Rising Stars
- Super Lawyers: 2021 - 2026
- Rising Stars: 2006 - 2007
