Carl A. Larson
Top rated Estate Planning & Probate attorney in Rancho Santa Fe, California
Burkhardt & Larson
Practice areas: Estate Planning & Probate, Business & Corporate; view more
Licensed in California since: 1988
Education: University of California Davis School of Law
Selected to Super Lawyers: 2026 Call today:
619-377-8861
Burkhardt & Larson
5531 Cancha de GolfSuite 205
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091 Visit website
Currently serving as a partner at Burkhardt & Larson in Rancho Santa Fe, California, Carl A. Larson has spent the last four decades helping clients overcome legal issues. Representing individuals in matters of estate planning, probate, and business and corporate matters, he stays committed to providing top-notch services by leveraging his deep legal insight and experience. Extending his services across Rancho Santa Fe, Whispering Palms and San Diego, he ensures that each client receives tailored legal strategies.
Mr. Larson’s extensive knowledge of California law, combined with a compassionate approach, allows him to navigate complex legal landscapes effectively. He has advised business owners on various issues related to manufacturing, distribution and licensing, with experience in entity formations. In his estate planning experience, he has successfully planned over 300 fully integrated estate plans. Approaching every case with a personalized approach, he ensures that each client’s needs are met and their rights are protected.
Completing his undergraduate degree in English from the University of California, Los Angeles, Mr. Larson pursued his law studies at the University of California, Davis. He received his Juris Doctor in 1987 and, in the following year, was admitted to The State Bar of California. He holds a master of law in taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law. Additionally, he is licensed to appear before the U.S. District Court for the Southern, Central and Northern Districts of California and the U.S. Tax Court.
An active member of the community, Mr. Larson previously served as the president of the Rotary Club of Rancho Santa Fe and the North Central Democratic Club. Serving on the University of California, San Diego’s Planned Giving Committee, he advises on complex charitable donations and endowments. His peers have lauded his professionalism and ethical standards, earning him an AV Preeminent* rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer-review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Ratings™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice areas
Estate Planning & Probate, Business/CorporateFocus areas
Business Organizations, Contracts, Estate Planning, Limited Liability Companies, Probate & Estate Administration, Trusts
- 60% Estate Planning & Probate
- 40% Business/Corporate
First Admitted: 1988, California
Professional Webpage: https://burkhardtandlarson.com/attorneys/carl-larson/
Bar / Professional Activity
- California Lawyers Association (Business Law), 2025
- United States Tax Court
- U.S. District Court, Northern District of California
- U.S. District Court, Central District of California
- U.S. District Court, Southern District of California
- State Bar of California
- California Lawyers Association (Trusts and Estates), 2025
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Heacock v. Ivorette-Texas, Inc. (1939) 20 Cal. App. 4th 1665 (Reported Case). According to Westlaw, this case has been cited in over 89 matters including cases, trial court orders, secondary sources, appellate court documents, and trial court documents, 1990
- Taggares v. Superior Court (1998) 62 Cal. App. 4th 94 (Reported Case) I was one of the principal writers on this appeal brief. According to Westlaw, this case has been cited in over 208 matters including cases, trial court orders, secondary sources, appellate court documents, and trial court documents, 1998
- Rancho Santa Fe Pharmacy, Inc. v. Seyfert (1990) 219 Cal. App. 3d 875 (Reported Case). This was my first reported case. It dealt with the burden of proof. According to Westlaw, this case has been cited in over 313 matters including cases, trial court orders, administrative decisions, secondary sources, appellate court documents, and trial court documents, 1990
Pro bono / Community Service
- I just completed a 9 year term as a board member for the Library Guild of Rancho Santa Fe, Inc. This nonprofit corporation runs a building which houses a public library in Rancho Santa Fe, California. As a board member, I personally rewrote the corporate bylaws. The revised bylaws restructured this nonprofit corporation so that the board members serve a three year term, and that the existing board members nominate and elect new board members in accordance with the system employed by most nonprofit corporations. The revised bylaws were hotly contested by the then existing board members. But I successfully spearheaded the approval of the revised bylaws by the then existing board members and later during a vote by the members of this nonprofit corporation. During my 9 year tenure on the board, all three presidents routinely turned to me for advice on corporate compliance, labor issues, volunter issues, large donations, and negotiating a new lease with the County of San Diego, Department of General Services on behalf of its library system., 2025
- President, North Central Democratic Club (300 members) (2003-2005)
- President, Rancho Santa Fe Rotary Club (2005-2006)
- I am a mentor in the Future Legends. Future Legends is a nonprofit corporation that provides scholarships and mentors to deserving students working towards a college and post-graduate degree. As a mentor, I provide guidance to a college student at Vanderbilt University who aspires to become a lawyer. This college student is from San Diego, California. , 2025
Educational Background
- University of San Diego School of Law, Masters of Law Taxation
- University of California at Davis, Juris Doctor 1987
- Institute of Japanese Studies, Two Year Certificate, Japanese Language
- University of California, Los Angeles, Bachelor of Arts (English)
Honors
- Listed as one of the top lawyers (business) in San Diego County in the most recent edition of San Diego Magazine. , Best Lawyers (Business), San Diego Magazine, 2025
- University of California, San Diego Planned Giving Committee (1992-1996)
- Martindale-Hubbell, “AV” Rated and Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers
Awards
AV Preeminent®: This elite award is granted to attorneys who have been recognized by their peers for their very high ethical standards, with an average peer review score of 4.5 or higher.
Office location for Carl A. Larson
5531 Cancha de Golf
Suite 205
Rancho Santa Fe, CA 92091
Phone: 619-377-8861
Selections
- Super Lawyers: 2026
