Matthew M. Shafae

Certified Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate Law, The State Bar of California

Since 2008, Matt has focused his practice solely on estate planning and trust and estate administration.  Matt launched Shafae Law to provide comprehensive, personalized legal services with class and integrity for reasonable flat-rate fees. Matt takes great pride in his personable, practical approach to solving legal problems, no matter the size of the estate or complexity of the family dynamics.

Matt previously worked in the chambers of one of his heroes, Hon. Martin J. Jenkins, who is now a justice of the California Supreme Court. While serving in that capacity, Matt wrote and edited for his law school's law review.

In 2012, Matt received the Wiley M. Manuel Certificate for Pro Bono Legal Services from the State Bar of California.  From 2013 - 2018, Matt received the "Rising Star" designation from Super Lawyers. In 2024, Matt was selected as a Super Lawyer.

Matt grew up in Belmont, where he attended Ralston Middle School and Carlmont High School. Matt earned his bachelor’s degree at UCLA, and returned to the Bay Area to earn his law degree and a subsequent masters in taxation law at Golden Gate University School of Law. When he's not practicing law, Matt loves staying active outdoors with his wife, Mercedes, and loves to perform as an amateur musician.

Volunteering and youth education are very important to Matt, who has served as an academic tutor to at-risk youth in East Palo Alto through the Boys & Girls Club of the Peninsula, and was a former high school teacher in the Sequoia Union High School District.

Education