Reese, Smalley, Wiseman & Schweitzer, LLP

Ralph T. Collins, III

— Partner —

Request an Appointment with Ralph!

About Ralph

RALPH COLLINS practices in the areas of civil litigation and estate planning. He is a trial attorney with more than 30 years experience, representing both plaintiffs and defendants. Ralph has successfully tried many court, jury, and appellate cases. He is also a certified mediator, assisting parties in resolving their disputes. Ralph’s litigation experience informs his estate planning practice, helping draft estate plans that protect his clients’ interests. He prepares Wills, Trusts, Special Needs Trusts, and Powers of Attorney. Ralph holds the AV Preeminent peer review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, its highest rating. He has been a member of the firm since 1989.

Areas of Practice

Education

    Bachelor of Arts, English
    1986
    Brigham Young University
    Juris Doctor
    1989
    University of the Pacific

Admissions & Memberships

  • State Bar of California
    1989
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of California
    1989
  • Shasta-Trinity Counties Bar Association

Certifications

  • Mediating the Litigated Case
    2019
    Pepperdine School of Law, Straus Institute for Dispute Resolution

Published Appellate Court Cases

  • In re Daniel M. (1993) 16 Cal. App. 4th 878 [20 Cal. Rptr. 2d 291]

Presentations & Publications

  • Designing the Letter of Intent to Clarify - Not Complicate - Testator Intent
    2025
    Drafting Essential Estate Planning Documents — NBI
  • Revocable Living Trusts
    2025
    California Trusts Guide — NBI
  • The Importance of Wills & Trusts
    2020
    Estate Planning — Stifel Nicolaus
  • Wills and Trusts – An Overview
    2018
    2018 Financial and Tax Planning Conference — GSR Capital Mgt.
  • Trusts 101
    2016
    Trusts / Estate Planning — NBI
  • Probate Administration
    2015
    The Probate Process from Start to Finish — NBI
  • Trusts 101
    2014
    Trusts / Estate Planning — NBI