Justin M. Kennedy

Attorney/President

Justin M. Kennedy is the President of Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, one of the preeminent estate planning firms in Northern California. Justin is certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a Legal Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. Justin has been able to reach thousands of people who are concerned about protecting their families from the devastating legal effects of incapacity and death. With the aid of public seminars, educational presentations, articles, and interviews, he has championed the use of revocable living trusts as a proven way to protect families from the expense and delay of probate, minimize or eliminate federal estate taxes, and to prevent the Medi-Cal Recovery lien.

Justin has an undergraduate degree in Political Science and History from the University of California – San Diego. He earned his Juris Doctor degree, with a Tax Concentration, from the University of Pacific McGeorge School of Law. Justin received the Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Federal Estate and Gift Tax and is a member of the McGeorge School of Law Honor Society.

Justin is a member of the California State Bar Association, Silicon Valley Bar Association, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. In 2019, he received the honor of becoming a Fellow of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys. Justin was appointed to the Board of Governors of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys in 2022.

Justin was selected to the 2024, 2025, and 2026 California Super Lawyers list. Each year, no more than five percent of the lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive this honor. Super Lawyers, part of Thomson Reuters, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections include a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive, and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

Justin served on the Executive Leadership Team in 2024 and 2025 of the Walk to End Alzheimer’s – Silicon Valley. He is passionate in his support of the Alzheimer’s Association and walks each year for all of our clients, family members, and friends who have been affected by this unforgiving disease. Justin also serves on the Planned Giving Committee of Sunnyvale Community Services, an independent, nonprofit emergency assistance agency in the heart of Silicon Valley with the mission that all residents are safely and stably housed with food on the table, and with access to medical care and services.

Justin resides in Morgan Hill with his wife, Holly, where they are raising their son. He enjoys hiking in Yosemite Valley and around Northern California.

“I assist our clients with all aspects of the estate planning process, including: the creation and/or modification of an estate plan, providing guidance upon the incapacity of a client, engaging in Medi-Cal planning, and helping the client’s trusted loved ones through the process of administering the estate plan upon the client’s passing. When I meet with clients, I make an effort to provide an open and friendly space where the clients may ask their questions and feel that their concerns are being heard – I am proud that our law firm values our clients’ peace of mind.”

Justin has co-authored a book with American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys founders Robert Armstrong and Sanford Fisch, titled, Yes, You Need an Estate Plan! You can request your copy using this link.

Justin has also authored a book titled, Yes, The Trust Needs to be Administered! You can request your copy using this link.

Rianne C. Lu

Associate Attorney

Rianne C. Lu is an Associate Attorney with Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, where she helps clients thoughtfully navigate the estate planning process. With compassion and clarity, Rianne works to ensure that each client’s estate is structured to allow for a smooth and stress-free transition in the event of incapacity or death—always in accordance with the client’s wishes. She is a proactive problem solver dedicated to delivering high-quality, personalized legal services.

Rianne brings over three years of experience in Elder Law through her work with Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) in San Jose. After graduating from law school, she initially served as a Volunteer Attorney with SALA before taking time away from legal practice to raise her two sons. In 2023, she returned to SALA as a Staff Attorney, where she took on a broader role advising and advocating for senior clients on issues including public benefits, elder abuse, incapacity planning, and probate alternatives.

Through her work with seniors, Rianne discovered a deep sense of purpose in helping clients proactively plan for the future. She found fulfillment in guiding individuals and families through estate planning, long-term care considerations such as Medi-Cal, and incapacity planning through tools like Advance Health Care Directives and Financial Powers of Attorney. This experience naturally led her to focus her career on Estate Planning, where she empowers clients to protect their assets and their legacy.

Rianne earned her Juris Doctor from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where she completed a concentration in Taxation. She also studied international and comparative tax law through a summer program at Queen Mary, University of London. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce, cum laude, from Santa Clara University and is fluent in Filipino (Tagalog). Rianne is a member of the California State Bar, Silicon Valley Bar Association, and American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys.

Rianne resides in Los Gatos with her husband Ben where they are raising two wonderful and well-rounded sons, Griffin and Callum. When not in the office, Rianne enjoys exploring the local culinary scene with her family, always on the lookout for new restaurants to try. With a deep appreciation for art and design, she is an unapologetically enthusiastic online window shopper, often found browsing for unique pieces of jewelry and art. Rianne’s weekends are filled with cheering from the sidelines at Callum’s basketball and flag football games and enjoying the quiet joy of listening to Griffin play the piano at home. These personal moments fuel her deep appreciation for family, creativity, and balance—values that also guide her work with clients.

Andrew C. Morris

Associate Attorney

Andrew C. Morris serves as the Estate Administration Attorney Lead at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, where he guides families and fiduciaries through the legal and practical responsibilities that arise after the death or incapacity of a loved one. Andrew works closely with trustees and executors to help ensure estates and trusts are administered efficiently, accurately, and in accordance with the decedent’s/trustor’s wishes.

Andrew brings a unique combination of estate administration, probate, trust administration, and business law experience to the firm. Prior to joining Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, he handled probate, trust administration, and guardianship matters in northern Virginia for high net-worth and international estates. Before that, he practiced in Seattle where he handled commercial litigation and transactions for a variety of small business owners.

Andrew earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Washington School of Law in 2019 and holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee. He is admitted to the state bars for California, Virginia, and Washington State.

Throughout his career, Andrew has been recognized for his practical problem-solving approach, attention to detail, and ability to guide clients through complex legal matters with clarity and confidence. His experience working directly with families navigating probate and trust administration has reinforced his commitment to providing compassionate, responsive service during difficult times. As a bonus, his background in litigation work means that he is attentive to the possible pitfalls that trustees and executors might face when dealing with beneficiaries.

Andrew recently relocated to California and now calls the Bay Area home. Outside the office, he enjoys spending time outdoors with his and son to explore what the region has to offer. He also considers himself an accomplished cook, so on any given weekend he is likely experimenting with a new recipe or technique to add to his culinary library.

Srushti Shah Chauhan

Associate Attorney

Srushti Shah Chauhan has an undergraduate degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz. She earned her Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law, San Diego.

Srushti is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, State Bar of California, and serves as Secretary on the Executive Board for the Silicon Valley Bar Association.

Srushti joined the team at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates in 2022. She is currently serving as the Senior Trust Administration Support Attorney. Her inherent empathy and genuine concern for others guides Srushti to help loved ones as they navigate the administration of a trust.

“I work with Trustees to help them administer the living trusts that their loved ones thoughtfully set up. I often work with the children of decedents because they are frequently named as Trustees. I enjoy seeing the interactions among the family members and helping them communicate.”

Srushti is fluent in Gujarati and Hindi and is proficient in Spanish. Her interests include spending time with her family and friends, traditional Gujarati Dance, and Bollywood Dance. Srushti lives in Tracy with her husband Prajan.

Ethan Donahue

Trust Funding Specialist

Ethan Donahue helps clients bridge the gap between creating an estate plan and making sure it is properly implemented. He works closely with clients to review asset ownership and beneficiary designations and to help ensure assets are appropriately coordinated with their estate planning documents and goals.

Ethan understands that even carefully drafted estate planning documents may not accomplish their intended purpose if asset ownership and beneficiary designations are not properly coordinated with the estate plan. His role focuses on helping clients navigate the implementation process, understand how their assets and estate planning documents work together, and address funding and beneficiary designation issues that could otherwise create unnecessary delays, expenses, or complications for their loved ones.

Ethan brings a strong background in working with clients and coordinating complex financial information. He works collaboratively with clients and the firm’s attorneys to help ensure the estate plan is properly implemented and maintained.

Outside the office, Ethan enjoys spending time outdoors, playing on a local volleyball team, and exploring Northern California’s hiking trails. He is also a dedicated Bay Area sports fan.

Roy W. Litherland

Founder

Roy Litherland founded our firm in 1975 with the goal of providing quality legal services and education in the Bay Area. In 1998, Roy joined the esteemed American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys and transitioned the practice to exclusively estate planning and elder care services.

In law school, Roy was a recipient of the Dean Faust Award and received awards and honors in income taxation and estate taxation. He was certified by the California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization as a legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. In addition to his extensive legal background, he was previously licensed as a Certified Public Accountant. Roy was a member of the California State Bar Association, American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. Roy was a frequent speaker on a variety of estate planning topics, regularly presenting educational seminars for the public as well as charitable organizations, support groups, employers, associations, and special interest groups in our community.

Roy is now retired. He is happy to spend his time fly fishing, camping, wood turning, hiking, doing volunteer work and spending time with his beloved wife Carol.

“I am grateful to have had the privilege to be of service to thousands of families in the Greater Bay Area. It was an honor to be able to make a difference in the lives of our clients and their loved ones. I am delighted that the firm will continue to fulfill the mission of providing quality and compassionate estate planning and elder care services in our community as I enjoy my retirement.”

Dedra Jize, OT, CSA

Geriatric Care Manager

Dedra Jize holds a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy from San Jose State University and is a Certified Senior Advisor and Geriatric Care Manager. Dedra has worked as a Caregiver Support Coordinator and Activity Assistant for the Alzheimer’s Activity Center in San Jose, as a Foster Care Provider with Advent Group Ministries, and as an Occupational Therapist at Good Samaritan Hospital. Dedra has also worked as a hospital volunteer at Kaiser Hospital, assisting in patient discharge and helping patients with directions and various needs.

Dedra resides in Morgan Hill with her husband, Nicholas. Together they have raised two wonderful daughters. She enjoys gardening, home decorating, and volunteering at her church.

“What I enjoy the most about my job is when people say, ‘Wow, I feel like a huge burden has been lifted off me.’ Being able to help people who feel they are alone, who feel like they lack critical information, and who don’t know where to turn is very rewarding.”

Marco Ruiz

Trust Administration and Probate Paralegal

Marco Ruiz is a Probate and Trust Administration Paralegal at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, where he provides compassionate support to families navigating probate and trust administration after the loss of a loved one. Since joining the firm in 2022, Marco has helped clients gather the necessary documents to settle probate estates and works closely with Attorney Srushti Shah Chauhan in trust administration matters.

Clients often come to Marco during times of grief and uncertainty, and he offers steady guidance, clear communication, and a reassuring presence. “They start the process in a high-stress situation,” he says. “Over time, they begin to feel more at ease and relieved that the process is nearing completion.”

Marco graduated from San Jose State University in December 2025, majoring in Business Administration, and became a credentialed paralegal in 2026.

Marco is fluent in Spanish. He serves as a young adult leader at his church, and enjoys spending time with his family and girlfriend, hiking, playing soccer and reading.

Kenzie Armstrong

Signing Paralegal

Kenzie Armstrong is a Signing Paralegal at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, where she provides attentive, responsive, and knowledgeable support to clients during the creation, review, and execution of their estate planning documents. She is committed to ensuring clients feel informed and at ease throughout the signing process.

Kenzie joined the firm in 2023 and has found the work deeply rewarding. “Our clients are folks who love their families and just want to do right by the ones they love,” she says. “Helping them lay plans to make things easier for the people they care about is very fulfilling.”

Kenzie holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish from Morehead State University and became a credentialed paralegal in 2024.

Outside of the office, Kenzie enjoys a wide range of creative pursuits, including crocheting, embroidering, ceramics, and painting in watercolors and acrylics. She also has a special affection for her pet Netherland dwarf rabbit, Jude, whom she fondly describes as “a playful little force of nature.”

Barbara Doyle

Client Services Coordinator

Barbara Doyle is the Client Services Coordinator at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, where she serves as a primary point of contact for clients at every stage of the estate planning and elder care process. She helps clients understand next steps clearly while ensuring they feel welcomed, supported, and well cared for throughout their experience with the firm.

Barbara joined the team in 2024 and values the opportunity to interact with clients in a warm, attentive, and compassionate manner. “Taking care of people has always been a big priority of mine, and I know it’s a priority for the firm,” she says. “I am happy to be part of this office family, and we want clients to recognize that we are part of their family as well.”

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Emerson College, bringing strong interpersonal and communication skills to her role.

Barbara resides in Cupertino with her husband, Alex, a software engineer. Together, they have raised two sons, Finn and Thayer. Outside of work, she enjoys creative writing, mixed media art, paper crafting, scrapbooking, card making, volunteering, travel, spending time with family, and playing games.

Wendy Harshbarger

Director of Marketing and Client Relations

Wendy studied Music Education at Linfield College where she graduated in 1987. She joined Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, APC, Attorneys at Law in 1992 and worked side by side with Roy to create the preeminent estate planning law firm that LK&A is today. She has served the office in the roles of research and writing paralegal, office manager, bookkeeper, document production paralegal and signing paralegal. She has served as the Director of Marketing and Client Relations since 1999.

Wendy resides with her husband, Mikell. Together they have raised a wonderful daughter who is a 3rd grade teacher. Wendy donates blood regularly and spent years as a school volunteer. She received the PTA Honorary Service Award in 2004. Wendy enjoys hiking, gardening, travel, singing and is a member of the Eugene Symphony Chorus.

“It is an honor to be able to provide information on estate planning and elder care to our community. It is a pleasure to coordinate speaking engagements for our team so they can educate others and help take the mystery out of estate planning and elder care. It’s also so much fun to arrange for our client appreciation seminars and workshops – our annual ice cream social is one of my favorite annual events.”

Attorney and Staff Profiles