The loss of a loved one brings more than grief. Families are often suddenly faced with unfamiliar responsibilities, important financial and legal decisions, and questions about what needs to happen next.
For Andrew Morris, Lead Estate Administration Attorney at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates, helping families navigate that uncertainty is one of the most rewarding aspects of his work.
“People who come to us are going through a time in their life that they possibly have never experienced before and may never experience again,” Andrew said. “There is a lot of uncertainty that’s involved in handling an estate, but I’ve done it hundreds of times. Being able to share that experience with others is rewarding because I can take the load off of them.”
Finding the Right Area of Law
Andrew began his legal career in commercial litigation. Although he found the work intellectually engaging, he eventually realized he wanted to practice in an area of law that was more collaborative and focused on helping people through difficult circumstances.
When a move took him from Seattle to the Washington, D.C. area, Andrew saw an opportunity to change the direction of his career.
He joined a firm handling trust and probate administration for complex estates, including international estates, and quickly discovered that the work was a natural fit.
“I like building things as opposed to tearing things down,” Andrew said.
Estate administration gave him the opportunity to use his legal experience to solve problems, provide guidance, and help families move forward rather than focus on disputes between opposing sides.
A Client-Focused Approach to Estate Administration
After relocating to the Bay Area, Andrew was drawn to Litherland, Kennedy & Associates because of the firm’s commitment to putting clients first.
He particularly appreciated the firm’s flat-fee approach, which allows clients to focus on their needs and goals rather than worrying about how much time each conversation with their attorney might add to their bill. He also found a collaborative team environment that reflected his own approach to serving clients.
That collaboration is especially valuable in estate administration, where families may be dealing with everything from gathering and valuing assets to addressing debts, taxes, property transfers, and distributions to beneficiaries.
For someone serving as a trustee or executor for the first time, the number of responsibilities can feel overwhelming. Andrew sees his role as helping clients understand what needs to be done, what comes next, and how to move through the process with greater confidence.
His goal is not simply to complete the legal work. It is to build relationships with clients and help replace some of the uncertainty and fear they may be experiencing with clarity and peace of mind.
Life Beyond the Office
Outside of work, Andrew has been enjoying the opportunity to explore his new home in California with his young son, whom he describes as a “big ball of energy.” The two enjoy taking walks through parks and around the city together.
Andrew is also an avid reader with an interest in philosophy and history. And when he is not reading or spending time with his son, you may find him fencing.
He has participated in the sport since childhood and appreciates the combination of physical exercise and mental focus it requires.
Helping Families Move Forward
Andrew enjoys estate administration because it gives him the opportunity to build bonds with clients while helping them through a significant transition in their lives. As he puts it, he appreciates working “in an arena where, in most cases, no one is losing.”
For families dealing with the administration of a trust or estate, having an experienced team by their side can make an unfamiliar process feel much more manageable.
Andrew and the team at Litherland, Kennedy & Associates are here to help families understand their responsibilities, navigate each step of the estate administration process, and move forward with confidence and peace of mind.
If you have questions about trust or estate administration or need guidance following the loss of a loved one, we invite you to contact Litherland, Kennedy & Associates to learn how our team can help.
- Turning Fear into Peace of Mind: Meet Associate Attorney Andrew Morris - August 19, 2026
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- What Happens If You Die Without a Will in California? Understanding California Probate, Intestate Succession, and Why Estate Planning Matters - July 15, 2026
