“Failing to Plan is Planning to FAIL.” – Ben Franklin
Meet Joseph McHugh, Esq.
Founding & Managing Attorney of LA LAW Center, PC
Joseph McHugh is the Founding Principal and Managing Attorney of LA LAW Center, PC, serving clients throughout California in the areas of asset protection, estate planning, elder law, Medi-Cal planning, probate administration, and special needs planning.
With more than 30 years of legal experience, Joe has built a reputation for helping individuals, families, business owners, and real estate investors protect their assets and prepare for the future through customized legal strategies.
Experienced California Asset Protection Attorney
Joe McHugh focuses on legal strategies designed to help clients protect their:
- Family wealth
- Real estate holdings
- Business interests
- Investments
- Retirement assets
- Future inheritances
His practice includes comprehensive planning involving:
- Asset Protection Trusts
- Land Trusts
- LLC structuring
- Family estate planning
- Elder law & Medi-Cal planning
- Probate administration
- Special Needs Trusts
- Business succession planning
Every client’s legal plan is tailored to their individual goals, family circumstances, and level of liability exposure.
Business & Financial Background
Joe grew up in La Mirada and earned his undergraduate degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Finance and Accounting from California State University, Fullerton.
Before becoming an attorney, he worked within The Walt Disney Company in several business and finance-related roles.
His career included work at:
- Disneyland
- Walt Disney Project Finance Division
- Walt Disney Imagineering
Joe later served as Manager of Contract Administration while working on major development projects, including:
- EPCOT
- Tokyo Disneyland
While working full-time at Disney, Joe attended Whittier Law School at night and successfully passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt.
Founder of LA LAW Center
After leaving Disney, Joe opened his own law practice in Glendale, California, focusing initially on:
- Business formation
- Contracts
- Joint ventures
- International business transactions
- Entertainment-related development projects
Over time, his practice evolved toward estate planning, asset protection, and elder law — areas where he found he could make a meaningful long-term impact for families and business owners.
That vision ultimately led to the creation of LA LAW Center, PC.
Professional Organizations & Legal Associations
Joe is an active member of numerous professional legal organizations, including:
- State Bar of California
- National Association of Elder Law Attorneys
- California Advocates for Nursing Home Reform
- Academy of Special Needs Planners
- Los Angeles County Bar Association
- Beverly Hills Bar Association
- Burbank Bar Association
- Irish American Bar Association
His involvement in these organizations helps him stay informed about evolving legal developments affecting California families and business owners.
A Personal Commitment to Family & Community
Outside the office, Joe enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathy McHugh, their family, and their many animals at their rural Southern California home.
He is a proud father of two adult children and enjoys:
- Off-roading adventures
- Camping
- Outdoor activities
- Family gatherings
Joe also served for many years as a Civilian Volunteer with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse.
Contact LA LAW Center
If you are looking for experienced guidance in estate planning, asset protection, Medi-Cal planning, probate, or elder law, LA LAW Center is here to help.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Call: (818) 241-4238
Our office is conveniently located in Burbank and proudly serves clients throughout California.