About Julianna M.
Julianna M. Malis is a seasoned estate planning and elder law attorney based in Santa Barbara, California. With over two decades of experience in the Central Coast region, she developed her focus on traditional estate planning, asset protection, and estate administration. In 2014, Julianna founded Santa Barbara Estate Planning & Elder Law, located at 14 W Valerio St Ste A, Santa Barbara, CA 93101-6516. This firm emphasizes a family-centered approach. This lets the attorney address the needs of each client. Her educational background is impressive.
Julianna graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy from the University of California, Santa Barbara, in 1993. She continued her legal education at the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, where she earned her Juris Doctor in 1996. Furthering her expertise, she obtained a Master of Laws in Taxation with a focus on Estate Planning in 1999. This advanced education laid a strong foundation for her specialized practice. Julianna’s legal career began in 1997 when she was admitted to the State Bar of California. Her initial role as a Deputy Public Defender provided her with invaluable courtroom experience. This lets the attorney develop strong advocacy skills.
In 1999, she co-founded Makler & Baker LLP, where she practiced until 2014. This partnership further solidified her reputation in the field of estate planning and elder law. Throughout her career, Julianna has received numerous accolades for her contributions to the legal community. From 2021 to 2026, she was selected to Super Lawyers, a prestigious peer designation awarded to attorneys in each state. Julianna is also an active member of the Trusts & Estates Section of the California State Bar, as well as organizations such as WealthCounsel and ElderCounsel. These affiliations keep her at the forefront of developments in estate planning and elder law. Community service is also a significant part of Julianna's life.
She serves on the board of the Santa Barbara County Legal Aid Foundation, contributing her legal expertise to those in need. Her involvement extends to various organizations, including the Arthritis Foundation and the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys. Julianna resides in Santa Barbara with her husband, Sean, a U.S. Army officer and Iraq war veteran. Together, they have a blended family of five children and one grandson. Her personal experiences as a caregiver have profoundly influenced her approach to elder law, emphasizing a holistic perspective that addresses legal, medical, financial, social, and family issues. This multifaceted approach ensures that her clients receive comprehensive support tailored to their unique circumstances.
