General Information

Year founded: 1996
This is the year the firm (or its earliest predecessor entity) was founded.
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Overview

Content is provided by the firm.

We work with successful families & business owners to minimize income and estate tax, better protect assets and to transition legacies and family values to the next generation.

We help our client families transfer their estate or legacy to the right people, at the right time & keep the wrong people out.

Our firm is committed to providing unique solutions to the complex needs of our clients and helping them reach their personal or financial goals. So, whether you want to create an estate plan or learn more about the best way to reduce your tax liability, we’ll evaluate your options to help you make the decision that's right for you.

What to Expect When You Work with Our Firm

  • Uncommon knowledge. Attorney John Goralka is certified by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization in two key areas: Taxation Law & Estate Planning, Trust, & Probate Law. Of the 266,000 lawyers in California, only a handful of approximately 100 lawyers within California have earned these dual certifications.
  • Communication. We put people first & treat our clients like family. In fact, we have many clients who have been represented by our firm for over 20 years & across the first, second, & third generations. When you work with us, you'll get the personalized attention you deserve.
  • Trust. We are committed to helping our clients achieve their goals—even when others have said that a problem can't be solved. You can count on us to provide a realistic assessment of the challenges you're facing & the steps you'll need to take to turn your dreams into a reality.

None of us can predict what the future will hold, but our firm will provide the support you need to make informed decisions about the best way to reach your goals. Whether you're seeking to lower taxes on lottery winnings, create a trust to leave a lasting legacy for your loved ones, or expand a family-owned business, we can help.

Rankings

Goralka Law Firm, PC is metro ranked in 2 practice areas. Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process.

Read how Best Law Firms ranks firms

Metro Rankings

Sacramento
Tier 2 for Tax Law
Tier 2 for Trusts and Estates

Rankings

Regional Rankings

Sacramento
Tier 2 for Tax Law
Tier 2 for Trusts and Estates

Practice Areas

The below are areas of legal specialty volunteered by the firm and do not designate a specialty in which a Best Law Firms ranking is held.
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Goralka Law Firm, PC has 1 lawyers recognized for individual performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. By receiving this Best Lawyers recognition from their peers for their professional excellence, these lawyers made Goralka Law Firm, PC eligible for evaluation for Best Law Firms rankings. For almost two decades, Best Lawyers has awarded these singular accolades, making them the foundation of our Best Law Firms awards. Read more about our Best Lawyers process here.
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Awards

Awards are self-reported by firms and are not verified by the Best Law Firms rankings.
  • Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trusts and Probate Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
  • Certified Specialist in Taxation Law by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization
  • Former Hearing Officer and Income Tax Auditor, Franchise Tax Board, California
  • Passed the California Certified Public Accountants' (CPA’s) Exam
  • Approved Educator - California Department of Insurance
  • Approved Educator - California Certificated Financial Planning Board
  • Blue Star Wealth Professional
  • Distinguished Client Service Award - Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2016-2022 Northern California Super Lawyer for Estate Planning & Probate, Tax, and Business Law
  • Sacramento Magazine Top Lawyer for Business & Corporate Law
  • Rated AV preeminent by Martindale-Hubbell
  • 10.0 Rating with Avvo.com
  • Recognized as a top attorney in the United States by US News & World Reports for Taxation and Estate Planning
  • Recognized as a top taxation attorney in the United States by Premier Tax Planners
  • American Jurisprudence Awards in Torts and Business Planning
  • Corpus Juris Secundum Award For Making the Most Outstanding Contribution to Legal Scholarship (1985 and 1988)
  • Order of the Coif
  • Prentice-Hall Outstanding Tax Student Award
  • Traynor Society Award for Academic Achievement

Contacts

President Attorney
John Goralka 9164408036
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