M. Justin McDermott is Senior Counsel at Lagerlof, LLP, where he focuses his practice on elder law, estate planning, trust and estate administration, special needs planning, conservatorships, and public benefits matters. He is dedicated to helping individuals, families, fiduciaries, and caregivers navigate complex legal and personal decisions with practical guidance and compassionate counsel. 

Prior to entering the legal profession, Mr. McDermott built a successful career in finance, technology, and entrepreneurship. He began his professional career in New York City with an international trade finance company before joining a rapidly growing technology startup, where he served in a corporate sales leadership role. He later co-founded Webcatter Broadcasting, Inc. and Webcasting.com, Inc. 

After relocating to Southern California to pursue his legal education, Mr. McDermott gained early courtroom and judicial experience through positions with a personal injury law firm and the Los Angeles County Superior Court. During law school, he served as a Judicial Extern to the Honorable Margaret M. Bernal, Assistant Supervising Judge, Law & Motion, where he developed a strong foundation in civil procedure and judicial decision-making.  

Inspired by personal experiences and a desire to serve the elderly, their families, and individuals with special needs, Mr. McDermott dedicated his legal career to elder law and special needs planning. To further deepen his knowledge in this area, he earned a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Elder Law from the nation’s leading elder law program, Stetson University College of Law.  

Before joining Lagerlof, LLP, Mr. McDermott spent over a decade advising clients on a wide range of elder law and trusts and estates matters, including estate and life care planning, special needs trusts, Medi-Cal planning, conservatorships, probate proceedings, and trust administration.  

Mr. McDermott is an active leader in the elder law community. He is a member of the Trusts and Estates Sections of the State Bar of California, the Los Angeles County Bar Association, and the San Fernando Valley Bar Association. He is also a longtime member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA) and the California Chapter of NAELA, where he has served on the Executive Board and as Chapter President for many years.  

His professional accomplishments have been recognized through his selection to the Southern California Super Lawyers Rising Stars list in 2021, 2022, and 2023.