About Us

• About Us Rich Gaines, along with his partner Jay Brandenburg, formed Legacy Legal on January 1, 2011, based on their desire to enrich the experience of their clients and create long lasting relationships. After twenty five years of work as a tax and legacy planning attorney, Rich realized that people, when given the chance, like to express deeper emotions and desires about their individual and family visions, goals and legacy. Rich found that when people talk about their beliefs, their values, their intentions and the importance of what they do in life that they gain greater clarity about how to assure that their plans and values are honored and respected. From his second year at Southwestern University School of Law, Rich knew that working with the tax law to benefit people in protecting and perserving their wealth for generations was his passion. Positively building up a person’s future while maximizing tax savings and protecting that wealth has been his mission ever since. To further his career Rich pursued and received a Master of Laws in Taxation from Denver University School of Law. Rich worked for a national CPA firm and then spent several years with prestigious law firms before establishing a private practice in Carlsbad California. Rich brings a unique learning environment to legacy planning allowing people to experience and explore new possibilities for themselves and their families. Rich holds playshops in a fun and provocative way where people are actively participating in building a secure future for themselves and their family. In a way, these techniques are breaking down the walls in how families are talking about money, bringing them together, fostering opportunity to create a common family vision and making their wealth last for generations. Rich proudly served two years as the chairperson of the North San Diego County Bar Association’s Tax Section and has testified as an expert witness in court. From 2000-2002, he was a Board Member and Treasurer of a prominent San Diego charitable organization. Rich conducts public and private seminars, and has presented talks before such distinguished groups as the CPA/LAW Forum, the North Coastal Estate Planning Council, the California Society of Enrolled Agents and the North San Diego County Bar Estate Planning and Probate Section. Mr. Brandenburg received the degree of Juris Doctor of Law in 1980 and has been a licensed attorney since that same year when he passed the California State Bar Exam. He has had a successful 31 year career with Northrop Grumman Corporation in the areas of Contracts, Finance and Engineering that gives him a broad view of the business world as well as a sincere appreciation for individuals’ day to day struggles with balancing their roles and commitments. Jay’s passion for serving others and creating a lasting difference in their lives coupled with an intense interest in the multifaceted Estate Planning arena are an ideal combination of character traits for providing a service oriented Law Practice. A Law Practice that helps clients realize their desire to protect their family’s legacy and thereby provide for their loved ones long after they are gone.