Overview

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.

Founded:
1996
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Practice Areas:
3
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Best Lawyers Recognized:
1

Rankings

Regional

Sacramento

Tier
2
Sacramento
Tax Law
Tier
2
Sacramento
Trusts and Estates

Rankings

Regional

Sacramento

Tier
2
Sacramento
Tax Law
Tier
2
Sacramento
Trusts and Estates

Practice Areas

Goralka Law Firm PC has been ranked by Best Law Firms for excellence in 2 specialties, reflecting the firm's commitment to delivering outstanding legal services.
Additionally, the firm provides services in these practice areas:
  • Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships)
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates

Individuals Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America®

Goralka Law Firm PC proudly has 1 lawyer recognized for their outstanding professional performance in the 2025 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®. This peer-reviewed honor highlights individual excellence and directly qualifies the firm for consideration in the prestigious Best Law Firms rankings. For over four decades, Best Lawyers has been the gold standard for recognizing top legal talent, serving as the cornerstone for Best Law Firms awards. Learn more about our rigorous Best Lawyers research and selection process.
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Best Law Firms Insights

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The Business Climate in California Is Golden
California's robust economy and infrastructure support thriving businesses and legal communities, bolstering massive strides in innovatio...
The Business Climate in California Is Golden

Firm News

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February 3, 2025
Celebrating John Goralka's 30 Years of Legal Specialization
Read Article Celebrating John Goralka's 30 Years of Legal Specialization
December 12, 2024
John Goralka Again Recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated Attorney
Read Article John Goralka Again Recognized as a Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent Rated Attorney
November 6, 2024
John Selected for Sactown Magazine Top Lawyers 2024
Read Article John Selected for Sactown Magazine Top Lawyers 2024
September 9, 2024
Goralka Law Firm Recognized as a Best Law Firm for 2025
Read Article Goralka Law Firm Recognized as a Best Law Firm for 2025
September 5, 2024
John Featured in The Wealth Strategies Journal
Read Article John Featured in The Wealth Strategies Journal
August 28, 2024
John Goralka Quoted In Kiplinger Advisor Collective - August 2024
Read Article John Goralka Quoted In Kiplinger Advisor Collective - August 2024
... ...

Awards

Goralka Law Firm PC is honored to be recognized for excellence by Best Law Firms and other leading legal industry organizations. Our rankings and awards reflect the dedication, skill, and results our attorneys deliver across a wide range of practice areas. In addition to our Best Law Firms awards, Goralka Law Firm PC has earned accolades from respected national and regional publications for outstanding legal service and professional achievement. Explore our awards below to learn more about how Goralka Law Firm PC continues to set the standard for quality legal representation.
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

Offices & Contacts

Sacramento, CA
John Goralka
President Attorney
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