Thomas E. Beltran

Thomas E. Beltran's areas of practice include disability-related estate planning; public benefits litigation in administrative forums, state, and federal court; defense of special needs trusts, probate, special education, and regional center litigation; and appellate matters.

Educational & Employment History • BA in Psychology from the University of North Dakota, Grand Forks • J.D. from Whittier College School of Law, Los Angeles • Past Member, Executive Committee, Trusts & Estates Section of the State Bar of California • Extensive background with developmental disabilities, working at three regional centers, a legal services agency now called Disability Rights California • Post legal services, had a solo practice and then worked to two different law firms before joining Clark Hill, LLP

Mr. Beltran set up the PLAN of California Master Pooled Trust, and serves as its general counsel. He drafted the language for SB-303 (Wright), codified as Penal Code 1347.5, applying the ADA’s accessibility requirements to proceedings involving sexual abuse victims with disabilities, and he was the principal drafter of the amendments to Probate Code §§ 3600 et seq. [AB-1851 (Harmon)]. Mr. Beltran has given expert testimony, concerning issues concerning persons with disabilities, in criminal, family law, and estate planning matters. His publications include Los Angeles Lawyer Magazine, “Achieving Ability,” September 2015; Special Needs Trusts: Planning Drafting, and Administration (Cal CEB 2008), Chapter 3, Consumer Attorneys of California; Forum Magazine, "People with Disabilities, Who Are Aged 65 and Over, Can Establish a Self-settled Pooled Special Needs Trust That Protects Their Medicaid Benefits," September/October 2009; and numerous MCLE program books.