About

Multidisciplinary approach and transparency to ensure clients receive expert legal guidance.

Our Philosophy of Value

A Different Kind of Law Firm

At Channel Islands Law Group, we view our clients as partners, not as billing opportunities. Since our founding in 2004, we have been dedicated to providing transparent, fair, and reasonable fees for our estate planning, wills, trusts, and estate management services. We believe in clear communication about costs and services, ensuring you always know what to expect.

Based in Ventura, we are committed to meeting the estate planning needs of individuals and families throughout Ventura County and beyond. In addition to our expertise in estate planning, our attorneys are skilled mediators, offering effective alternative dispute resolution to address various legal challenges.

Knowledge Beyond the Law

A Multidiscipline Approach

With over 40 years of experience in the financial services industry, founding attorney Russ Charvonia brings a unique perspective to our estate planning and legal services. As a Certified Financial Planner ®, Russ offers invaluable insights into estate matters, divorce, and family law cases. His extensive knowledge aids in navigating asset titles, managing investments, addressing tax implications, and handling IRAs and 401(k)s.

Our multidisciplinary approach combines legal expertise with financial acumen to provide innovative solutions that save our clients time and money. We are committed to transparency and excellence, ensuring you receive the highest level of expert guidance tailored to your needs.

Meet Our Dedicated Team

Integrating our philosophy of value and unique multidisciplinary approach, our legal team brings these principles to life. We are committed to providing expert legal guidance with a personal touch, ensuring that your estate planning, wills, trusts, and estate management needs are handled with the utmost care and professionalism.

Each member of our team brings a wealth of experience and a client-focused approach to every case, making sure you receive the highest standard of service tailored to your individual needs.

Russ Charvonia

Virginia Fuentes

Max Shoemaker

Rhiannon Wademan

Founder, ChFC, CLU, CFP®, Esq.

Attorney-at-Law

Associate Attorney

Paralegal

We Are Ready When You Are Ready

At Channel Islands Law Group, we understand that taking the first steps toward estate planning, securing your assets, or preparing for the future can feel overwhelming. Whether you need time to discuss things with your family or want to gather all the necessary information, our team is ready to assist whenever you’re ready to move forward.

We’re here to guide you through every step of the process, from understanding what’s required to begin planning, to creating comprehensive legal protections for your home, assets, and end-of-life arrangements. When you’re ready to start building a secure future, our office is just a call or click away. Reach out to us, and let’s take the next steps together.

MAX

Max Shoemaker heads our Huntington Beach office

Max Shoemaker heads our Huntington Beach office where he serves clients primarily in Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Diego and San Bernardino Counties. Max is experienced in contract law, estate and trust planning. He joined Channel Islands Law Group motivated by a strong desire to help others overcome legal obstacles and protect their interests. With a passion for assisting individuals and businesses alike, he utilizes his expertise in contract law to guide clients in starting and growing their businesses successfully. Additionally, as a parent of two small children, Max understands the importance of planning for the future on a personal level. This perspective, coupled with his legal acumen, allows him to provide invaluable insights and guidance to clients seeking to navigate the complexities of estate planning and protect their family’s well-being.

With an in-house legal background working for large entertainment companies, Max has gained comprehensive knowledge in the intricate legal matters involved in producing and distributing television shows. In his most recent role, he served as the legal point-of-contact for multiple unscripted television show productions, handling day-to-day legal affairs from development through postproduction and delivery.

Max’s legal career began shortly after graduating from Loyola Law School in Los Angeles in 2016. During his time at Loyola, he earned recognition for his outstanding work as a Senior Editor on the Loyola of Los Angeles Law Review, where he was awarded Best Senior Editor during his third year. Max also had the privilege of externing for a Federal District Court judge in the Central District of California, further enhancing his understanding of the judicial process.

Max is committed to delivering personalized legal solutions that prioritize his clients’ interests and help them achieve their goals. He is a member of the Orange County Bar Association, an affiliate member of the Orange County Association of Realtors and a member of the Long Beach Chapter of TEAM Referral Network. Most recently, he was voted “Best Lawyer” in LB Living’s 2024 “Absolute Best of Long Beach” Awards.

Born and raised in San Diego County, Max relocated to Orange County in 2010, where he currently resides with his wife and two children. In his spare time, he embraces an active lifestyle and frequently participates in Spartan races. You can also find him on weekends exploring the best local restaurants and outdoor activities, while wrangling his son and daughter.

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Office Locations

Ventura County

Main Office
58 N. Ash Street

Ventura, CA 93001

[Map & Directions]

Santa Barbara Conty

25 E. Anapamu Street
2nd Floor

Santa Barbara, CA 93101

[Map & Directions]

Orange County

17011 Beach Boulevard
Suite 900

Huntington Beach, CA 92467

[Map & Directions]

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The content provided on this website is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be construed as legal advice for any specific case or situation. Viewing this information does not establish an attorney-client relationship, and we encourage you to seek personalized legal counsel for your unique circumstances.

Channel Islands Law Group, APC ​ ​ | ​ ​ Channel Islands Law Group, APC (Santa Barbara) ​ ​ | ​ ​ Channel Islands Law Group, a P.C. (Huntington Beach)

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