FOUNDER

Paul Kanin is the Founder of Kanin Law Corp, and has been a lawyer in the Beverly Hills community for over 48 years, focusing his practice on estate planning and related matters. His professional activities include more than 20 years as a member of the Los Angeles Superior Court Probate Panel, membership in the Tax Section of the State Bar of California, and prior service on the Los Angeles County Commission on Judicial Reform.

Paul’s public service and charitable activities are extensive and include his role as a Founding Director of the Beverly Hills Police Foundation. For 17 years, he served as a Reserve Officer with the Beverly Hills Police Department. In addition to over twenty years on the board of the Children’s Institute, six of which he served as chair. Paul also serves on the board of the St. John’s Health Center Foundation. He is a former member of the National Leadership Council of Facing History and Ourselves.

Paul earned his J.D. from Whittier College School of Law and his B.A. from the University of California, Santa Barbara.

OF COUNSEL

Max Kanin brings dual expertise in estate planning and political law to his practice as Of Counsel at the Law Office of Paul R. Kanin. Max works with individuals and families to create thoughtful estate plans tailored to their unique needs—from simple wills and pet trusts to sophisticated trust structures designed to protect clients’ legacies and provide for future generations. 

In the political arena, Max has represented a diverse roster of clients including U.S. Congressmembers, state legislators, school board members, local city councilmembers, political action committees, lobbyists, and independent expenditure committees. His work extends beyond representation to shaping the regulatory landscape itself: as a member of the West Hollywood Ethics Reform Task Force, he successfully advocated for reforms to local campaign contribution laws. 

Through his involvement with the California Political Attorneys Association, he helped in the effort to rewrite the Fair Political Practices Commission’s recall committee contribution restrictions. 

Max earned his J.D. from American University Washington College of Law, where he served as a senior editor for the Journal of Gender, Social Policy, and the Law and externed for the Honorable Anita Josey-Herring of the D.C. Superior Court. He holds a B.A. in International Affairs from The George Washington University. 

OF COUNSEL

Melissa White serves as Of Counsel at the Law Office of Paul R. Kanin, where she advises individuals and families on the creation and administration of trusts, wills, and other estate planning instruments. Her practice emphasizes practical, comprehensive planning designed to protect assets, mitigate estate and gift taxes, and ensure a thoughtful transition of wealth to future generations.

She also assists clients with the formation and structuring of closely held entities as part of their broader estate plans, integrating business and personal objectives into a cohesive strategy. Melissa works closely with clients to craft bespoke solutions that reflect both their financial goals and family dynamics.

Melissa earned her J.D. from Loyola University New Orleans College of Law and holds both an M.B.A. and a B.B.A. from Middle Tennessee State University. She is fluent in Spanish and licensed to practice law in California, New York, and New Jersey.