Murtaugh partner Benjamin R. Schwefel named to California Legal Awards Fast Track list

Murtaugh LLP partner Benjamin R. Schwefel was named a 2026 honoree in the Trust and Estates category of Law.com and The Recorder’s California Legal Awards. The recognition underscores his work on complex estate matters, fiduciary litigation and leadership in California’s trusts-and-estates bar.

Why it matters: - The honor spotlights a younger trusts-and-estates lawyer building experience on high-value, high-stakes matters. - Schwefel’s selection adds national visibility to Murtaugh LLP’s estate planning, probate and fiduciary litigation practice. - The recognition also reflects leadership beyond billable work, including statewide bar service and legal education.

What happened: - Murtaugh LLP announced that partner Benjamin R. Schwefel was named a 2026 honoree in the Trust and Estates category of Law.com and The Recorder’s “Lawyers on the Fast Track” list. - The award is part of the California Legal Awards. - The list recognizes attorneys whose early-career achievements are shaping the next generation of California legal talent. - Michelle Generaux, Murtaugh LLP co-managing partner, said Schwefel has built a practice that most attorneys do not reach until much later in their careers.

The details: - Schwefel is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law. - His practice covers advanced estate planning, complex trust and estate administration, and fiduciary litigation. - Schwefel has advised clients on estates exceeding $200 million. - He led the administration of trusts involving Qualified Domestic Trusts and IRS audits. - He tried a contested fiduciary matter that resulted in a statement of decision awarding double damages under Probate Code section 859. - Schwefel became one of the youngest partners in Murtaugh LLP’s 47-year history. - Schwefel serves on the Executive Committee of the Trusts and Estates Section, known as TEXCOM, of the California Lawyers Association. - In that role, he helps lead a statewide law school outreach initiative. - Schwefel also co-hosts the Trust Me! podcast. - He is a frequent speaker for Continuing Education of the Bar, the Professional Fiduciary Association of California and other national legal education providers. - Schwefel was recently selected to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 X: The Next Generation. - That guide highlights attorneys positioned to lead the legal profession in the years ahead. - Murtaugh LLP said the Lawdragon recognition reflects the same body of work recognized by the Fast Track list.

Between the lines: - The dual recognition suggests Schwefel’s profile is rising both inside the California trusts-and-estates community and on a national stage. - The combination of large-estate planning, fiduciary litigation and bar leadership signals a practice built around technically complex work and professional influence. - Murtaugh is using the award to reinforce its reputation in high-end trust and estate matters.

What's next: - Schwefel is likely to keep building his platform through litigation, planning work and professional leadership. - His bar and education roles suggest continued visibility in California’s trusts-and-estates network. - Murtaugh will continue promoting the recognition alongside the firm’s broader trust and estate practice.

The bottom line: - Schwefel’s Fast Track honor marks him as one of California’s emerging trusts-and-estates lawyers with both major-case experience and community standing.

More information: Murtaugh LLP