Our Team

Courtney Coates joined the Foundation in 2021, currently serving as Senior Vice President and Chief Legal Officer leading the Estate Planning and Trust Administration divisions. A practicing attorney since 1999, Courtney is licensed in both California, Arizona, and Nevada (pending). He earned his B.A. in History and Sociology from the University of California, Los Angeles, and his J.D. from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law in San Francisco. He began his legal career as Senior Counsel with Hanson Bridgett LLP before founding his own practice in Temecula in 2007. His work has spanned Fortune 500 companies, non-profits, churches, pastors, and individual families, with a current focus on estate planning and charitable giving. Prior to his current role, he served as outside counsel to the Foundation’s Board of Directors. In 2025, Courtney was elected President of the Southwest American Inn of Court, where he leads a fellowship of judges and lawyers dedicated to advocacy, ethics, mentorship, and community engagement.

In addition to his legal practice, Courtney is a licensed and ordained minister, having served for over 25 years in various ministry roles.  Before joining the Foundation, Courtney served as Executive Pastor at The View Church in Menifee where he oversaw ministry operations, preached, and discipled small groups.  Courtney and his wife, Elizabeth, have been married since 1999, and are the proud parents of four daughters.