JULIA L. BIRKEL brings over 25 years of civil litigation experience to her practice as a partner of Hill, Farrer & Burrill.  During the past decade, she has focused her practice primarily in the areas of trust and probate litigation (with emphasis on elder financial abuse and undue influence matters), real estate litigation, general business litigation (such as partnership and contract disputes), and attorney legal malpractice defense.  She further developed her trial skills while working as a news reporter.  Her team player spirit derives, in part, from playing Rugby, running track, and participating in other team sports while an Undergraduate at Stanford.