I would file a claim for malpractice against the lawyer, unless he can prove by a preponderance of the evidence that he urged these people to fund the trust and offered to assist them. If he can’t prove it, then his malpractice insurance should pick up all these costs. Same for the lack of advice on the IRA. That is gross negligence. I would also strongly consider filing a complaint with the state bar association against this lawyer, who was grossly negligent in not following up to make sure that they properly fund the trust and handled the IRA. That lawyer is dirty.