Best Lawyers in Ohio, United States for Trusts and Estates

David Lenz joined the Firm in 2006, became a Partner in 2013, and was elected to serve as Managing Partner in 2020. His practice focuses primarily on planning for and administering wealth transfer for individuals and families, in addition to counseling charitable organizations. David considers each client’s unique estate planning needs, creating comprehensive plans and helping families communicate their purpose and goals to the next generation. This often includes complex charitable, re...

Troy Terakedis counsels clients on federal income tax matters and in the structuring and formation of venture capital, leveraged buyout and other private equity funds, as well as other business entities. He also advises on partnership, limited liability company and general corporate law. In addition, Troy works with closely-held businesses, their owners, and other high-net worth individuals and executives, advising them on federal income tax, corporate succession, estate and gift tax and asse...

Andrew J. Art is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Andrew J., who practices law in Columbus, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Andrew J. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Pursuant to a merger with the firm in which he was a principal since 1985, Alan has been a Partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP since 2015. He primarily works with closely held and family businesses of all types and the individuals and families who own those businesses. Alan’s practice areas cover a broad range of business and personal matters, including – tax-exempt nonprofits; real estate; estate planning and estate & trust administration; planning, structuring, and f...

Sarah Worley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Sarah, who practices law in Troy, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Sarah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Douglas C. Carlson has extensive experience in corporate, partnership, individual and estate tax matters. The primary emphasis of his practice is on transactional planning, including acquisitions and dispositions, reorganizations and limited partnership syndications, liquidations and executive compensation, including stock options and deferred compensation. He has substantial experience in compliance activities, controversy matters, and state and local tax matters. As a business law attorney,...

Charles Brown is an accomplished estate planning and probate attorney with more than 26 years of experience in probate litigation. He has previously served as Magistrate since 1988, and Chief Magistrate and Probate Court Mediator since 2009 for Cuyahoga County , the largest and most prominent probate court in the state of Ohio. Mr. Brown has handled thousands of cases involving all aspects of probate litigation, including wealth management and estate planning. He is a lecturer and continuing ...

As a Partner in the Firm’s Trusts and Estates Practice Group, Justin provides estate planning solutions to high-net-worth individuals and families. This includes preparing full estate plans, from Wills to Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, as well as handling probate and tax matters. Prior to joining the Firm, he worked at one of America’s largest financial institutions, where he spearheaded a team of experts in investment management, financial and estate planning, lending and depo...

Brandon Borgmann joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in September of 2008 and practices in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, probate, special needs law and tax. Brandon represents individuals, business owners and families concerning estate planning, tax planning and business succession planning. He also represents executors and trustees with respect to administration of estates and trusts, probate litigation and taxation.

David W. Carter is an experienced estate planning attorney who advises individuals, families, and business owners on comprehensive wealth and legacy planning strategies. He focuses on creating customized estate plans that align with each client’s financial goals, family dynamics, and long-term objectives, while ensuring they clearly understand every step of the process and feel confident in their decisions. Estate planning and wealth transfer strategies Probate and trust administration ...

Jim Bright has been practicing law since 1976. He applies his considerable expertise to advising individuals and families on estate planning, tax planning (including income and estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes), and charitable gift planning. He also provides counsel to trustees of private foundations on administration, initial formation, and tax qualification. Prior to the formation of SSSB, he served as President of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A. Jim is a Fellow of...

Aaron Kaplan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates. Aaron, who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Aaron is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Jan Houston is a trusted Cincinnati estate planning and tax attorney who advises high-net-worth individuals and families across Ohio and Northern Kentucky. Her practice focuses on estate planning, multi-generational wealth transfer, charitable giving strategies, and business succession planning. Jan also represents clients in income and estate tax audits, helping them navigate complex tax issues with clarity and confidence. With a deep understanding of both tax law and family dynamics, she de...

Clients appreciate that Margaret doesn’t employ a “one size fits all” approach, instead leveraging a thoughtful and thorough conversation to weigh the impact of a range of issues. With estate planning, for instance, that can mean going beyond tax implications to carefully consider dynamics in the client’s family relationships and the strengths and personalities of each individual involved. Whether assisting a young married couple with concerns of how a trust will be ad...

Susan E. Wheatley is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Susan E., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2006. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Susan E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Whitney B. Maxson is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Whitney B., who practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Whitney B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.