Best Lawyers in Ohio, United States for Trusts and Estates
Cities
Justin L. Stark is Chair of the Trusts & Estates Practice Group at Schneider Bell. 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 plannin...
James F. Contini is a director of Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A., and currently serves as a member of the firm’s management committee. His focus is primarily in estate planning, business succession planning, probate, estate and trust administration, elder law, business law, and real estate law.
Chuck Adler joined the Firm in 1993 and became a Partner in 1995. He has a special interest in planning for individuals, families, and closely held businesses. Chuck counsels individuals and families on complex estate, charitable, financial, and retirement planning matters; on estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes; and on the organization and operation of private foundations. He also works with owners of closely held and family businesses on succession planning. Before joining the Firm,...
Erica K. Williams brings more than 25 years of comprehensive and sophisticated estate planning services to high net-worth individuals and families. She earned the designation as an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils, awarded to estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education professional reputation, and character. Erica is experienced in all aspects of tax planning, including...
Arthur E. Gibbs III is a partner in the Trusts and Estate Planning Group and is licensed to practice law in Ohio and Florida. Art is an Ohio State Bar Association Board Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and focuses on providing creative estate, tax and business planning advise to business owners and other wealthy individuals, as well as representing individuals, financial institutions, and non-profits in estate disputes. Art is a past Chair of the firm’s Cle...
Meredith K. Sugar is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Meredith K. practices law in Columbus, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Meredith K. Sugar since 2021. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Meredith K. Sugar is held by other lawyers.
Ann M. Seller is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Ann M. practices law in Cincinnati, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Ann M. Seller since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Ann M. Seller is held by other lawyers.
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 ...
As the second oldest of nine children, Bill began resolving family disputes at an early age. His childhood also gave him insights as to how children may perceive fairness and equity differently than do the parents. While some wealth strategists may believe that tax avoidance is the major objective of wealth planning, Bill believes that wealth planning is ultimately about family planning: how to devolve wealth without creating acrimony or bitterness among family members, and all the while pres...
Rick is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and a Certified Elder Law Attorney. For both 2009 and 2010, Rick has been included in the “Top 100 Lawyers” for the state of Ohio by “Ohio Super Lawyers” and (a joint publication of Law & Politics, Cincinnati Magazine, and NorthernOhioLive. ) Rick is a member of the Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Law Council of the Ohio State Bar Association and...
Mr. McGuire brings a wealth of experience to his role as a trusts and estates attorney, where he specializes in crafting tailored solutions for clients based on their individual needs, concerns, and goals. Dan has represented clients across the entire wealth spectrum and is adept at advising clients in addressing changing circumstances that require planning for the future. Dan holds licenses to practice law in Ohio and Florida. Prior to joining Mansour Gavin, he played a crucial role in the a...
Peter Slater brings more than 30 years of experience helping individuals, families, and business owners navigate the complexities of estate planning, wealth transfer, and business succession and related income tax matters. He works closely with clients to develop practical, tailored strategies that reflect their values, protect their assets, and support their long-term objectives. Peter's practice encompasses estate, gift, and tax planning, charitable giving strategies, asset protection plann...
Geoffrey Kunkler joined Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP in 2014 and has been a Partner since 2018. His practice is centered around estate planning for individuals and business owners, as well as asset protection planning for retirees. He focuses primarily on the areas of estate planning, elder protection, estate administration, charitable and philanthropic planning and special needs planning. He also has extensive experience in conducting educational seminars on legal topics related to his e...
Bart spent the first part of his career as an insurance advisor and securities analyst. He later became a lawyer and developed his skills as a litigator and trust attorney. This wide range of experience enables him to give his clients a comprehensive view of financial planning not often found in estate planning attorneys. Bart Leonardi is a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law by the Ohio State Bar Association. His practice is concentrated in the areas of estate plan...
Sarah Worley is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Sarah practices law in Troy, Ohio Best Lawyers has recognized Sarah Worley since 2025. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Sarah Worley is held by other lawyers.
Our Methodology
Recognition by Best Lawyers is based entirely on peer review. Our methodology is designed to capture, as accurately as possible, the consensus opinion of leading lawyers about the professional abilities of their colleagues within the same geographical area and legal practice area.
The Process
Best Lawyers employs a sophisticated, conscientious, rational, and transparent survey process designed to elicit meaningful and substantive evaluations of the quality of legal services. Our belief has always been that the quality of a peer review survey is directly related to the quality of the voters.
