Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates

Jeff Marvan is the lead attorney at MarvanLaw, A.P.C. MarvanLaw, A.P.C. is a boutique firm focused on probate litigation, trust litigation, estate planning, guardianships, and conservatorships. After graduating from UC Davis’ King Hall School of Law, Jeff began his legal career a public defender in Yolo County. Over the four years at the public defender office Jeff handled misdemeanors, felonies, juvenile delinquencies, dependencies, and LPS Conservatorships. This time period allowed Je...

My approach in my practice is one of empathy and support. I provide my clients with peace of mind as I help them plan for the future and guide them through difficult times. Creating an estate plan can be daunting, and it is tempting to put it off. I make the process as easy and stress-free as possible, and my clients leave feeling a sense of accomplishment and relief. My team and I also guide families through the handling of the estate after the death of a loved one. We understand how difficu...

J. Leslie LaReau is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. J. Leslie practices law in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma Best Lawyers has recognized J. Leslie LaReau since 2012. 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 J. Leslie LaReau is held by other lawyers.

An attorney with Jones Walker for more than 40 years, David Edwards is a partner in the Tax Practice Group who focuses on estate planning and administration. David advises individual clients on wealth transfer at minimum tax cost, in addition to providing traditional estate planning counsel in areas of wills, trusts, and powers of attorney. He also advises clients on marriage contracts and other aspects of property obligations stemming from marriage. David’s practice includes the admini...

Stanley Heyman is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Stanley practices law in Los Angeles, California Best Lawyers has recognized Stanley Heyman 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 Stanley Heyman is held by other lawyers.

Kristofer M. Simms is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area of Trusts and Estates. Kristofer M. practices law in Boulder, Colorado Best Lawyers has recognized Kristofer M. Simms since 2020. 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 Kristofer M. Simms is held by other lawyers.

Alyssa Fitzgerald is a counsel in the firm's Trusts and Estate Planning practice. She focuses her practice on advising tax-exempt organizations. She provides guidance to tax-exempt and taxable entities on a variety of issues ranging from formation, sale of assets, mergers, joint ventures and partnerships, foreign activities, political campaign activity and lobbying, charitable sales promotions and corporate sponsorship, planned giving and compliance with intermediate sanctions and self-dealin...

Member of the New Hampshire Bar Association since 1993, Martindale-Hubbell AV rated attorney, with over 14 years of experience in the area of trusts and estates. Actively engaged in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, federal and state transfer (estate, gift and generation-skipping) taxation and federal and state income (personal and fiduciary) taxation. Experience includes all phases of administration of estates and trusts; representing beneficiaries and fiduciarie...

Randell C. Doane is recognized as a specialist in tax law and is board certified in the law of wills, trusts and estates by the Florida Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Mr.Doane is an honored member of Martindale-Hubbell’s Registry of Preeminent Attorneys in tax law and estate planning. His law firm, Doane and Doane, PA, holds the high estrating ("AV") from Martindale Hubbell which is the premier attorney rating service. Mr.Doane is frequently called as an expert consultant for estate...

“I am privileged to help people every day plan for their futures and provide them with peace of mind knowing that their affairs are in order. For me, there is no job better than being a trusted advocate.” My clients receive my undivided attention. I focus on learning your story and understanding your specific needs. With a broad base of legal knowledge, I will thoughtfully consider your issues, identify your options, and strategically use the right tools to accomplish your goals. ...

Norman J. Benford counsels high-net-worth individuals and families in connection with estate planning and other complex tax issues, as well as business succession and other non-tax family matters. Norm also counsels individuals and institutions serving as fiduciaries of estates, trusts and guardianships in connection with administrative matters and disputes with the Internal Revenue Service.

Stu Tobisman focuses his practice on estate and tax planning for individual clients and on the administration of estates and trusts. His clients include prominent individuals in industry, commerce and entertainment, as well as individuals, banks, and trust companies acting in fiduciary capacities. He also advises owners of closely held businesses in connection with estate and tax-planning matters. Known for his technical abilities and personable approach, Stu enjoys helping his clients identi...

Brian K. Kirby is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Trusts and Estates. Brian K. practices law in Sioux Falls, South Dakota Best Lawyers has recognized Brian K. Kirby since 2026. 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 Brian K. Kirby is held by other lawyers.

John Fitzpatrick is a senior partner with nearly three decades of legal experience. John's practice focuses on assisting people and financial institutions in inheritance disputes, commercial/business litigation and civil appellate advocacy. John's peer recognition includes election as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). He also enjoys a long-standing AV® Preeminent™ rating and is a Best Lawyers® "Lawyer of the Year" (Phoenix) Litigation - Trusts...

M. Read Moore provides legal counsel on all aspects of estate planning, estate and trust administration, tax controversy, and privately owned business governance and succession planning. He has considerable experience in the international aspects of the private client practice, including inbound investment and wealth transfers to the United States, the US tax and legal aspects of non-US private company and wealth management structures, and US tax compliance for clients with global investments...

Daniel P. Fitzgerald is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and Principal-in-Charge of the Greenwich office. His practice focuses on estate planning, estate administration, taxation, partnerships, probate litigation and defending tax audits. Dan's extensive estate administration experience allows him to develop estate plans that address issues and concerns before they become problematic. He has worked with a broad range of finance, accounting, hedge fund and private...