Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates

Jackson G. Kramer, a highly skilled, knowledgeable and trusted counselor who has over 33 years of legal experience, concentrates his practice in the areas of Corporate and Transactional, Real Estate, Estate Planning, Administration and Trusts, and Local Government and Public Utilities. He is a strong but reasonable advocate for his clients. His primary goal is to help his clients solve their legal issues and achieve their overall objectives while simultaneously protecting their best interests.

Margaret A. Deluca is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is based in the Stamford office. She joined the Firm in 1996 and concentrates in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, estate and trust administration and probate litigation. She is on the Firm's Board of Directors and is the Administrative Co-Chair of the Stamford Private Clients Group.

Joseph G. Socha is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Joseph G., who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joseph G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

William E. Blackstone is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. William E., who practices law in Franklin, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2010. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which William E. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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...

Denise L. Iocco's practice focuses primarily on estate and gift tax planning, charitable giving, and trust and estate administration. Ms. Iocco advises high net-worth individuals and families in all aspects of estate planning. She has extensive experience in developing tax-advantageous transfers, as well as advising fiduciaries in connection with the management of estates and trusts. Ms. Iocco is often called upon in situations where sophisticated and sensitive planning is necessitated by mul...

Nicole M. Pearl advises clients on estate planning, wealth transfer planning, marital property agreements, business succession planning and post-death administration. Her clients include family offices, entrepreneurs and business owners, real property investors, private equity fund managers, and entertainment industry figures. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/pearl-nicole-m/

Dean T. Sandow is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Corporate Law and Trusts and Estates. Dean T., who practices law in Portland, Oregon, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dean T. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Kathleen W. Bilderback is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates. Kathleen W., who practices law in Clayton, Missouri, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kathleen W. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Christina M. Mason is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Christina M., who practices law in New York, New York, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Christina M. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Barbara A. Taylor is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. Barbara A., who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2018. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Barbara A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Daniel G. Johnson is a Principal in Cummings & Lockwood's Private Clients Group and is based in the Stamford office where he has practiced since joining the Firm in 1997. He practices primarily in the areas of estate planning, family business succession planning, estate administration and trust administration. Dan frequently lectures on estate and tax planning topics before both lawyer and non-lawyer audiences.

John Golden is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Trusts and Estates. John, who practices law in Redwood Shores, California, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

“Being sincerely invested in you and having your best interests at heart is what fuels my passion for estate planning. It takes a personal approach to create a positive experience and that is the foundation of my practice.” I feel privileged to assist with your estate planning and grateful to be allowed into your life. Experiencing a variety of life events with clients builds trust, and I am proud of the long-standing relationships I have developed over the past 23 years. I work c...

Marcus Loden is a Shareholder in the Business Practice Group. His statewide practice involves a wide variety of matters concerning business succession planning, trusts and estates, transactional and real estate work. Marc holds a masters of law degree in taxation from the foremost graduate tax program in the country. He is uniquely qualified to assist individuals and business owners with their operations and wealth transfer tax planning. He has: Drafted numerous estate plans for individuals a...

Craig Cockrell advises businesses, individuals, municipalities and state agencies on tax matters and business transactions including business formations and start-ups, stock and asset acquisitions, real estate transactions and public financing transactions. He also assists individuals and families with preparing and implementing estate and business succession plans and provides legal counsel on wealth transfer strategies. Having extensive experience in administrative tax proceedings, Craig al...