Private Wealth Law
High Net Worth Guide 2024 : District of Columbia
Band 1
Contact number
202.753.3800About
Provided by Lowenstein Sandler LLP
Comprised of lawyers from the firm’s Trusts & Estates, Tax, Family Office, Investment Management, Private Equity/M&A, Debt Finance, Venture Capital, and Real Estate practices, our attorneys offer sophisticated legal and business advice, crafting tax-efficient strategies that enable high-net-worth and ultra-high-net individuals and family offices to achieve their personal, philanthropic, and business objectives through strategic planning. We pride ourselves on our long-term personal relationships with families, family offices, private foundations, and family-owned businesses throughout the United States and around the world, who trust our dedicated stewardship and personalized advice.
Our lawyers are highly experienced in developing innovative approaches for complex cross-border gifts, investments, and purchases by individuals and their private investment vehicles. We guide clients through estate planning; domestic and international taxation; direct equity and private credit investments; tax-efficient transfers of businesses, real estate, valuable art, and other collections (often with cross-border components); and complex financial transactions by family-owned entities and charitable foundations, as well in controversies. In addition, we address family matters, ranging from tax and estate planning for marriage and divorce to business disputes and fiduciary litigation, all with the focus of serving the interests of the individual and family.
Chambers Review
Lowenstein Sandler strengthened its capabilities in high net worth trusts, estate and tax planning by bringing in a market-leading team from Caplin & Drysdale in May 2023. The team regularly advises on very high-value and frequently cross-border tax and estate planning work.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The support from the team is excellent. I feel fully supported. The client service is supremely executed. The guidance I received was so well thought out."
"We have worked with a number of attorneys on our client's estate planning efforts. They all are able to bring expertise in their specific areas."
"The team has exceptional legal knowledge and ability to identify critical issues, synthesise concepts and planning strategies. Tremendous experience and breath of resources."
"The support from the team is excellent. I feel fully supported. The client service is supremely executed. The guidance I received was so well thought out."
"We have worked with a number of attorneys on our client's estate planning efforts. They all are able to bring expertise in their specific areas."
"The team has exceptional legal knowledge and ability to identify critical issues, synthesise concepts and planning strategies. Tremendous experience and breath of resources."
Notable Practitioners
Beth Shapiro Kaufman is a very experienced private wealth adviser. Shapiro Kaufman has strong expertise in estate, gift and generation-skipping tax matters, among others.
"I could not be happier with the services that Beth has provided to us and her dedication to our account."
"I would go to Beth Kaufman for highly specialised matters. She is very well known and well regarded."
"Beth Shapiro Kaufman is at the very top of her field, yet she is humble and a true delight to work with. I cannot praise her highly enough."
"Beth Shapiro Kaufman has an exceptional level of technical knowledge and great communication skills. She keeps the best interests of clients at the forefront of her legal analysis and planning."
Megan Wernke has a wealth of experience dealing with both complex estate planning matters and tax planning issues.
"Megan is extremely knowledgeable and has provided tremendous value to us."
"Megan Wernke is one of the sharpest lawyers I have worked with, yet she is approachable and generous with her knowledge. I cannot say enough good things about her."
"Megan Wernke has excellent technical skills and communication skills."
"Megan Wernke is very experienced and knowledgeable within the wealth transfer tax space."
Michael P Vito is experienced in advising clients on estate, gift and income tax planning. His expertise also includes business succession planning and estate and trust administration.
"Michael Vito is the most thoughtful and intelligent lawyer I could possibly have. He has been instrumental in creating the very best plan for our complicated matters."
"Michael is very knowledgeable and his attention to detail is top-notch. He is able to engage with clients and build strong relationships."
"Michael is an incredible partner in estate planning. He’s wonderful to work with and extremely knowledgeable in every issue we present to him."
"Mike is absolutely fantastic. He knows what he is doing, is incredibly responsive and lovely to work with. I couldn't ask for a better lawyer."