Many of my law school classmates have asked why I went into estate planning. Many of them are now partners in large law firms, with the accompanying prestige and big money from handling bet-the-company litigation, international M&A, or private-equity deals. Out of law school I joined a California-based megafirm where I represented some renowned movers, shakers, and CEOs, many of whom remain friends. That work was certainly fascinating and professionally rewarding, but I discovered that I did not have the passion to dedicate my life to it. I turned to the area of trusts and estates, which blends my aptitude for technical legal analysis with the fulfillment of helping families deal with life’s most important issues.

Our family lost my dad to Parkinson’s Disease when I was young. Even with the proper estate plan in place, the months that followed his death were tough, especially for my mom. Fast forward and I have three active children and an aging mother. I share this to let you know that I intimately understand your family concerns; my job is to take that burden off your shoulders.