For most of my legal career, I was what you might call a “one trick pony.” My focus was solely on commercial real estate law. For 30 years, I helped clients navigate complex transactions, handle commercial leases, and negotiate contracts. It was rewarding work that I truly enjoyed. But over time, I started to see another pressing need in the legal world—one that would profoundly affect families.
I witnessed too many families ending up in probate because they hadn’t put an estate plan in place — not even a simple will. I saw children left without clear guardianship, assets being distributed by the state, and family disputes that tore loved ones apart. That’s when I realized I had to step up and do something more.
Now, I’m a “two trick pony,” with a newfound passion for estate planning.
My First Trick: 30 Years in Commercial Real Estate
For the majority of my career, I lived and breathed commercial real estate. From intricate property transactions to structuring deals for businesses, I built a practice centered around guiding clients through important financial decisions. My role was to help businesses and investors succeed while managing property and navigating the legal aspects of real estate.
Over those 30 years, I developed a reputation for handling even the most complex transactions with a practical, detail-oriented approach. Commercial real estate was my lane, and I was perfectly happy in it.
Why I Expanded My Legal Practice
But something began to shift. Clients—particularly families—started coming to me with questions about estate planning. Many of them had assets tied up in real estate and wanted to ensure that those assets would be protected and passed down efficiently. However, I also began seeing how many families were unprepared for the inevitable, which led to heartbreaking outcomes.
When a family member dies without an estate plan, it often triggers long, drawn-out probate battles. Assets are distributed according to the state’s intestacy laws, rather than the family’s wishes. Children can be left in limbo without appointed guardians. These situations create enormous stress during what is already a difficult time for families.
That’s when I knew I had to get involved in estate planning.
Becoming a Two Trick Pony: Estate Planning
It wasn’t enough to refer clients elsewhere; I wanted to help them directly. I found myself drawn to the deeply personal nature of estate planning, which goes beyond managing assets—it’s about helping families secure their futures.
Estate planning allows me to take the legal skills I developed in commercial real estate and apply them to helping families plan for the unexpected. Whether it’s setting up a will, creating a trust, or ensuring that minor children are provided for through guardianship designations (note — I do not help establish guardianships!), I now have the opportunity to make a direct and lasting impact on people’s lives with trusts and estates.
Why Estate Planning Matters
What I’ve learned through estate planning is that it’s not just about finances. It’s about peace of mind. Families don’t have to face the uncertainty of probate if they have the right plan in place. Children don’t have to worry about where they’ll live or who will care for them. The stress and family disputes that arise from a lack of planning can be avoided.
Helping clients craft an estate plan that reflects their values and protects their loved ones has become just as rewarding as my work in commercial real estate. Now, I can confidently say that I’m not just a “one trick pony” anymore—I’m a “two trick pony,” and estate planning has become an essential part of my practice.
Conclusion: Two Tricks, One Goal
I’ve spent three decades helping clients with their real estate needs, and now I’m helping them protect their families through estate planning. It’s never too early—or too late—to create a plan that ensures your wishes are followed, your children are cared for, and your legacy is secure.
If you’re ready to discuss your estate planning needs, I’m here to help. Together, we can create a plan that gives you peace of mind for the future, without the hard sell—just a thoughtful conversation about your goals and how to achieve them.
