Recognized Trusts and Estates Leaders 2025

Will Lane is a seasoned financial expert with over 20 years of experience across the financial sectors of banking, investments and insurance. He leads educational workshops across the country focused on helping Black families build, protect, and pass down generational wealth. Specializing in retirement planning, estate planning strategies and life insurance, Will is known for his ability to make complex financial concepts practical, relatable, and easy to understand. His work centers on empowering families with the knowledge needed to move from short-term financial planning to long-term financial security. Will has been featured in national publications such as Yahoo Finance, Business Insider, and American Business Stars, where he shares insights on the importance of financial literacy, legacy planning, and closing the racial wealth gap. A key aspect of his approach is helping individuals identify and overcome self-sabotaging financial patterns so they can make confident decisions about protecting their families, preparing for retirement, and leaving a lasting legacy. Through his education-first approach and no-nonsense delivery, Will has become a trusted voice for podcasts, panels, and publications focused on financial education, wealth building, and economic empowerment within the Black community.

Greg Reese is the Founder, President, and CEO of AmeriEstate Legal Plan, Inc. and Reef Point, LLC. With more than 25 years of experience in estate planning, he specializes in helping individuals and families protect their assets, preserve wealth, and create comprehensive legacy strategies. Through AmeriEstate, Greg has built a national network dedicated to making estate and asset protection planning accessible and effective. At Reef Point, he focuses on advanced planning solutions and tax-efficient strategies designed to help clients structure and transition highly appreciated assets. Greg is recognized for his expertise in estate planning, asset protection, and wealth preservation, and is a frequent speaker on trust strategies and long-term financial planning.

I am an estate planning attorney with an international background and over 20 years experience. I specialize in creating wills and trusts for families in California, including but not limited to revocable grantor trusts, living trusts, special needs trusts, irrevocable trusts, etc.

Brad A. Galbraith is the Managing Partner at GW Law, PLLC’s Naples and Indianapolis offices. He focuses on providing creative, cutting-edge estate, tax, and business planning advice to business owners and other wealthy individuals. Brad is board certified in Wills, Trusts and Estates by The Florida Bar Association. Brad began his professional career as a Certified Public Accountant. After switching to the practice of law and seeing the ineffectiveness and inefficiency of traditional planning methods, he endeavored to find a better way to assist his clients with estate, tax and business planning. As an estate planning attorney, he developed a model designed to provide clients with comprehensive, personalized estate, tax and business succession plans that withstand the test of time. Brad maintains an Indiana CPA license and has taught estate and tax planning to CPAs and attorneys at conferences and continuing education events throughout the United States. Additionally, Brad is the co-author of an extensive continuing education program for CPAs which has been published and distributed nationally. That program, entitled Estate Planning for CPAs, has also been presented to thousands of CPAs throughout the United States. Brad is also the author of several books, including: Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts Line By Line, Family Limited Partnership Agreement Line By Line, Family LLC Operating Agreements Line By Line, and is co-author of Disinherit The IRS, Don’t Die Until You’ve Read This Book, The Four Corners: Where Your Estate Plan Becomes A Living Legacy, and The Florida Domicile Handbook.

I am a business attorney focused on working with Dentists, DSO's, Physicians, Entrepreneurs, and Small Business Owners. I founded Odgers Law Group in 2013 in Del Mar, California, and have since opened up offices in Poway, Mission Valley, and Los Angeles. My firm, Odgers Law Group, helps professionals and business owners in each step of their business life cycle: Formation, Growing, Protecting, and Exiting and plans for wealth preservation and transfer through comprehensive trust based estate planning.

Ateis Patrimoine est un cabinet parisien de gestion de patrimoine reconnu pour son excellence et son indépendance. Grâce à des accréditations parmi les plus exigeantes du secteur, nous vous garantissons un accompagnement totalement objectif et personnalisé. Chaque conseiller Ateis Patrimoine est certifié CIF, COSB, COA, détient la carte T et possède toutes les compétences juridiques nécessaires. Cette expertise complète nous permet de figurer parmi les rares cabinets français capables de travailler en véritable architecture ouverte, en sélectionnant pour vous les solutions les plus performantes du marché. Nos conseillers disposent en moyenne de 15 années d’expérience acquises au sein de grands cabinets et établissements bancaires français. Notre démarche est simple : analyser votre situation, comprendre vos ambitions, puis vous présenter des stratégies sur mesure, transparentes et réellement adaptées à vos objectifs. Nous vous guidons ensuite dans la mise en place des meilleures solutions pour optimiser durablement votre patrimoine. Avec Ateis Patrimoine, bénéficiez d’un conseil premium, indépendant et intégralement conçu pour vous.

Victoria Lozano is an estate and business planning attorney and the founder of Plan Forward Legal LLC, with offices serving clients in Illinois and South Carolina. She helps individuals, couples, and families build practical estate plans that protect loved ones and reduce conflict, including wills, revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, trust administration, and planning for long-term stability. Victoria is known for translating complex legal concepts into plain language so clients can make confident decisions about guardianship planning, beneficiary planning, and the legacy they want to leave. Victoria is affiliated with the Chicago Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Lesbian and Gay Bar Association of Chicago (LAGBAC). She earned her Juris Doctor from Chicago-Kent College of Law in 2022, and her academic background includes advanced study in English and teaching in higher education, including Women and Gender Studies.

Damon Paull, AWMA® - Financial Advisor, Best-Selling Author, Military Veteran As a wealth management advisor and Amazon best-selling author in Money and Business, Damon Paull brings a military precision to financial journalism. His recent collaboration with former FBI hostage negotiator Chris Voss on "Empathetic Leadership" shows he can take complex financial concepts and turn them into stories that resonate with everyone. With over 8 years of industry experience and a background as a Marine Corps veteran and State Department contractor, Damon writes about: • Intergenerational wealth transfer • Corporate benefit plan optimization • Investment portfolio construction • Business succession planning • Veteran financial empowerment • Global market analysis through a geopolitical lens As a Wealth Management Advisor at Cetera Investors, Damon’s expertise goes beyond traditional financial planning. He uses cutting-edge financial technology and analysis tools to bring you fresh perspectives on emerging trends and investment opportunities. His writing style is data-driven with a storyline, making complex financial concepts accessible to sophisticated investors and general audiences. Regular contributor to discussions on wealth preservation, market dynamics and financial technology. Damon welcomes opportunities to provide professional commentary and in-depth analysis for financial publications looking for expert opinions on wealth management and investment strategies. For editorial inquiries or commentary: Damon Paull, AWMA Damon.Paull@ceterainvestors.com 832.535.2286 Glen Allen, VA Available for national and international commentary Cetera Investors. Damon Paull, Wealth Management Advisor. Securities and Insurance Products offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC, member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. 140 EASTSHORE DR. SUITE 105, GLEN ALLEN, VA 23059. 804-346-4670. The opinions expressed are those of the writer, not recommendations of Cetera Investment Services LLC or its representatives.

Ryan Duffy is a North Carolina and South Carolina attorney who helps families protect what matters most through clear, practical estate planning. As the founder of Estate Planning of the Carolinas, he focuses on wills, trusts, probate, and incapacity planning, offering a streamlined, virtual-first experience that makes quality legal help easier to access. Ryan also maintains a personal-injury practice and advises clients through complex real-world problems. Outside of client work, he operates Legal Verb, a content and SEO service for law firms looking to grow through better online visibility.

As a seasoned Wealth Advisor with over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, I've had the privilege of working with diverse types of clientele, helping them navigate the complexities of financial planning. My journey has been defined by a commitment to understanding each client's unique goals and developing tailored strategies that encompass everything from retirement and estate planning to tax-efficient investment portfolios. Throughout my career, I've worked closely with individuals and families at various life stages, from young professionals just starting their financial journeys to retirees looking to preserve and grow their wealth. My approach is holistic, ensuring that all aspects of my clients' financial lives are aligned with their long-term objectives. In addition to my advisory role, I’ve held leadership positions where I guided teams of financial planners in crafting comprehensive financial planning strategies. My leadership experience includes overseeing the design and implementation of systems that addressed complex financial needs, such as equity compensation planning, college funding, and insurance solutions. My goal is to continue empowering clients to achieve financial security and peace of mind, while leveraging my expertise and leadership to deliver personalized, results-driven financial strategies.

Dr. Trudy Beerman is a Doctor of Strategic Leadership, researcher, author, and media entrepreneur dedicated to advancing expert visibility in the digital age. At 50+ years old, she brings the authority of lived experience to her mission of guiding mature experts who want recognition, respect, and revenue for their mastery. Founder of PSI TV, Dr. Beerman, is pioneering the use of internet-connected television as a stage for thought leaders and business owners who are often overlooked in crowded digital spaces. She also created the REACHology AI Scoring System, a proprietary tool that measures an expert’s influence across five pillars: credentials, experience, publications, following, and digital footprint. She is the author of several books, including the Amazon bestseller REACHology™: The Science and Study of Influential Reach, which equips professionals to measure and expand their reach in today’s media-driven economy. Her books and research offer practical strategies that help experts bridge the gap between mastery and recognition. Her doctoral research focused on leadership competence and business success, using a case study of Florida-based coaching firms. This work combines academic rigor with real-world application, offering insights into how leadership effectiveness drives measurable growth. She applies these findings daily in helping experts with 45+ years of experience strengthen their authority and digital presence. With more than three decades of entrepreneurial experience, Dr. Beerman has hosted hundreds of interviews with subject-matter experts on PSI TV, distributed across Roku, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, VIDAA TV, YouTube, podcasts, and social platforms. Her work ensures that experts gain exposure while creating enduring digital assets that continue to establish and build their authority. Featured in AP News, NBC & ABC affiliates (including WFLA Tampa and WPIX New York), and Business Journal Florida. She is also the architect of Nom de Valeur, a personal branding ecosystem helping professionals move from invisible to unforgettable. Her expertise spans media strategy, branding, leadership, and the evolving intersection of technology and influence. As “The REACHologist™,” Dr. Beerman combines the insight of a scholar with the execution of a media strategist, making her a compelling voice for outlets seeking commentary on leadership, branding, influence, and the future of media.

I’m the founder and CEO of Niki Clark Marketing, a premium marketing agency built exclusively for financial advisors and wealth management firms who refuse to look, sound, or grow like everyone else. For over a decade, my team and I have worked inside the financial services industry, helping advisors step out of sameness and into real authority. Our work centers on positioning, brand visibility, and strategic growth, especially for firms at inflection points like going independent, rebranding, scaling, or modernizing how they show up in the market. Together, we’ve helped hundreds of advisors earn national media coverage, win industry awards, launch standout brands and websites, and build influence that supports real business growth, not vanity metrics. Our firm is often brought in when an advisor is done with generic marketing and wants a brand that reflects the caliber of their work and attracts the right clients automatically. I lead the strategy and vision behind the firm and bring a candid, practitioner-led perspective to advisor marketing. I regularly speak and write on differentiation in wealth management, modern advisor branding, PR and visibility strategy, and how firms can build trust and relevance in an increasingly crowded industry. If there’s one thing we’re known for, it’s making financial brands buzzworthy and still taken seriously.

9+ years PR and media relations experience. Now in the ultra-high-net-worth wealth management space with Fidelis Capital after years in the luxury goods and real estate sectors with Discovery Land Company, Casamigos Tequila, and Tiffany & Co. Have secured national coverage for Fidelis Capital in Barron's, Bloomberg, Crain Currency, Forbes, Kiplinger, Reuters, and the Wall Street Journal, along with trade coverage in Financial Planning, InvestmentNews, and WealthManagement.com. Fidelis Capital is a 5-star firm in Newsweek's 2026 list of America's Top Financial Advisory Firms. Subject matter experts at Fidelis Capital include: - Chris Gunster, CFA, Partner & Head of Fixed Income (previously Bank of America Chief Investment Office, oversaw $60 billion in assets; Forbes.com contributor) - Rick Simonetti, Founding Partner, CEO & Head of Wealth Planning (previously Wells Fargo Private Wealth Management's National Head of Wealth Planning; Kiplinger contributor) - Matt Michaels, CFA, CFP, Founding Partner & Co-Chief Investment Officer (previously Wells Fargo Private Bank Senior Private Wealth Portfolio Manager; deep expertise in private markets investing) - Neale Ellis, CFA, Founding Partner & Co-Chief Investment Officer (previously Bank of America Private Bank principal portfolio manager of Managed Active Core)

Céleste Reumert Refn is the founder of GRAND IPR® and known internationally as The Trademark Accelerator. She is an accomplished speaker, author, and multi-award-winning trademark strategist with a flawless 100% trademark registration success rate. For over a decade, Céleste has helped visionary founders, creative entrepreneurs, and scale-ups safeguard their brand assets, avoid costly mistakes, and build businesses with staying power. She specialises in protecting brands across the UK, EU, France, Australia, the US, Canada, Japan, China, Singapore, and South Korea. Her work empowers leaders to expand internationally, pitch to investors with confidence, and scale safely, knowing their intellectual property is secure. She has a unique, integrity-driven approach: 👉 “If it wouldn’t hold up in court, I won’t file it.” Céleste is known for turning complex intellectual property law into accessible, actionable strategies. She cuts through the legal fog without losing precision, and her clients frequently say she makes a confusing process feel easy. Her mission is simple: Protect what matters. Cut through the noise. Build businesses that last. Quotable Soundbites: 💬 “Your ideas aren’t just content. They’re capital.” 💬 “Trademarks shouldn’t be swords. They should be shields.” 💬 “I don’t just protect brands. I build legacies.” 💬 “If your brainchildren are worth creating, they’re worth protecting.” 💬 “Innovation doesn’t need to trample creators to thrive.” Céleste is particularly passionate about tackling trademark bullying, IP overreach, and the dangers of letting tech giants monopolise common language. She has publicly criticised questionable trademark practices, including the recent Dev Mode®️ controversy. Her book, Build It. Protect It. Leverage It. (originally published in 2019 and currently being updated with a global perspective) features a foreword by Professor Morten Rosenmeier, Copenhagen University’s leading expert in copyright law. who personally offered to edit and write the foreword for both editions. Fun fact: Céleste got her masters degree in law without knowing that she experiences her life with both dyslexia & dyscalculia. The dyslexia label is official, not the dyscalculia label. If you’re looking for a trademark strategist who blends legal precision with deep care for creators, Céleste is the expert you want in your corner.

Jeff Howell is a licensed attorney and founder of Lex Wire Journal, a media and consulting platform that helps law firms navigate the rapidly changing landscape of AI, compliance, and digital visibility. With two decades of experience spanning corporate law, technology, and digital marketing, Jeff brings a unique perspective at the intersection of law and innovation. He regularly speaks on topics such as AI compliance, attorney–client privilege in the AI era, and how answer engines are reshaping legal search visibility. His insights have been featured in CLEs, bar association programs, and thought leadership platforms and is a certified faculty member for the National Academy of Continuing legal Education. Jeff’s expertise centers on: AI & Legal Compliance: Safeguarding law firms under evolving regulations and ethics rules. Digital Authority & Visibility: Building trust signals that AI-powered search engines cite and elevate. Future of Legal Practice: How emerging technologies, from AI assistants to answer engines, are transforming law firm operations and client acquisition. Journalists tap Jeff for clear, credible, and forward-looking commentary that makes complex tech shifts understandable for the legal community and the public.

Jeff Burr has been recognized as one of the top tax and estate planning attorneys in Southern Nevada and has been practicing for over 40 years. Through his years of community service and continual hard work, his personal client list contains many of the most prominent families in southern Nevada. Under Jeff's leadership, the firm has received the highest and most prestigious AV rating from Martindale Hubbell. Jeff's community involvement includes having been elected to the Clark County School Board and serving on boards such as the Boys and Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada, KLVX Planned Giving, St. Rose Dominican Foundation, Nevada State College, The Giving Tree, LDS Philanthropies and others. Jeff has been named by his peers as one of the top estate planning attorneys in Southern Nevada in every edition of Best Lawyers in America.

Mike is a senior wills and estates lawyer in British Columbia. He founded the firm Westcoast Wills & Estates in 2011. He regularly advises clients on estate planning and prepares Wills, Trusts, Representation Agreements and Powers of Attorney. He also advises and helps clients apply to court for probate orders. Mike earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from UBC in 2002 prior to earning his Bachelor of Laws degree from Dalhousie Law School in Halifax in 2006. A practicing lawyer, Mike is a member of the Law Society of British Columbia and the Canadian Bar Association’s Wills & Trusts and Elder Law subsections. He has earned the TEP designation as a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP Canada). He is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Vancouver. He is also a past board member of the Marineview Housing Society and sat on an advisory panel for the BC Cancer Agency. He regularly presents at continuing education courses and also frequently presents publicly on trusts and estate planning for financial institutions, charities and educational institutions around Vancouver. He has been interviewed and featured in numerous publications over the years.

With over 15 years at Smith & Howard Wealth Management, my focus is on empowering clients through meticulous financial planning and investment management. We, as a team, have a steadfast commitment to our clients, ensuring they are equipped with a comprehensive financial plan that encompasses not just asset growth, but also tax efficiency, risk management, and estate considerations. Our affiliation with a leading accounting firm amplifies our ability to deliver insightful and holistic financial guidance. Recognizing the uniqueness of each client's journey, whether approaching retirement or managing wealth post-liquidity events, our services are tailored to maximize benefits. Partnering with business owners, we explore avenues beyond traditional retirement savings, leveraging tax-advantaged strategies to enhance their financial well-being. As an Accredited Investment Fiduciary, I champion fee-only advice, maintaining objectivity and aligning our success with that of our clients.

Founder of ProbateZero™, an AI pre-clearance intelligence system for estate administration. ProbateZero analyzes estates before death events and produces attorney-ready executor briefings with statutory citations and 30-action remediation checklists. Tested on real estates across 17 jurisdictions covering individual ownership, split trusts, LLC-owned rentals, and co-ownership scenarios.