After my law school career at the University of Texas, I worked for many years at Austin's oldest and largest law firm, where I eventually supervised the wealth transfer planning section of the firm. Some years ago, I decided that I could do the work my clients needed without big firm overhead and complexity. That proved true, as most of my former clients, as well as new ones, now come for legal services at our new, accessible offices.

I have always loved estate planning and probate law. I get to meet so many interesting clients and help with so many diverse family situations. Passing wealth to one's family at the least tax cost could be the bottom line of my practice, but it also spills over into many other areas. I assist clients to plan for the care of elderly family members, as well as for their own care. I help young and old alike plan for what happens to their property, whether before marriage, during major life events, or after their death.

I must be a frustrated teacher because I love to explain complex and technical concepts in a way that helps clients understand their choices and their documents. I write Wills and trusts, along with all of the other services that wealth management and disposition involve. This includes planning for business succession, creating family businesses, such as family limited partnerships, planning under the community property law of Texas, structuring gifts, and advising on retirement plans and insurance. We use trusts to help protect property from the unexperienced decisions of youth, poor financial acumen at any age, as well as from taxes, creditors and spousal claims.

I have represented some families for several generations. I specialize in estate planning and probate and trust services, but my clients often call on me to manage and refer legal business in other practice areas.