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Introduction
Sarah Connolly is a partner in the Private Clients group focusing on estate planning, wealth transfer, and tax strategies. She works with clients in all phases of the life cycle who wish to transfer their assets effectively and efficiently during life or on death.
My focus
In my twenty-plus years of practice, I have developed three areas of focus:
Estate and Tax Planning
I focus on estate and tax planning for individual clients. I have extensive experience in sophisticated gift, estate, and income tax planning, and have an interest in charitable planning. My clients come from many walks of life including corporate executives, business owners and entrepreneurs, those with inherited wealth, professors, scientists, and healthcare professionals, among others. My advice is clear, concise, and practical.
Estate Administration
I administer estates after clients have died, including managing the probate process, handling gift and estate tax filings and related audits, and representing clients in probate litigation cases.
Trusteeships
I have a flourishing fiduciary practice in which I regularly serve as trustee of clients’ trusts and as executor of their wills. Through this work I have gained significant experience in investment management.
Looking ahead
Many of my clients have generated significant wealth in the current market environment. They are focused on transferring their assets in accordance with their families’ needs while taking full advantage of the generous gift and estate tax exemptions currently available.
Admitted to practice
Massachusetts
Education
Georgetown University, A.B., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa
New York University School of Law, J.D.
Professional activities
- Chair, Board of Directors, Nixon Peabody Trust Company
- Member, Board of Directors, Greater Boston Legal Services, Inc.
- Member, Board of Directors, Foundation for Religious Literacy (a foundation created by her late father)
- Honored Advisor and former board member, East Boston Social Centers, Inc.
- Former board member of Roxbury Weston Programs, Inc.
Recognition
Sarah was selected, through a peer-review survey, for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2022 in the field of Trusts and Estates. Sarah has been listed in Best Lawyers since 2013.
Sarah has also been recognized for exceptional standing in the legal community in Chambers USA: America’s Leading Lawyers for Business 2020 for Private Wealth Law (HNW) (Massachusetts). She has been recognized in Chambers in previous years.
For the past nine years, Sarah has been named a “Super Lawyer” or a “Rising Star” by Boston Magazine based on a peer review survey of attorneys in Massachusetts. The “Super Lawyers” are published annually in the Massachusetts Super Lawyers Rising Stars Edition and in Boston magazine.
In the News
- The Boston Globe
Trump’s tax overhaul could make history, but can it work?
This piece focuses on a prospect of a tax overhaul in a Trump administration. Boston private clients partner Sarah Connolly comments on how the political climate (now a Republican Senate, Republican House, and Executive Office) is well positioned to repeal the estate tax given the Congressional majority is Republican.Nov 13, 2016 - The New York Times
Trumps changes to the tax codes may encourage dynastic wealth
This article discusses President-elect Trump’s tax code proposals and how he plans to repeal the estate tax. Boston Private Clients partner Sarah Connolly is quoted discussing how changes to the estate tax likely won’t impact Trump’s supporter base.Nov 12, 2016 - The Eagle-Tribune
Haffner's Sale Confirmed by Parties
March 25, 2015This article highlights the sale of 14 service stations in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Boston Private Clients partner Sarah Connolly and Boston M&A and Corporate Transactions partner Chris Keefe represented the Haffner family in the acquisition.
- Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly
Judge's daughter must pay estate $6.2M after trial in decade-long feud
Boston Private Clients partner Sarah Connolly provides commentary on the fight over a retired Florida judge’s seven-figure estate.Sep 1, 2014
Professionals in the Practice Area
View AllEvelyn V. Moreno
Partner
Practice Group Leader, Private Clients- Boston
- Office:617.345.6157
- emoreno@nixonpeabody.com
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