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Introduction
Stephanie Seiffert blends her knowledge of trusts and estates law and experience with implementing investment strategies to develop sophisticated estate plans for individuals and their families as well as to provide fiduciary counsel to financial institutions.
My focus
My practice is focused on assisting families with the transmission and preservation of wealth for future generations as well as working with corporations and individuals to fulfill their fiduciary duties.
Estate Planning/Estate Administration
Whether developing a succession plan for a business, drafting a trust for the family cottage or creating an income and estate tax efficient estate plan, I work closely with clients to bring their estate planning goals to fruition. Most recently, I have been decanting antiquated trusts to trusts with provisions that are more compatible with modern tax minimization strategies. Also, I have developed a gifting strategy to assist a high-net-worth client with achieving goals of both a charitable nature and also preserving wealth for future generations of his family.
Counsel to Corporate Fiduciaries
Being tasked with fiduciary responsibilities requires a disciplined investment strategy as well as an innate ability to develop and maintain relationships with families through multiple generations. With my past experience of being employed by a large financial institution, I have a keen understanding of challenges faced by corporate fiduciaries as well as the interworkings of their trust departments. This experience has been vital to my success in negotiations with corporate fiduciaries and beneficiaries of trusts with the goal of coming to a global resolution.
Looking ahead
Despite the complexities involved with estate planning, I find clients crave simplification. To that end, I actively seek to include creative and flexible provisions in my estate planning documents to provide understandable, tax efficient solutions that will be successful both now and in the future.
Admitted to practice
New York
Education
College of Wooster, B.A.
University of Miami School of Law, J.D.
Professional activities
Stephanie is an executive board member, treasurer and chair of the Investment Committee of the YWCA of Rochester, a member of the Women’s Council Board (an affiliate of the Rochester Chamber of Commerce), the 2016 co-chair of the Young Women of Distinction Scholarship Award, a board member of Heritage Christian Services Foundation, a member of the Nominations Committee for Asbury First United Methodist Church, the Executive Committee of the Estate Planning Council of Rochester, the Monroe County Bar Association (Trusts and Estates Committee), and the New York State Bar Association.
Recognition
- Selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America® 2023 in the field of Trusts and Estates, based on a peer-review survey; listed since 2018
- Daily Record’s “Top Women in Law” award, recognizing female attorneys making notable contributions to the legal profession while inspiring a positive change in the community (2018)
- Rochester Business Journal “Forty Under 40” award in recognition of civic and professional achievements (2010)
In the News
- Rochester Business Journal
Advantages and pitfalls of irrevocable trusts
This story, as part of the publication’s special report on trusts & estates, quotes Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert on several key considerations for clients when entering into an irrevocable trust, most notably, understanding the balance between having control over the trust and its tax benefits.Dec 17, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
Estate, tax planning reminders and actions for holiday season
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert and associate Brian Roth contributed this article on end-of-year key considerations when reviewing one’s estate planning documents, gifting techniques, tax withholdings, and tax elections, especially in light of the proposed income tax changes to fund President Biden’s agenda.Nov 18, 2021 - The Daily Record
Power 20 Trusts & Estates 2021 – Stephanie Seiffert
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert has been named to the publication’s “Power 20 Trusts & Estates 2021” list. The accolade also includes a short Q&A article on Stephanie’s legal practice and her outlook on the industry, challenges faced during the pandemic, and her community impact and involvement.Aug 27, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
Looking into the crystal ball: Estate planning during uncertain times
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert and associate Brian Roth contributed this column outlining the Biden administration’s proposed changes to the current income, estate and gift tax regime, their impacts on tax payers, and steps individuals can proactively take in their estate planning to better position themselves midway through the year.Aug 13, 2021 - Rochester Business Journal
Federal Estate Tax Law Changes Are Possible in Biden Administration
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert was quoted in this article for her outlook on estate taxes amid the pandemic and end-of-year best practices for estate planning.Dec 18, 2020 - Rochester Business Journal
Should You Be in a Hurry to Make Gifts Before the End of the Year
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert contributed this article for her outlook on estate and gift tax strategies amid the incoming Biden administration, from a state and federal perspective.Dec 18, 2020 - Rochester Business Journal
Industry Experts' Insight in Investment Planning as New Year Approaches
In this article on the possible changes the new year may bring to the federal tax system, Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert was quoted for her outlook on the importance of being flexible in one’s investment portfolio and taking advantage of the current tax policies.Nov 6, 2020 - Rochester Business Journal
It takes a team to make sure your estate is ready for all eventualities
This article features Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert discussing the value of having a trusted advisor who can help navigate the complexities of a trust and estates plan.Dec 27, 2019 - WHEC-TV
Women of Excellence: Honoring outstanding women in our community
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert was recognized on Thursday as one of the region’s Women of Excellence, as chosen by the Rochester Business Journal.May 9, 2019 - Rochester Business Journal
2019 Women of Excellence: RBJ honors 7 women in legal community
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert is honored in this article for earning Rochester Business Journal’s 2019 Women of Excellence award, which recognizes high-achieving female attorneys based on their professional experience, leadership and community involvement. Rochester of counsel Susan Robfogel, a retired partner, was also recognized and will be inducted to the publication’s Circle of Excellence.March 22, 2019 - WROC-AM
Interview
Rochester Private Clients partner Stephanie Seiffert is interviewed about her leadership role with the Women’s Council, a regional organization whose mission is “to nurture a vibrant and successful community for business and professional women.”Jan 20, 2019 - Rochester Business Journal 2016 Guide to Wealth Management
Involving Children in Estate Planning
Rochester private clients partner Stephanie Seiffert and associate Kenneth Hunt authored this piece on the importance of families having their children involved in the estate planning process.March 11, 2016 - Rochester Business Journal
Is Your Estate Plan as Out-of-Date as the Eight-Track Tape?
This contributed article co-authored by Rochester Business Transactions partner Jeff LaBarge and Rochester Private Clients counsel Stephanie Seiffert focuses on including your digital assets (such as online accounts) when putting together your estate plan.May 9, 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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