Jackson Walker proudly announces that Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent professional legal research company, has recognized the Family Office, Trusts & Estates, and Trusts & Estates Litigation practices in the 2026 High Net Worth Guide released today. In addition, partners Lauren Sracic Ciminello, Sarah Patel Pacheco, Kathleen Tanner Beduze, Sam K. Hildebrand, and Scott A. Schepps were ranked in their respective areas.

Each year, Chambers and Partners identifies leading practitioners and law firms in the United States and around the world through the culmination of thousands of interviews with attorneys and clients conducted by over 200 research analysts. Criteria for selection include recommendations by clients, the attorney’s visibility in his or her area of law, and the volume, complexity, and size of work undertaken.

Family Offices & Funds Structuring (USA – Nationwide)

Jackson Walker was named for the fourth consecutive year as one of the top firms nationwide for Family Offices & Funds Structuring. This year’s High Net Worth Guide featured the following feedback from clients and other practitioners:

“Jackson Walker has a great reputation, particularly in the Southwest, and is incredibly well known for supporting ultra-high-net-worth individuals and family offices. They will do everything and anything to support their clients.”

“We have a great working relationship with Jackson Walker. They’re very good to work with and collaborative.”

Additionally, San Antonio partner Lauren Ciminello, who leads the Family Office team, was ranked for the second consecutive year among the leading practitioners nationwide in this area. Lauren has advised high-net-worth individuals, families, business owners, and family offices, leveraging her unique corporate and finance background to provide a more holistic and strategic approach. In interviews with Chambers, sources shared the following commentary:

“Lauren is an amazing leader. She is quick to respond and thinks ahead of our every need.”

“Lauren is very professional and very responsible.”

For more information, see Jackson Walker’s Family Offices & Funds Structuring profile on the Chambers website.

Private Wealth Disputes and Private Wealth Law (Texas)

For the second time, Jackson Walker ranked among the leading firms in Texas in the High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Disputes. Additionally, the firm was ranked for the first time in the area of Private Wealth Law in Texas. The following commentary was provided by interviewees:

“Jackson Walker stands out for its professionalism, respect for everyone involved in the matter and significant experience and deep understanding of all areas of the law impacted by these disputes, including the challenging estate planning and tax issues affecting the wealthy clients involved.”

“Jackson Walker is the go-to firm for difficult trust and estate litigation matters. They understand the technical issues and how to present them to a jury.”

“Jackson Walker stands out for its responsiveness, knowledge of procedures and ingenuity in coming up with solutions.”

“Jackson Walker has a strong bench of lawyers and paralegals to support the practice, and the firm has clearly been willing to put resources behind the practice.”

“Jackson Walker is well respected and effective in the local probate courts.”

This year marks the third in a row for Houston partner Sarah Patel Pacheco to be ranked in this area. Sarah, who leads the Trusts & Estates Litigation practice, was recognized as a Star Individual, the highest tier of ranking, with one source noting that she “is one of the best trial lawyers in the country.” Other sources stated:

“Sarah is simply the best. Her understanding of complex matters, practicality, knowledge and professionalism set her apart from others in the fiduciary litigation space.”

“Sarah is as good as they get. She’s A+; top-notch. She’s hard-working, and she can run circles around the other side with her superior knowledge.”

“Sarah Pacheco is able to synthesize complex legal issues to terms everyday clients understand, facilitating collaboration on strategy for a case.”

“Sarah garners rave reviews from clients, co-counsel and the Bar in general.”

Houston partner Kathleen Tanner Beduze joined the Private Wealth Disputes rankings in Texas this year, with sources sharing that “Kathleen is responsive, provides sound advice and takes the time to understand the situation. She advocates for her clients fully and without reservation.” One source stated, “Kathleen is very client-focused and works well with outside co-counsel.”

This is also the first year that Austin partner Sam K. Hildebrand and Houston partner Scott Schepps were ranked in Texas in the area of Private Wealth Law. Sam is noted for handling sophisticated estate planning matters, and Scott is praised for being “smart and very careful,” with one source stating, “Scott is an excellent estate planner and better person. His clients are lucky.”

For more information, see Jackson Walker’s Private Wealth Disputes and Private Wealth Law profiles on the Chambers website.

This announcement follows the June 2026 release of the Chambers USA Guide, which recognized 88 Jackson Walker attorneys and 30 departments.

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