Jackson Walker proudly announces that Chambers and Partners, the world’s leading independent professional legal research company, has recognized Family Office and Trusts & Estates Litigation practices in the High Net Worth Guide released today. In addition, partners Lauren Ciminello and Sarah Patel Pacheco 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 third 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 does an exceptional job understanding the legal matters associated with our family office’s complex structure. The firm has a deep and reliable bench.”
“The Jackson Walker team execute quickly and have in-depth knowledge. The lawyers are very sharp and a pleasure to work with.”
Additionally, San Antonio partner Lauren Ciminello, who leads the Family Office team, was ranked among the leading practitioners nationwide in this area. For nearly 20 years, 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 Ciminello is a very experienced lawyer. She is always aware of latest developments and is available to answer any questions at a moment’s notice. We are very pleased to work with her.”
“The entire team loves Lauren. She leads her team by example and produces strong results for us. It is nice to have a lawyer who is super competent and wonderful to work with.”
For more information, see Jackson Walker’s Family Offices & Funds Structuring profile on the Chambers website.
Private Wealth Disputes (Texas)
For the first time, Jackson Walker ranked among the leading firms in Texas in the High Net Worth Guide for Private Wealth Disputes, with the following commentary provided by interviewees:
“Jackson Walker is very strong in every area necessary for a successful outcome in a trust and estate dispute.”
“If you have a gnarly dispute, you want Jackson Walker on your side. I try to work with them so they cannot work against us for the other side; that is how good they are.”
This year marks the second in a row for Houston partner Sarah Patel Pacheco to be ranked in this area. Sarah, who leads the Trusts & Estates Litigation practice, placed in Band 1, the highest tier of ranking, with one source noting that she “is a highly accomplished fiduciary litigation attorney deserving of her reputation as a top fiduciary litigator in Houston and Texas.” Other sources stated:
“Sarah is smart, tough, and really knows fiduciary law. She is the most knowledgeable litigator that I have ever met or worked with. I am very happy she is on our side and not the other side.”
“Sarah is the best at what she does. Her years of experience and killer instincts make for winning outcomes.”
“Sarah is absolutely wonderful. She is great at very contentious trusts disputes and is a good fighter for clients.”
For more information, see Jackson Walker’s Private Wealth Disputes profile on the Chambers website.
This announcement follows the June 2025 release of the Chambers USA Guide, which recognized 79 Jackson Walker attorneys and 28 departments.
Meet JW
Since 1887, Jackson Walker has represented some of the most influential companies and business leaders in the world. Today, we remain firmly rooted in Texas while serving clients around the globe. With more than 500 attorneys, we are the largest law firm in the state and have been recognized by Law360 as a “Texas Powerhouse” and an “elite law firm” that regularly provides counsel to industry-leading clients on highly complex matters ranging from millions to billions.
