Biography
Sarah Patel Pacheco is a partner in the Trial & Appellate Litigation section of Jackson Walker’s Houston office. Sarah primarily focuses on fiduciary litigation; probate, trust, and guardianship administration; and general litigation. She offers experienced counsel related to controversies that involve fiduciary duties, trustees, executors, including will contests, will and trust interpretation issues, accounting and administration issues, prosecution and defense of fiduciary claims, and representation of creditors in probate and trust proceedings.
Sarah is board certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. She is also a trusted authority on trusts, estates, and fiduciary litigation as the co-author of three legal treatises, a frequent speaker for State Bar of Texas conferences, and a former chair the Texas Board of Legal Specialization’s Estate Planning and Probate Law Exam Commission and former member of the Texas Pattern Jury Charges Committee.
Education
B.A., University of Texas at Arlington
J.D., SMU Dedman School of Law
- Phi Delta Phi
Bar Admissions
Texas
Court Admissions
U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas
Board Certifications
Estate Planning and Probate Law
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), 2007-2024
- Lawyer of the Year – Houston, Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2014, 2017, 2021
- Litigation – Trusts and Estates, 2011-2021, 2023-2024
- Trusts and Estates, 2007-2021, 2023-2024
- Texas Super Lawyer – Estate and Trust Litigation, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2004-2023
- Top 50: Women Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2006, 2008, 2017-2018, 2020-2021, 2023
- Top 100: Texas Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2023
- Top 100: Houston Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2009, 2015-2016, 2019-2021, 2023
- “Top Lawyers in Houston” List, H Texas Magazine, 2005-2008, 2016
- “Top Lawyers Under 40” List, H Texas Magazine, 2004
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers – Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2004
- Fellow, Houston Bar Foundation, 2004
- Fellow, Houston Young Lawyers Association, 2000
Publications
- Co-Author, Probate—Texas Practice Guide, Thomson West (2010-present)
- Co-Author, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning—Texas Practice Guide, Thomson West (2010-present)
- Editor, Texas Guardianship Manual, 2nd, 3rd and 4th edition, State Bar of Texas (2021)
Speaking Engagements
- “Drafting for the Trustee in a Challenging Environment,” UT Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2023)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Bankers Association Graduate Trust School (July 2023)
- “Commonly Encountered Trust and Estate Jurisdictional Issues and Challenges,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning and Probate Course (June 2023)
- “Drafting for the Trustee in a Challenging Environment,” Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2023)
- “Update on Temporary Relief Options in Trust Litigation – Where Are We Now?” State Bar of Texas 17th Annual Fiduciary Course (November 2022)
- “Will Contests,” State Bar of Texas 46th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2022)
- “Balancing Control to Avoid Out of Control Litigation: A Cautionary Tale From a Litigator’s Perspective,” Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council 47th Annual Estate planning Seminar (May 2022)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2022 Annual Trust, Estate and Portfolio Management Forum (April 2022)
- “Probate and Trust Litigation – Tales from the Dark Side,” Houston Business and Estate Planning Council (February 2022)
- “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas: Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2022)
- “Defending Deceased or Incapacities (Former) Fiduciaries,” State Bar of Texas 15th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2021)
- “Giving Your Settlement Agreements Superpowers: Exculpatory Clauses, Indemnity, and Other Limitations on Liability in Settlements,” Houston Bar Association Probate, Trusts & Estates Section (November 2021)
- “Balancing the Legal, Medical and Ethical Aspects of Planning for an Impaired Person,” State Bar of Texas; Advanced Elder Law Course (November 2021)
- “Overview of Issues and Considerations When Involved in Estate Planning Matters,” Houston Financial Planning Association (September 2021)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Houston Financial Planning Association (July 2021)
- “What Every Estate Planner Needs to Know About Fiduciary Litigation,” State Bar of Texas 27th Annual Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2021)
- “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2021)
- “Giving Your Settlement Agreements Superpowers: Exculpatory Clauses, Indemnity, and Other Limitations on Liability in Settlements,” State Bar of Texas 14th Annual Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2020)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2020 Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2020)
- “Appointment Of Receivers, Auditors, And Injunctive Relief (And Other Options) In Probate And Trust Litigation”, State Bar of Texas 44th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2020)
- “Balancing Control To Avoid Out Of Control Litigation: A Cautionary Tale From A Litigator’s Perspective,” Houston Estate and Financial Forum (February 2020)
- “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2020)
- “The Intersection Between Trusts, Estate Planning and Family Law,” State Bar of Texas 24th Annual New Frontiers in Martial Property Law Course (October 2019)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2019 Trust, Estate & Portfolio Management Forum (October 2019)
- “Drafting To Avoid Litigation and Exploitation: From a Litigator’s Perspective,” State Bar of Texas 40th Annual Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Drafting Course (October 2019)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2019 Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2019)
- “Overview of Guardianships: Role of Guardian and Attorney Ad Litems in Guardianship Proceedings: and Enforcement Actions,” 2019 Probate Academy for County Judges (May 2019)
- “A Messy Inheritance or an Inherited Mess,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2019)
- “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2019)
- “Fiduciary Pitfalls,” San Antonio Estate Planners Council (December 2018) and Houston Business and Estate Planning Council (November 2018)
- “Trial Strategies,” State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2018)
- “Options For Seeking Interim Relief In Trust And Estate Litigation,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2018), Austin Bar Association Estate Planning & Probate Section All-Day CLE (May 2018), and State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2018)
- “Role of Guardian and Attorney Ad Litems in Guardianship Proceedings,” 2018 Probate Academy for County Judges (May 2018)
- “Fiduciary Duties,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2018)
- “Administering the Estate,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2018)
- “Administration Issues,” State Bar of Texas Building Blocks of Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning (January 2018; January 2017; January 2016)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association Texas Graduate Trust School (July 2017; July 2016; July 2015)
- “Current Trends and Tactics in Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association Texas Trust Conference (March 2017)
- “Drafting To Avoid Litigation: From a Litigator’s Perspective,” Corpus Christi Estate Planning Council Meeting (February 2017) and State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2016)
- “Pre-Lawsuit Evaluation and Investigation of Fiduciary Claims,” State Bar of Texas Fiduciary Litigation Course (December 2016)
- “Litigation in Guardianship,” Texas Judicial Probate Academy (May 2016) and State Bar of Texas Advanced Guardianship Law Course (April 2016)
- “Medicaid Transfers in a Guardianship Environment,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Elder Law Course (April 2016)
- “Guardian Ad Litem v. Attorney Ad Litem,” State Bar of Texas Handling Your First (or Next) Guardianship Case (December 2015)
- “Guardianship Issues for the Impaired Divorce Client,” UT Law CLE’s Estate Planning, Guardianship and Elder Law Conference (August 2015)
- “Administration of Closely-Held Business Interests in Estate and Guardianship Proceedings,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning & Probate Law Course (June 2015)
- “Fiduciary Litigation,” Texas Banker’s Association 2015 Intermediate Trust and Estate Administration Seminar (May 2015)
- “Irrevocable and Nonamendable: Post Death Modifications, Reformations, Addressing Litigation and Tax Components,” State Bar of Texas Advanced Estate Planning Strategies Course (April 2015)
National & State Associations
- American Bar Association – Real Property, Probate and Trust Law and Litigation Sections, Member
- Texas Board of Legal Specialization, Estate Planning and Probate Law Exam Commission
- Chair, 2006-Present
- Member, 2004-2006
- State Bar of Texas – Chair, Guardianship Manual Committee
Houston Bar Association
- Houston Bar Association – Probate, Trust & Estate Section Council
- Chair, 2009-2010
- Chair-Elect, 2008-2009
- Vice-Chair, 2007-2008
- Secretary, 2006-2007
- Treasurer, 2005-2006
- Houston Bar Association Committees
- CLE Committee, Co-Chair, 2008-2009
- Judicial Polls Committee, Member, 2008-2009
- Elder Law Committee, Member, 2007-2008
- Seminars Subcommittee, Co-Chair, 2007-2008
- Institutes Subcommittee, Co-Chair, 2006-2007
Other Associations
- Houston Young Lawyers Association – Elder Law Committee, Co-Chair, 1998-2003
- Texas Young Lawyers Association – Needs of Senior Citizens Committee, 1999-2003
- Generation-X Estate Planning Forum, Member
- Women Attorneys in Tax and Probate
- Programs Vice President, 2000-2001
- Programs CLE Officer, 1999-2000
September 19, 2023
Attorney NewsSuper Lawyers Names 7 Jackson Walker Attorneys to Texas Top Lists
Jackson Walker proudly announces Matt Dow, Scott Fiddler, Julia Mann, Alfie Meyerson, Kurt Nondorf, Sarah Patel Pacheco, and Bruce Ruzinsky’s selection to the Texas Top Lists for 2023 by Thomson Reuters’ Super Lawyers.
September 19, 2023
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
August 24, 2023
NewslettersJW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – August 2023
View Jackson Walker’s August 2023 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
August 17, 2023
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this year’s guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
July 28, 2023
Speaking EngagementsSarah Patel Pacheco to Present Drafting Ideas for Trustees at UT Law CLE’s Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference
Sarah Patel Pacheco to present at the 25th annual Estate Planning, Guardianship, and Elder Law Conference on August 10th, 2023. She will be discussing how to draft of the trustee in a challenging environment.
May 18, 2023
Client ResultsHouston Jury Rules for NASA Widow, Awards $1.66 Million
A Harris County probate court jury has awarded Leslie Bean and the estate of her husband, NASA astronaut Alan Bean, $1.66 million in damages for counterclaims asserted against Amy Bean, Alan Bean’s daughter from a prior marriage, for her improper conduct as a co-executor of Alan’s estate.
“This is a big win for Leslie Bean as she works to make certain her husband’s life and work be honored and that Amy Bean is held accountable for her improper actions over the last five years,” said Jackson Walker partner Sarah Patel Pacheco, who represented Mrs. Bean at trial with fellow partner Joshua R. Flores.
November 17, 2022
NewslettersJW Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter – November 2022
View Jackson Walker’s November 2022 Diversity & Inclusion Newsletter, Perspectives.
November 1, 2022
Speaking EngagementsSarah Patel Pacheco and Scott Schepps to Discuss Estate Planning Considerations for Non-US Citizens
Sarah Patel Pacheco and Scott Schepps will discuss estate issues that non-U.S. citizens face when residing in the United States either temporarily or long-term. Presented by the Texas British-American Business Council (BABC), the webinar will also cover how to create an estate plan that will reduce future taxes and costs and minimize potential disputes between beneficiaries.
September 21, 2022
Attorney NewsJackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
August 18, 2022
Attorney News‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.