Trusts & Estates
Trusted Advisors Creating A Lasting Legacy Through Trusts & Estates Planning
At Jackson Walker, our Trusts & Estates lawyers provide knowledgeable counsel to help families and individuals preserve and plan for their estates for themselves and future generations. Our success derives from not only technical expertise but also deep experience navigating family dynamics, coupled with our dedication to understanding the wishes and needs of our clients. Our Trusts & Estates services include the following:
- Development and implementation of planning that aligns with clientsâ objectives and values, while minimizing gift and estate tax consequences
- Tax-efficient solutions for the transfer and succession of assets to preserve wealth for future generations
- Family office design and governance implementation
- Charitable planning, including family foundations and public charities, charitable remainder trusts, and charitable lead trusts
As personal estates increase in size and complexity, the structuring of tailored wealth transfer and preservation plans are key to achieving our clientsâ goals.
We enjoy developing long-term relationships with our clients, many of which extend through multiple generations. We strive to provide our clients with sage counsel, compassionate guidance, and support throughout the various stages of their estate and legacy-focused planning.
Houston 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 Beanâs daughter from a prior marriage, for her improper conduct as a co-executor of Alanâs estate.
âThis is a big win for Leslie Bean as she works to make certain her husbandâs life and work be honored and that Amy Bean is held accountable for her improper actions over the last five years,â said Jackson Walker partner Sarah Patel Pacheco, who represented Mrs. Bean at trial with fellow partner Joshua R. Flores.
Client Results • May 18, 2023
Jackson Walker Represents Novaria Group in Completing Six Acquisitions in Seven Months
Novaria Group, a leading manufacturer of specialty hardware, components, and coatings for the aerospace and defense industries, recently completed its acquisition of STROCO Manufacturing, Inc. This deal marks the sixth acquisition Novaria has announced from December of 2021 through July of 2022, taking place after its successful acquisitions of FMi Chemical, Hohman Plating, Advanced Coating, Hydro Fitting, and GK Mechanical Systems.
Client Results • September 27, 2022
Settlement Reached in Simmons Family Trust Trial – Client of Jackson Walker Pleased with Outcome
On Tuesday, February 10, the Honorable Nikki DeShazo of Probate Court #1 of Dallas County approved the terms of settlement concluding the family’s internal battle for control over two family trusts. The conditions of the settlement include a total of over $50 million for Andrea Simmons Swanson and her lineal descendants.
Client Results • February 12, 1998
Jackson Walker Earns 27 National and 142 Metropolitan Rankings in 2026 Edition of “Best Law Firms”
Jackson Walker proudly announces its inclusion in the 2026 edition of Best Law FirmsŽ by Best Lawyers. This year, Jackson Walker observed notable improvements in the rankings, including the addition of Construction Law as National Tier 3 and the advancement and additions of 14 practice areas in the metropolitan rankings.
Spotlight • November 6, 2025
William Hornberger Appointed to North Texas Commission Executive Committee
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that partner William H. Hornberger has been elected to serve on the Executive Committee of the North Texas Commission, a leading public-private partnership advancing North Texas through advocacy, education, and collaboration.
Attorney News • September 26, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reutersâ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. 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.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
Jackson Walker’s Family Office and Trusts & Estates Litigation Teams Ranked in Chambers High Net Worth Guide
Jackson Walker proudly announces that Chambers and Partners, the worldâs 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.
Spotlight • July 24, 2025
âAustin Monthlyâ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ of 2025
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • July 15, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas”
Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazineâs list of the âBest Lawyers in Dallasâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Dallas attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer unmatched counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • April 25, 2025
