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 clients’ 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 clients’ 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.

Samuel S. Allen

Samuel S. Allen

Partner, San Angelo
325.481.2558

Heidi Angel

Heidi Angel

Partner, Fort Worth
817.334.7279

Nolan Bedward

Nolan Bedward

Associate, Austin
512.236.2054

Ana Karen Beltran

Ana Karen Beltran

Associate, Austin
512.236.2277

Mark Comuzzie

Mark Comuzzie

Partner, San Antonio
210.228.2426

Tyler P. Davey

Tyler P. Davey

Partner, Austin
512.236.2361

Brian Dethrow

Brian Dethrow

Partner, Dallas
214.953.5794

Tyson Ehlinger

Tyson Ehlinger

Associate, Austin
512.236.2041

Foster Ford

Foster Ford

Associate, Dallas
214.953.5838

Adrian Hannah

Adrian Hannah

Associate, Austin
512.236.2312

John J. Klein

John J. Klein

Partner, Dallas
214.953.5817

Brian Merkley

Brian Merkley

Partner, Dallas
214.953.5976

Colin L. Murchison

Colin L. Murchison

Partner, Fort Worth
817.334.7219

Tara A. Potts

Tara A. Potts

Partner, Austin
512.236.2396

Emma Roddy

Emma Roddy

Associate, Dallas
214.953.5764

Christian Ryholt

Christian Ryholt

Associate, Houston
713.752.4296

Garrett Shuffield

Garrett Shuffield

Associate, Austin
512.236.2091

Austin Thomas

Austin Thomas

Senior Counsel, Houston
713.752.4272

Erin N. Tuggle

Erin N. Tuggle

Partner, Austin
512.236.2065

Best Law Firms 2026 edition

November 6, 2025
Spotlight

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.

September 26, 2025
Attorney News

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.

2025 Super Lawyers and Rising Stars announcement

September 18, 2025
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reuters’ 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.

USA flags

August 21, 2025
Attorney News

‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 “Lawyers of the Year” and 106 “Ones to Watch”

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.

2025 Chambers High Net Worth 2025

July 24, 2025
Spotlight

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 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.

July 15, 2025
Attorney News

‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2025

Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthly’s list of “Austin’s Top Attorneys” 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.

Dallas Texas skyline

April 25, 2025
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Congratulates 21 Attorneys Named Among 2025 “Best Lawyers in Dallas”

Jackson Walker congratulates the 21 attorneys recognized among D Magazine’s list of the “Best Lawyers in Dallas” 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.

March 19, 2025
Attorney News

William Hornberger Appointed to Laredo Economic Development Corporation Board

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce that partner William H. Hornberger has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Laredo Economic Development Corporation (LEDC).

February 7, 2025
Attorney News

Jackson Walker Announces Election of 12 Attorneys to Partnership

Jackson Walker is proud to announce the election of 12 outstanding attorneys to the firm’s partnership.

Fort Worth Texas skyline

December 20, 2024
Attorney News

‘Fort Worth Magazine’ Lists 27 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among the “Top Attorneys” of 2024

Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the selection of 27 Fort Worth-based attorneys to Fort Worth Magazine’s “Top Attorneys” list for 2024. To be selected for inclusion, attorneys with an active license and who practice within the Tarrant County area must be nominated by their peers within the region. The list of nominees then goes through a “rigorous panel review to assure the highest of quality is met.”

More Trusts & Estates News