Richards, Layton & Finger and Four Directors Recognized for Private Wealth Law

July 23, 2024

Firm News| Tax| Trusts & Estates

WILMINGTON, Delaware (July 23, 2024) – Richards, Layton & Finger’s trusts and estates practice has again been recognized in Chambers HNW, the international guide to the world’s leading high-net-worth advisors.  In addition to the firm ranking, Richards Layton directors F. Peter Conaty Jr., Beth Gansen Knight, and W. Donald Sparks II are recognized for excellence in Private Wealth Law, and Chad M. Shandler is named in Private Wealth Disputes.

Chambers HNW reported that “Richards, Layton & Finger is the gold standard firm in the space, has a great reputation, and does excellent work.”  The firm’s trusts and estates lawyers provide sophisticated, customized solutions to sensitive matters, developing strategies that reflect the unique advantages of Delaware law.  We represent high-net-worth individuals, corporate fiduciaries, and some of the nation’s most prominent banks, trust companies, and financial institutions in complex estate planning, trust and estate administration, and fiduciary matters.  Our fiduciary litigation attorneys have won significant cases in court involving private wealth disputes.

Peter Conaty Jr., represents high-net-worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning matters, and advises individuals and corporate fiduciaries regarding estate and trust administration and Delaware trust law.  “An extremely well-thought-of practitioner” (Chambers HNW, 2024), Peter is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.  In addition to his Chambers HNW Private Wealth Law ranking, he has consistently been recognized in The Best Lawyers in America and as a Delaware Today Top Lawyer.

Beth Gansen Knight is “a trust and estate planning and administration expert” (Chambers HNW, 2024).  Advising high net worth individuals in implementing sophisticated estate plans, Beth’s practice also includes estate administration, tax planning, and wealth preservation.  She has been named in The Best Lawyers in America, chosen as a Delaware Today Top Lawyer, and recognized for Private Wealth Law Chambers HNW.

Chad Shandler is vice chair of Richards Layton’s Litigation Department.  He has achieved significant victories in all of Delaware’s courts, handling business litigation and intellectual property disputes as well as trusts and estates disputes.  “Chad is knowledgeable, thorough, and simply excellent” (Chambers HNW, 2024).  In addition to his recognition in Chambers HNW for Private Wealth Disputes, Chad is listed in Benchmark Litigation and The Best Lawyers in America.

Donald Sparks represents banks, trust companies, and high net worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning and fiduciary matters.  He specializes in trusts and estates, focusing on estate administration and planning, tax-exempt organizations, and fiduciary litigation.  Considered “one of the best lawyers in Delaware” (Chambers HNW, 2024), Don is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and has been recognized in Chambers HNW, The Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and as a Delaware Today Top Lawyer.

About Richards, Layton & Finger
Richards, Layton & Finger has been defining Delaware law since 1899. Delaware’s largest law firm and one of its oldest, Richards Layton helps sophisticated clients navigate complex issues and the intricacies of Delaware law. We advise global companies, business partnerships, leading financial institutions, local businesses, and individuals across a wide range of practices, including corporate law, alternative entities, commercial law, bankruptcy and corporate restructuring, intellectual property, tax, trusts and estates, commercial real estate, and litigation.

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