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In the final episode of the Speaker Showcase, Partners Steve Malech and Matt Smith discuss the complexities of estate planning, particularly in the context of divorce and family disputes. They highlight the importance of clear definitions in legal documents, the potential for costly litigation, and the challenges posed by multi-jurisdictional assets. They emphasize the need for proactive legal advice to navigate these issues effectively and avoid misunderstandings that can lead to significant financial and familial turmoil.

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Photo of Steven B. Malech Steven B. Malech

As a Partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, Chair of the Fiduciary and Probate Litigation Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Israel Practice Group, Steve’s practice primarily focuses on disputes over the ownership and/or administration of family wealth, including closely held businesses and…

As a Partner in the firm’s Litigation Department, Chair of the Fiduciary and Probate Litigation Practice Group and Co-Chair of the Israel Practice Group, Steve’s practice primarily focuses on disputes over the ownership and/or administration of family wealth, including closely held businesses and other substantial assets. While his work typically involves matters arising in the context of disputes involving trusts and/or estates, Steve also handles a variety of business and other commercial litigation matters. His cases frequently involve underlying assets valued in the tens and hundreds of millions of dollars, including assets held in multiple jurisdictions in the United States and/or abroad. For example, Steve is currently responsible for several matters in which the claims or assets at issue are worth between $10 million and $100 million and several matters in which the claims or assets at issue are worth in excess of $100 million. He is responsible for cases pending in courts throughout the United States, including Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Nevada and New York. A number of these matters involve ancillary proceedings in other countries.

Steve is a relationship-builder and trusted adviser. He provides business-based advocacy designed to achieve his clients’ personal, practical, and financial objectives. As a result, he often represents many clients in connection with a wide range of their business and personal matters.

Steve typically represents beneficiaries, fiduciaries, and creditors in disputes involving alleged breaches of fiduciary duty; disputed accountings; will contests; and alleged violations of the Prudent Investor Act and its predecessors. Steve also represents businesses and individuals in a variety of litigation and regulatory matters involving contract, consumer protection, employment, non-compete, and other regulatory disputes.

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Photo of Matthew E. Smith Matthew E. Smith

Matt is a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department and Co-Chair of the Fiduciary and Probate Litigation Practice Group. Matt advises clients on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate litigation. His estate planning practice focuses on assisting individuals and…

Matt is a Partner in the firm’s Private Client Services Department and Co-Chair of the Fiduciary and Probate Litigation Practice Group. Matt advises clients on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and probate litigation. His estate planning practice focuses on assisting individuals and families with practical estate, gift, and tax planning, including the preparation of wills and trusts. Matt works to maximize the transfer of wealth while minimizing the effects of estate and gift taxes.

Matt’s most significant experience is in representing clients in contested estate and trust matters, including probate litigation. He frequently represents executors, trustees, and beneficiaries in disputes involving the administration of estates and trusts, will contests, contested accountings, and other appointment and removal proceedings. Matt also has substantial experience advising co-executors and co-trustees where there is tension or disagreement on the administration of an estate or trust, including working to find practical solutions as an alternative to litigation.

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