Top best Trust Lawyers in ZIP 77056 | 28 available

I did not start out as an estate planning attorney. Around 30 years ago, when I was practicing in the corporate section of Butler & Binion, a once major law firm in downtown Houston, I was recruited to join the firm's trust and estate section to assist business owners with their succession plans. The experience totally changed my understanding of the practice of law. I soon found that, as an estate planning attorney, I had a direct impact on how family members would relate to each other after a loved one becomes disabled or passes away. I loved the idea of being a family counselor, as well as an architect of an estate plan designed to protect assets and save money.. I left Butler & Binion in 1994 and joined with Tammy Manning in 1997 to form the law firm, Galligan & Manning. During the early years of Galligan & Manning, in addition to advising clients on estate planning matters, I worked with Tammy to help the firm's probate litigation clients find resolutions to the conflicts that often plague families after the death of a loved one.. One of the phrases I hear the most during an estate planning consultation is, "I just want everyone to get along after I'm gone." I have seen the triggers that can ignite a family conflict and result in heart wrenching and expensive litigation. This has helped me in my estate planning practice to show clients ways that conflict can be avoided or minimized after a loved one dies.. Whether it is working with a blended family, or with parents who want to protect their children from creditors or from losing their inheritance in a failed marriage, my greatest satisfaction comes when I hear a client say "I didn't know that was possible" or "I feel so empowered knowing that I can take steps now to keep peace in the future.". Many people think of estate planning as just focusing on an efficient transfer of assets from one generation to another, but to what end? I believe that my clients have as their purpose, not just the transfer of assets, but the desire to leave a legacy of love and family harmony.

I am honored to accept referrals and confidential inquiries from private practitioners, corporate counsel, professionals, or executives who need advice, trial counsel, someone to lead an internal investigation, or to assist them with other corporate governance matters. I work closely with other counsel to ensure that clients are getting appropriate advice.. A little more about me and my beliefs. I'm also an author, leader, and a part-time academic. While I stay quite busy with my professional obligations, there is far more to life than being an attorney--which can be an all-consuming profession. I value time with my family and consider myself to be, more importantly, a loving husband, father, and a Christian. And, from having worked since my teens, I appreciate the importance of hard work and in taking pride in what I do.. So much is at stake when people hire a lawyer that nothing less than giving it your best is sufficient. That does not mean, however, that an attorney must be a jerk to be effective. Instead, being an effective advocate means caring about your client, being professional and courteous other lawyers, and with court personnel, and government officials.. I put myself through law school while working full time. Later in my career, when I reached a very advanced position at a young age within the federal government as a prosecutor, I felt I needed to put my skills and experience to their best use--which led me into private practice. Before doing so, however, I returned to law school and obtained an advanced degree (an LL.M. in Tax Law) while working full time.. I was recruited into a blue chip firm in Houston, and a friend convinced me to get another LL.M. (Health Law) to further hone my knowledge and skills in this arcane area of practice. After obtaining this third law degree, I have maintained my ties with academia by teaching as much as my time permits.. At bottom, I am a blessed individual. I have many good friends and colleagues, a wonderful family, and believe that I have been blessed with the God-given talent and strength to serve others effectively. I still have the passion and desire to excel and to leverage my skills to the best of my abilities.. Disclaimer: The information in my profile does not create an attorney-client relationship, and it is not intended to constitute advertising. Answers provided to questions aresolely offered for informational purposes and do not constitute legaladvice.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.

Experienced Trust attorney serving clients in Houston and surrounding areas.