Sarah Cotton Patterson

Sarah Patterson has practiced law for 18 years and is a part of the Trust and Estate Planning Practice Group with the firm. Her focus is on estate, trust and tax matters for individuals, as well as entity formation and business planning. She also advises non-profit and tax-exempt organizations on formation, planning and tax issues.Sarah has represented many varied estates over the years, including probate proceedings and trust administration. She has assisted the executor or trustee in distributing the estate or trust assets or implementing long-term planning created by the decedent’s Last Will and Testament or trust. Sarah has reviewed and advised preparers regarding fiduciary income tax returns for estates and trusts and has represented clients involved in estate or trust controversies, providing advice and counsel to individual and corporate fiduciary clients. She has also represented beneficiaries in estate and trust controversies. Sarah is a Fellow by the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). This appointment reflects her deep knowledge of trust and estate planning law and her positive reputation in the legal community.Sarah has been named "Lawyer of the Year" by The Best Lawyers in America in 2020 for her work in trust and estates, in 2018 and 2012 for her litigation work in trust and estates and in 2017 in nonprofit/charities law.