Chambers HNW: Richards, Layton & Finger Is “the Gold Standard” in Delaware Private Wealth Law

July 15, 2019

Firm News| Tax| Trusts & Estates

WILMINGTON, Delaware (July 15, 2019) – Richards, Layton & Finger’s trusts and estates practice and all of the group’s directors have been recognized in Chambers HNW, the international guide to the world’s leading high net worth advisors. W. Donald Sparks, II, F. Peter Conaty, Jr., and Beth Gansen Knight were recognized for excellence in Private Wealth Law, and the firm earned the guide’s highest Band 1 ranking. Noting that “this firm is top-notch,” Chambers HNW describes Richards Layton as “the gold standard.”

Mr. Sparks, head of Richards Layton’s Tax / Trusts and Estates Group, is ranked in Chambers HNW’s Band 1. Regarded as “one of the best trust and estate lawyers in the state” (Chambers HNW, 2019), Mr. Sparks represents banks, trust companies, and high net worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning and fiduciary matters. Clients report, “If you have a really big matter, you’d want him on your side” (Chambers HNW, 2019). Mr. Sparks is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and has been recognized in Super Lawyers, Delaware Today, and The Best Lawyers in America since 1995.

Mr. Conaty, considered “very smart and practical” and “an excellent estate planner” (Chambers HNW, 2019), represents high net worth individuals in sophisticated estate planning matters, as well as individuals and corporate fiduciaries in connection with estate and trust administration. He also advises clients on Delaware trust law. Mr. Conaty has been listed in The Best Lawyers in America since 2008, including as the Wilmington, Delaware 2017 Tax Lawyer of the Year and 2018 Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year. Mr. Conaty is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.

Ms. Knight assists clients with family-planning vehicles and closely held family businesses, and advises high net worth individuals and institutional fiduciaries in the areas of tax, estate planning, trust and estate administration, and fiduciary litigation. Clients and peers praise her as a “very impressive” attorney who does “an outstanding job” (Chambers HNW, 2019). She is also a sought-after speaker who has, by request, given presentations for institutional fiduciaries as well as for the Delaware Tax Institute. Ms. Knight is recognized in The Best Lawyers in America for her trusts and estates work.

About Chambers HNW
Chambers HNW covers private wealth management work in key jurisdictions around the world. The guide’s rankings are the result of independent analysis by researchers who interviewed hundreds of lawyers, tax advisors, bankers, investment managers, and other professionals to get a comprehensive understanding of the private wealth sector across jurisdictions.

About Richards, Layton & Finger
Delaware’s largest law firm and one of its oldest, Richards, Layton & Finger 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 restructuring, and litigation.

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