Brian G. Smith, Estate Planning Attorney in New York
focused on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General
ShareholderatGreenberg Traurig, LLP
New, NY
Trusted estate planning attorney serving New York.
Practices in
Are you Brian G. Smith?
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Quick answer
Brian G. Smith is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
- Based in
- New York, NY
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Family Law · General
- Handles Estate Planning, Family Law, and General matters from New York, NY.
About Brian G. Smith: Brian G. Smith is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP.
Areas of practice
Brian's practice areas in New York
Brian concentrates on estate planning, family law, general, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Brian handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Family Law
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General
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Tax
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Trusts
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Probate
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Estate Planning cases in New York
Brian takes estate planning matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Family Law cases in New York
Brian takes family law matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
General cases in New York
Brian takes general matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in New York
Brian takes tax matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Trusts cases in New York
Brian takes trusts matters in New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Brian agrees to represent you.
Biography
Brian G. Smith, estate planning attorney serving New York
Brian G. Smith is a shareholder based in New York, NY. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Family Law, and General. Currently practicing at Greenberg Traurig, LLP. Brian works from New York and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
Brian G. Smith advises ultra-high-net-worth clients on estate and tax planning, trust administration, litigation, family law, and charitable giving. With deep insight into complex tax planning strategies, Brian advises his clients on dynasty trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, and life insurance trusts. Brian counsels clients with the goal of lessening the wealth transfer tax involved when transferring wealth to the next generation. He also creates traditional wills, revocable trusts, and limited liability companies in accordance with his clients’ estate plans.
In the realm of estate and trust administration, Brian’s guidance extends to fiduciaries and beneficiaries involved in administration. This includes audits of estate tax returns and gift tax returns. His clients value his deep understanding of estate planning and tax implications, as well as his familiarity with the preparation of estate tax returns.
Recognition & Leadership
Awards & Accolades
•Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2026
•Listed, Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Private Wealth Law, New York, 2025
Brian's approach to estate planning cases
Brian G. Smith advises ultra-high-net-worth clients on estate and tax planning, trust administration, litigation, family law, and charitable giving. With deep insight into complex tax planning strategies, Brian advises his clients on dynasty trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, qualified personal residence trusts, and life insurance trusts. Brian counsels clients with the goal of lessening…
Clients Brian works with
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, family law, and general matters across New York.
Credentials
Credentials — where Brian studied and practices
St. John's University School of Law
J.D. Articles · 2008
Duke University
B.A. · 2005
Brian studied at J.D. Articles in St. John's University School of Law and B.A. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed J.D. Articles in St. John's University School of Law and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Brian G. Smith's office in New York
Brian's primary office is at One Vanderbilt Avenue, New York, NY, 10017. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian G. Smith
Brian has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Brian G. Smith — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Brian usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Brian charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Brian will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Brian
Brian discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Brian confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Brian's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Brian G. Smith
How much does it cost to hire Brian for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Brian walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Brian offer a free consultation?
Brian charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Brian's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Brian's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in New York typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Brian gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Brian take my case if I'm outside New York?
Brian is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Brian will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Brian?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Brian will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Brian accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Brian's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Albany and Brooklyn in New York
Brian handles estate planning matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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