
Brian R. Ott, Estate Planning Attorney in Reading, Pennsylvania
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Tax · 4.6/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
PartneratBarley Snyder
Reading, PA
Practicing estate planning in Reading since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 4.6 ★
- 4 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Brian R. Ott?
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Quick answer
Brian R. Ott is a partner based in Reading, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Tax. Brian has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barley Snyder. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
- Based in
- Reading, PA
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Litigation · Tax
- Handles Estate Planning, Litigation, and Tax matters from Reading, PA.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Brian R. Ott: Brian R. Ott is a partner based in Reading, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Tax. Brian has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barley Snyder. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Brian takes on
Brian concentrates on estate planning, litigation, 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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Litigation
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Tax
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Trusts
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Estate Planning cases in Reading, Pennsylvania
Brian takes estate planning matters in Reading, Pennsylvania. 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.
Litigation cases in Reading, Pennsylvania
Brian takes litigation matters in Reading, Pennsylvania. 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 Reading, Pennsylvania
Brian takes tax matters in Reading, Pennsylvania. 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 Reading, Pennsylvania
Brian takes trusts matters in Reading, Pennsylvania. 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
Meet Brian R. Ott — estate planning lawyer in Reading
Brian R. Ott is a partner based in Reading, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Litigation, and Tax. Brian has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Barley Snyder. Rated 4.6 out of 5 from 4 client reviews.
Brian R. Ott is a lawyer practicing trusts, estate planning, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University, and has been licensed for 39 years. Brian practices at Barley Snyder in Reading, PA.
Working with Brian on a estate planning matter
Brian R. Ott is a lawyer practicing trusts, estate planning, trusts and estates and 2 other areas of law. Brian received a B.A. degree from Lehigh University, and has been licensed for 39 years. Brian practices at Barley Snyder in Reading, PA.
Who Brian represents
Brian reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, litigation, and tax matters in Reading and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
Boston College Law School J.D. cum laude
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Lehigh University B.A. with honors Villanova University Law School LL.M. in Taxation
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Jurisdictions
Brian's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania U.S. Di
1987 · ACTIVE
Brian studied at — in Boston College Law School J.D. cum laude and — in Lehigh University B.A. with honors Villanova University Law School LL.M. in Taxation.
Law school and academic background
Brian completed — in Boston College Law School J.D. cum laude and — in Lehigh University B.A. with honors Villanova University Law School LL.M. in Taxation. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Brian runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Brian has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Brian's professional memberships and bar associations
Membership • Pennsylvania and Berks County Bar Associations • Berks County Estate Planning Council past president • Berks County Bar Association past director
membership
Locations
Brian R. Ott's office in Reading
Brian's primary office is at 50 North Fifth Street, Reading, PA, 19603-0942. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Brian R. Ott — 4.6/5 rating from 4 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of Brian. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Reading.
4.6
4 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Brian R. Ott claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Brian R. Ott — 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 Reading, Pennsylvania
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 R. Ott
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 Pennsylvania 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 Reading?
Brian is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania 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 Reading, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Brian handles estate planning matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
More counsel
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