How much does it cost to hire Paul for a estate litigation case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Paul offer a free consultation?

Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some estate litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.

How long do estate litigation cases in Florida typically take?

Simple estate litigation 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Sarasota?

Paul is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul 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 Paul?

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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Paul accepting new estate litigation clients right now?

Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Paul C. Lambert, Estate Litigation Attorney in Sarasota, Florida

Over 71 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

PartneratMcLaughlin & Stern, LLP

Sarasota, FL

Practicing estate litigation in Sarasota since 1955.

71+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Estate Litigation Estate Planning Estate Tax Tax Trusts

Are you Paul C. Lambert?

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Quick answer

Paul C. Lambert is a partner based in Sarasota, FL. The practice focuses on Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax. Paul has over 71 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at McLaughlin & Stern, LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Sarasota, FL
Experience: over 71 years
Known for: Estate Litigation · Estate Planning · Estate Tax

Handles Estate Litigation, Estate Planning, and Estate Tax matters from Sarasota, FL.
Over 71 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters Paul takes on

Paul concentrates on estate litigation, estate planning, estate tax, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Paul handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Litigation cases in Sarasota, Florida

Paul takes estate litigation matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Estate Planning cases in Sarasota, Florida

Paul takes estate planning matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Estate Tax cases in Sarasota, Florida

Paul takes estate tax matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Sarasota, Florida

Paul takes tax matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Sarasota, Florida

Paul takes trusts matters in Sarasota, Florida. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Paul agrees to represent you.

Biography

Meet Paul C. Lambert — estate litigation lawyer in Sarasota

Paul C. Lambert received his undergraduate degree from Yale University in 1950 and his J.D. from Harvard Law School in 1953. After a term of service in the U.S. Army, he began the practice of trust and estate law at Milbank, Tweed, Hadley and McCloy, and subsequently practiced for over 30 years as a partner with Breed, Abbott & Morgan and its successor, Whitman Breed Abbott & Morgan, where he chaired the Trusts and Estates Department for many years.

From 1990 to 1992 Mr. Lambert served as United States Ambassador to the Republic of Ecuador. He joined McLaughlin & Stern as a partner in early 2004, concentrating his practice in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and Surrogate's Court litigation.

Mr. Lambert has been involved in some of the most significant estate and trust litigations of the last several decades, including Matter of Rothko, Estate of J. Seward Johnson, Matter of Stillman and Matter of Rockefeller. He is a member of the Association of the Bar of the City
of New York, the New York State Bar Association and the American Bar Association.

Mr. Lambert is active in civic and charitable affairs, and currently serves as a Director of The Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center and as a Trustee of the Helen and Ritter Shumway Foundation. He has previously served as a Trustee of The Brearley School and of The Hotchkiss School, and as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Association of Yale Alumni.

Memberships

-American Bar Association

-New York State Bar Association

-Association of the Bar of the City of New York

Paul's approach to estate litigation cases

Clients Paul works with

Paul reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate litigation, estate planning, and estate tax matters in Sarasota and the surrounding Florida area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

Harvard Law School
J.D. · 1953
Yale University
A.B. · 1950

Jurisdictions

Paul's state bar admissions

New York
1956 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
1955 · ACTIVE

Paul studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and A.B. in Yale University.

Law school and academic background

Paul completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and A.B. in Yale University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Paul runs in Florida is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Recognition and thought leadership

Paul has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Paul C. Lambert's office in Sarasota

Paul's primary office is at 1819 Main Street, Suite 604, Sarasota, FL, 34236. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

McLaughlin & Stern, LLP

1819 Main Street, Suite 604

Sarasota, FL 34236

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Paul C. Lambert — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Paul. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate litigation attorneys in Sarasota.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Paul C. Lambert claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Paul C. Lambert — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate litigation attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Paul usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Paul charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul'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; Paul will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate litigation attorney in Sarasota, Florida

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate litigation 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 Paul

Paul discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate litigation practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate litigation 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. Paul confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Paul's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate litigation practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Paul C. Lambert

How much does it cost to hire Paul for a estate litigation case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Paul walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Paul offer a free consultation?
Paul charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Paul's office. Some estate litigation attorneys offer free consults — check Paul's current terms during booking.
How long do estate litigation cases in Florida typically take?
Simple estate litigation 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. Paul gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Paul take my case if I'm outside Sarasota?
Paul is licensed in Florida. Matters governed by Florida law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Paul 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 Paul?
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. Paul will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Paul accepting new estate litigation clients right now?
Paul's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Litigation attorneys serving Sarasota, Miami and Tampa in Florida

Paul handles estate litigation matters throughout Florida. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate litigation attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Paul's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate litigation attorneys in Sarasota handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.