Partner Kimberly Stein and Counsel Abbie Pappas amplify practice’s robust capabilities
June 13, 2022 – Ulmer & Berne LLP is pleased to announce the addition of Partner Kimberly E. Stein and Counsel Abbie R. Pappas who join the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group in Cleveland. Together, the talented duo adds considerable experience to Ulmer’s respected team of attorneys that guides clients through the complexities and challenges of trust and estate planning and administration.
“Kim and Abbie are both highly regarded attorneys who add impressive depth to our practice, and we couldn’t be happier to have them join us,” said James A. Goldsmith, Group Leader of Ulmer’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group. “As changing tax laws and new legislation make protecting wealth increasingly complex, we continue to strengthen our client-focused team. We’re excited about the talent, dedication, and energy Kim and Abbie bring to our group.”
Stein has extensive experience in all aspects of trust and estate planning that she shares with a range of clients from individuals and fiduciaries to family groups and charitable organizations. She provides counsel on matters relating to estate and retirement planning; individual, fiduciary, and corporate income and transfer tax matters and controversies; trust and estate administration; and formation, qualification, and ongoing compliance of charitable organizations. Admitted to practice in Ohio, Florida, and before the U.S. Tax Court, Stein is named to the Best Lawyers® Ones to Watch lists for Trusts and Estates and Tax Law.
In addition to her practice, Stein has held leadership roles with several professional organizations, including as Board Member of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland and as past Chair of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Probate & Trust Law Section. Stein also serves on the local Board of Directors of the Anti-Defamation League, the Professional Advisory Council of the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and the Board of Directors of Gross Schechter Day School. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from the University of Rochester and her J.D. from Cornell Law School.
Pappas uses her estate planning, estate administration, and taxation experience to develop tailored planning strategies for clients that achieve their objectives and long-term goals. She has experience in both domestic and international tax and estate planning, and provides counsel on the use of wills and trusts, gift planning, lifetime and post-mortem tax planning, living wills, powers of attorney, and estate administration. She is also experienced with Halachic estate planning and works with clients to develop comprehensive estate plans that conform to Jewish religious laws. Pappas is admitted to practice in Ohio and New York.
Pappas is actively engaged in professional organizations and the community. She is a member of the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland, serves on the Fuchs Mizrachi School Board of Trustees, and participates in many capacities with the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, having served as Chair of its Young Leadership Division, on its Board of Trustees, and on its Allocations Committee and Professional Advisory Council. For her accomplishments, Pappas has been named to the Ohio Super Lawyers list of Rising Stars. She earned her undergraduate degree with honors from The Ohio State University and her J.D. from Columbia Law School.
Ulmer’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group is dedicated to preserving clients’ wealth and ensuring its proper transfer from generation to generation. The practice provides counsel on the full spectrum of trusts and estates law including asset protection planning, guardianships, business succession planning, complex estate and gift tax issues, and related litigation. Working closely with clients to understand their long-term goals and desires, the team uses sophisticated planning techniques to create customized plans that protect clients’ assets, fulfill their wishes, and reduce the risk of disputes.