Pierce Atwood Trusts & Estates Practice Group in Maine Top-Ranked in 2018 Chambers High Net Worth Guide

For the third straight year, Pierce Atwood’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group in Maine has received a “Band 1” ranking – the highest available – for Private Wealth Law by Chambers and Partners, a prominent London-based publisher of guides to the legal profession.

Calling the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice Group, “first rate,” sources interviewed for publication stated that, “they have folks that I would put up against anyone from the cities, but without the big-city prices. I have complete confidence in what they do.” One adviser added, “The firm is comprised of lawyers who are not only exceptional technical practitioners, but exceptional human beings as well, connecting with clients on both legal and personal levels. They work to solve legal problems, but also work to understand the client’s holistic situation, appreciating that those needs may extend beyond the narrow scope of the legal problem at hand.”

Pierce Atwood has received this top ranking since Chambers debuted its High Net Worth inaugural edition in 2016. Recognized individually with Band 1 rankings were partners Molly Liddell and Barbara Wheaton in Maine, and Cindy Worthen in New Hampshire.

Molly Liddell, Trusts & Estate Practice Group Chair, was recognized for her work advising clients on business succession, estate planning and administration, and tax and trust matters. “For estate planning, she is exceptional,” enthused one client, adding, “She gives great advice and has great creativity when it comes to planning.” One interviewee noted that, “she communicates really well and has excellent technical skills,” while another remarked, “Molly has an impressive breadth in her practice. She works on charitable foundations and individuals; she is very good at dealing not just with the tax but the family matters; she helps make sure the family goals are achieved.”

Barbara Wheaton, who works with clients in Maine and Florida, was recognized for her work assisting affluent clients with trust and estate planning, charitable giving and tax planning, and her representation in contested estate matters. Once source said Barbara, “is in a class of her own.” Another stated, “I think she is the finest T&E lawyer in the state of Maine. Her technical expertise is terrific, and she has a really great way with clients. She is an intellectual; softly-spoken, and what comes out of her mouth is incredibly insightful. She helps clients to come to their own conclusions instead of just telling them what to do. She lets clients own the idea, and then gets it down. She really just rolls up her sleeves and takes care of her clients.”

Cindy Worthen was recognized for her work advising clients on estate planning, and the administration of trusts and estates. One wealth professional noted, “She is really effective and my clients appreciate her thoroughness. She just brings a calm and a peace that allows you to get the work done. She communicates really well - she makes it understandable, which is a real gift in this business.” Another source stated, “She can very quickly establish a bond with clients and I have great trust and confidence in her.” Cindy was also praised as “very personable, understanding, engaging, and approachable” and “thorough and diligent.”

The Chambers High Net Worth guide, launched in June 2016, covers private wealth management work and related specialties in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring in-depth editorial about the leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families.