Rachel S. Katz

Rachel is our law firm’s Managing Attorney and oversees the Estate Planning and Probate departments of the firm. Rachel is a knowledgeable and compassionate attorney with 20+ years of legal experience. She is admitted to practice law in the State of New York and the District of Columbia.

Rachel assists clients in making important decisions regarding estate planning so that their wishes are properly documented, and their assets are protected. She enjoys working with her clients so that they can feel most comfortable with their estate planning choices, whether it be in their trust, last will and testament, power of attorney, health care proxy or living will.

After a loved one has passed, Rachel helps clients with the process of probating a will or the administration of an estate in Surrogate’s Court. She guides clients through complex court proceedings such as estate and trust accountings.

While attending law school in Washington, D.C., Rachel worked part-time in a boutique estate planning and trusts and estates law firm. It was during this experience that Rachel recognized the great value that she was able to provide to clients and the direct impact she could have on families. After law school graduation, Rachel settled in New York City and practiced corporate finance law in several law firms, including Manhattan’s Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP and Shearman & Sterling LLP.  In 2012 Rachel and her family moved from New York City to the suburbs of Long Island. It was shortly thereafter that Rachel was able to change her career trajectory and once again do the work that she became passionate about in law school.

In her free time, Rachel enjoys spending time with her family and being a mom.   Rachel lives in Saint James with her husband and two children, although her son now attends college in Florida.

EDUCATION

• Juris Doctor degree from American University, Washington College of Law in 1999
• Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Union College in Schenectady, New York in 1996.

MEMBERSHIPS & VOLUNTEER WORK

• New York State Bar Association, including the Elder Law and Trusts & Estates Committees
• Suffolk County Bar Association, including the Elder Law Committee
• Suffolk County Women’s Bar Association, serving on the Nominating Committee
• Association of Legal Administrators
• Hadassah, Nassau & Suffolk
• Jewish Cultural School of Smithtown, Board Member
• Friends of the Smithtown Library, Volunteer
• Parent Teacher Association, Smithtown Central School District