I am an Estate Planning Attorney with substantial experience in the related areas of Elder Law, Tax Planning, and Nonprofits. My holistic philosophy focuses on:
• big picture goals and family dynamics,
• the needs of individual beneficiaries,
• detailed guidance in planning for all types of assets, and
• tax efficiency.
The most rewarding part of my job is helping clients fulfill their goals and create their own legacy. I have helped clients put protections in place for minor children, adult children, spouses and unmarried partners, animal companions, aging parents, and loved ones with disabilities. I have helped clients navigate and plan for harmony within the context of blended families, share the family cottage with extended family for successive generations, and protect the inheritance of loved ones who may need assistance with managing finances. With a master's degree in Tax Law, I approach all planning with an eye towards tax efficiency, and being active in the nonprofit sector myself, I appreciate the importance of charitable legacy.
I am active within the estate planning community, including as a member of the adjunct faculty at Wayne State University Law School, a member of the Probate & Estate Planning Section of the State Bar of Michigan, and as a contributor to the Institute of Continuing Legal Education.
A significant portion of my practice involves crafting Trusts for animal companions ("Pet Trusts"), and I frequently speak and write on this topic for community groups, law students, and other lawyers. I also enjoy assisting animal-related charities with qualifying for and maintaining tax-exempt status. I'm proud to be an "Animal Friendly Attorney" and devote substantial time to serving as vice president of Attorneys for Animals and chairperson of Barn Sanctuary – home of the Animal Planet series "Saved by the Barn." I was named to Crain's list of Notable Women in Nonprofits in 2018 for my work in the nonprofit sector, and also serve on the Council of the Animal Law Section of the State Bar of Michigan. While I am licensed to practice in Michigan and Florida, I am also available for consultation to assist with Pet Trust provisions for estate planning attorneys nationwide.
I have been recognized for these contributions to the legal and wider communities by Michigan Lawyers Weekly (Up & Coming Lawyers), Super Lawyers (Rising Stars), and the National Law Review (Go-To Thought Leader).
Practice areas
7 years
As a subset of my Estate Planning Practice, I draft Trusts and Durable Powers of Attorney for care of companion animals ("Pet Trusts" and "Pet Care Durable Powers of Attorney") and related animal care planning.
7 years
7 years
7 years
Languages spoken
English, French
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2015 | 12/20/2020 |
MI | Active And In Good Standing | 2014 | 12/27/2020 |
Legal answers | 0 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan | Hour Detroit Magazine | 2021 |
Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan | Hour Detroit Magazine | 2020 |
Rising Stars | Super Lawyers | 2020 |
Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan | Hour Detroit Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Stars | Super Lawyers | 2019 |
Go-To Thought Leader | The National Law Review | 2019 |
---|---|---|
Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan | Hour Detroit Magazine | 2018 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2018 |
Up & Coming Lawyers | Michigan Lawyers Weekly | 2018 |
Notable Women in Nonprofits | Crain's Detroit Business | 2018 |
Top Attorneys: Outstanding Young Women Lawyers in Michigan | Hour Detroit Magazine | 2017 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2017 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers | 2016 |
Wanda A. Nash Award | State Bar of Michigan Animal Law Section | 2014 |
Warrior Pro Bono Award | Wayne State University Law School | 2014 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Associate Attorney | Varnum LLP | 2019 - Present |
Associate Attorney | Couzens, Lansky, Fealk, Ellis, Roeder & Lazar, P.C. | 2016 - 2019 |
Associate Attorney | Mammel Law | 2015 - 2016 |
Estate Planning Clerk | Chapman Law Group | 2014 - 2015 |
Government Relations Intern | ASPCA | 2014 - 2014 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Barn Sanctuary | Chairperson | 2021 - Present |
Wayne State University Law School | Adjunct Professor | 2021 - Present |
Barn Sanctuary | Board Director | 2019 - Present |
Attorneys for Animals | Vice President | 2018 - Present |
Attorneys for Animals | Board Director | 2017 - Present |
Women Lawyers Association of Michigan (WLAM) | Member | 2015 - Present |
---|---|---|
Attorneys for Animals | Member | 2015 - Present |
Florida Bar: Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, Animal Law Section, Out of State Division | Member | 2015 - Present |
State Bar of Michigan: Probate & Estate Planning, Elder Law and Disability Rights, Animal Law and Intellectual Property Law Sections | Member | 2014 - Present |
Animal Legal Defense Fund | Member | 2010 - Present |
Barn Sanctuary | Vice-Chairperson | 2020 - 2021 |
Barn Sanctuary | Secretary | 2019 - 2020 |
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys | Member | 2018 - 2019 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Drafting the Michigan Trust | Specialty Trusts | 2020 |
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (ICLE Michigan) | Estate Planning for Millennials | 2019 |
Oakland County Legal News | What Millennials Should Know About Estate Planning Matters | 2019 |
Institute of Continuing Legal Education (Michigan) | How to Include Pets in Your Estate Plan | 2019 |
State Bar of Michigan Animal Law Section Newsletter | Missouri's New Meat Advertising Law: Claims Consumer Confusion, Puts Free Speech at "Steak" | 2019 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Alabama School of Law | LL.M - Master of Laws | 2016 |
Wayne State University Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 2014 |
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2010 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Vegan Kalamazoo Meetup | Animals, Animal Agriculture and Animal Activism: Trends in Animal Law | 2019 |
Humane Society of Huron Valley | Pet Trusts and Pet Planning (series 2019-present) | 2019 |
59th Annual Probate & Estate Planning Institute | Estate Planning for Millennials | 2019 |
58th Annual Probate & Estate Planning Institute | Planning for Pets | 2018 |
The Guardian Life Insurance Co. Continuing Education | Questions Every Client Needs to Answer | 2017 |
New York Life Continuing Education | Questions Every Client Needs to Answer | 2017 |
---|---|---|
Michigan Political Union | Six Feet Over, Six Feet Under: A Panel Discussion on the Rights of the Dying and Mourning | 2017 |
Mass Mutual Southeast Michigan Continuing Education | Questions Every Client Needs to Answer | 2017 |
Critical Legal Developments | Trusts for All Reasons and Trust Alternatives | 2017 |
Animal Law Class - University of Windsor School of Law | Pets in Estate Planning and Family Law in the U.S. | 2017 |
All About Animals Rescue | Protect Your Pet's Future (series 2017-present) | 2017 |
Henry Ford Village | Are You and Your Estate Fully Prepared? | 2016 |
Fox Run Investment Discussion Group Monthly Meeting | Making Sure You & Your Estate Are Ready for a Change in Health | 2016 |
Animal Law Class - Wayne State University Law School | Ag-Gag, Freedom of Speech, and Due Process | 2015 |
Animal Law Class - Wayne State University Law School | Pets in Estate Planning and Family Law | 2015 |
Animal Law Class - University of Windsor School of Law | Pets in Estate Planning and Family Law in the U.S. | 2015 |
Posted by Julie
Tue Jan 19 2016
Posted by Camille
Thu Jan 14 2016
I've had the pleasure of knowing Becky for many years and have watched her grow into a bright, dedicated and experienced attorney. She is intelligent, compassionate, thorough and creative, all qualities that directly benefit her clients. I wholeheartedly recommend and endorse her.
David Mammel, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 18, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
I endorse Rebecca as an excellent attorney. Rebecca has repeatedly demonstrated her outstanding skills and knowledge in assisting clients in Michigan and Florida. Rebecca personally connects with clients by asking pertinent questions that cut to the core of their issues and by conveying a sincere compassion of clients' concerns and needs.