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Paul Franklin Wright

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Avvo Rating10
  • Dallas, TX
  • Licensed for 23 years
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About Paul

 

In 2002 I started The Wright Firm, LLP as a tax, estate planning and probate firm.  However, my idential twin brother joined the firm in 2003 and the firm has been growing every year. We have become a full service Texas based law firm.  We practice in almost every area of the law, including family law, bankruptcy and personal injury to name a few.

 

I am a Dallas native and attended Jesuit College Preparatory School. I am blessed to be married to an amazing woman and we have three children.    

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Practice areas

OtherGuardianshipBusinessEstate planningProbate
  1. Probate: 43%

    I am a Texas Board Certified Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer. I am a specialist in probate, probate litigation, will contests, guardianship, fiduciary litigation, trust litigation, probate administration and tax issues.

    22 years

  2. Estate planning: 32%

    I am a Texas Board Certified Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer. I am a specialist in taxable and non-taxable estate planning. Including wills, trusts, powers of attorney, special needs planning and charitable planning.

    22 years

  3. Business: 10%

    I am a CPA/JD. I started coaching small businesses in my twenties and have over 27 years of experience advising business owners regarding business law, business structuring, succession, litigation and business tax issues.

    22 years

  4. Guardianship: 10%

    I am a Texas Board Certified Probate and Estate Planning Lawyer. I am a specialist in probate, probate litigation, will contests, guardianship, fiduciary litigation, trust litigation, probate administration and tax issues.

    22 years

  1. Tax: 5%

    I am also a CPA. Significant experience in Trust and Estate; Individual and Entity Taxation (LLCs, Partnerships, Corporations and S-corps).

    22 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

53175 1381455298

Contact

8150 N. Central Expressway
Suite 775
Dallas, TX, 75206

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    TXEligible To Practice In Texas 199811/24/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers31
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2017
    Best of Dallas - Estate Planning & Probate AttorneyD Magazine2016
    Super LawyerTexas Monthly Magazine2016
    Best of Dallas Estate Planning & Probate AttorneyD Magazine2015
    Board Certified - Estate Planning and Probate LawTexas Board of Legal Specialization2015
    Super LawyerTexas Super Lawyers2015
    Super LawyerTexas Super Lawyers2014
    Best of Dallas Estate Planning & Probate AttorneysD Magazine2014
    Accredited VA AttorneyDepartment of Veterans Affairs2013
    Texas Super LawyerTexas Super Lawyers2013
    Texas Super LawyerTexas Super Lawyers2012
    Family Law Medication CertificateSouth Texas College of Law1996
    ADR - Mediation CertificateSouth Texas College of Law1996
    Certified Public AccountantTexas State Board of Public Accountancy1996
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Senior PartnerThe Wright Firm, LLP2002 - Present
    AssociateWatkins & Warren, P.C.1999 - 2002
    AssociateMorris & Morris, L.L.P.1997 - 1999
    Law ClerkFisher, Gallagher & Lewis, LLP1996 - 1997
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Collin County Bar AssociationMember2013 - Present
    National Academy of Elder Law AttorneysMember2012 - Present
    American Bar AssociationMember2004 - Present
    State Bar of TexasMember1998 - Present
    Dallas Bar AssociationMember1998 - Present
    American Institute of Certified Public AccountantsMember1998 - Present
    State Bar of Texas, Real Estate, Probate and Trust SectionMember1998 - Present
    Texas Society of Certified Public AccountantsMember1997 - Present
    BNI 29%Vice President2012 - 2014
    Dallas Estate Planning CouncilMember2000 - 2002
    South Texas College of Law - Law ReviewAssistant Note & Comment Editor1996 - 1997
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Texas Tax LawyerEstate and Gift Tax: Recent Developments2002
    South Texas Law ReviewTaxation-Innocent Spouse Provision-Of Erroneous Deductions and Decisions-From 6013(e) to 6015-The Knowledge Requirement and The Erroneous Deduction Quagmire of The Internal Revenue Code1998
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    South Texas College Of LawLaw1997
    University of North TexasMS - Master of Science1991
    University of North TexasBS - Bachelor of Science1991
    Jesuit College Preparatory School - Dallas, TexasN/A1986
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Trusts 101Where to Begin? - An Overview of Trusts2017
    Trusts 101Revocable Living Trusts2017
    A Litigation Paralegal's Guide to Case ManagementInitial Case Management2017
    A Litigation Paralegal's Guide to Case ManagementDrafting The Initial Pleadings2017
    Trusts 101Trusts Used for Tax Reduction2014
    NBI - ConferenceSales and Use Tax Audits: What to Do and When2014
    St. Francis Catholic ChurchGetting Your House In-Order - Texas Estate Planning2012
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    Guardianship of Stokley; 2011 WL 4600428 (Tex. App-Dallas)Appealed Ex Parte Probate Court Action on behalf of client

    Reviews

    (14)5.0 stars
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
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    3 Star
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    2 Star
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    1 Star
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    Review Paul Wright

    Legal counseling

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This lawyer is awesome. He was kind, understanding, smart and provided us great legal counseling! I never met a better lawyer. I highly recommend him because he will truly have your best interest in mind. Thank you!!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Paul Wright - The Best Ever!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    The first time I talked to Paul Wright, I was impressed at his knowledge and he knew exactly what I was talking about. I went to see him and I was scared and nervous as I had just recently lost my husband and didn't know what to do. Mr. Wright was really nice and had excellent advice for me. And I could tell he has a good heart. I have other legal matters I am going to hire him for and would definitely recommend him!
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Paul F. Wright--- GREAT lawyer

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I am an out of state attorney with 30 plus years of heavy courtroom and trial experience. I have tried well in excess of 150 serious matters before juries and many cases against high visibility National trial counsel. When I needed a personal lawyer, in Dallas, with experience in estate planing and later probate experience, I called the Dallas Bar Association for a referral. Paul F. Wright was on top of the list. I have dealt with him now for several years on estate planing issues, the drafting of wills, actual probate issues, hearings, trials in court, tax issues, and the standard complexities of this kind of law. During the entire length of my experience with Paul F. Wright and members of his firm, I have been fully satisfied. He is a very bright and highly skilled attorney with major people skills. He takes care of his clients. He takes time to listen to his clients. He thinks "outside the box". His CPA expertise compliments his extensive legal knowledge which eliminates the number one mistake of many estate lawyers, namely, understanding tax consequences. I have worked with and against lawyers from all over the US and I have to say that Paul F. Wright is a Dallas treasure! There are two Paul Wrights who are attorneys in Dallas---- MY review relates to PAUL F. WRIGHT!! Be sure you are talking to him!!
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Very intelligent and helpful.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I had the pleasure speaking with Paul Wright regarding entity formation during a brief 15-minute phone session. He was knowledgeable and offered tailored advice to help me with my specific needs. I highly recommend Paul.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Estate Planning

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    I live in New Jersey now and consulted with Mr. Wright over the phone. He was very helpful and provided several outstanding ideas to help resolve my problem. While in Dallas, I had an in person meeting and found him very easy to talk with. To help me thru my problem we created a task outline.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Paul Wright's response: Thank you for the kind comments! We often serve clients across the United States. It's one of the reasons we embrace technology and also offer multi-party telephone conferences and video conferencing. We also work with local counsel to resolve cross state issues, particularly for New York and California. So glad we could help resolve the matter. - Paul

    Ethical, honest and a true subject matter expert!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Mr. Wright's firm is a breath of fresh air if you need to retain them. He has surrounded himself with professionals that take a real interest in your case. He and his associates listen to you and then truthfully tell you what you can and cannot expect. No smoke screens or mirrors, just the honest truth. If there is a question they cannot answer they have and use the resources to get it quick. Well done sir!
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    Paul Wright's response: Thank you! We take the team approach with every case and have the bench depth to handle the tough matters. Competence, Communication and Compassion are the core values of our estate planning and probate group. It's great to hear that our core values are radiating! If we can help again let me know. - Paul

    Probate case

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Paul and another attorney from his firm, Julian Kehler, handled a contested probate of my aunt's estate. The case was somewhat complicated given people from multiple states were involved. Paul is the consummate professional, very personable, clearly enjoys his work. I knew little about the probate process when we went into this and Paul and Julian kept us well informed as to the status, process, etc. The case recently concluded and I believe we achieved the best possible outcome under the circumstances. I would hope not to need an attorney again in Texas but if I did, they would be my first choice.
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Paul Wright, knowledgeable and helpful

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    My husband and I were very happy with our first consultation meeting with Paul Wright. Our questions were regarding Eldercare. He help us to understand the warranty deed with life estate documents given to my husband by his father. We look forward to working with Paul Wright in the near future.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Estate Planning Solutions

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    When I came to Paul Wright's office, my estate planning concerns were met with a smile and a can-do attitude! Mr. Wright took the fear out of the meeting room for me as he was interested in what I needed and explained in layman's terms what my options were. He helped me reach a decision on this important matter and take the action needed to protect my estate. He even provided me notes from our meeting so I could take home the details of my estate plan!
    More
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Paul Wright, ethical and knowledgeable

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    Paul defended me in a long drawn out case in which he saw many firsts himself. He dealt with opposing counsel who were deceitful and manipulative. Paul stayed above board pulled through a win for me and my team. I would recommend him for the toughest of probate cases after this experience.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
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    Attorney endorsements

    (16)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Shelly Benet West

    Shelly West, Probate Attorney on Jul 26, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Paul is organized, prepared and a smart worker in litigation as well as negotiation. It has been my pleasure to work with him and otherwise.

    Lawyer Anthony Earl Duckworth

    Anthony Duckworth, Unknown Attorney on Nov 11, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Shelly Benet West

    Shelly West, Probate Attorney on Jul 26, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Paul is organized, prepared and a smart worker in litigation as well as negotiation. It has been my pleasure to work with him and otherwise.

    Lawyer Anthony Earl Duckworth

    Anthony Duckworth, Unknown Attorney on Nov 11, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Brandy Nicole Baxter-Thompson

    Brandy Baxter-Thompson, Probate Attorney on Dec 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Paul is relentless in the courtroom and works tirelessly for his clients. He's a smart lawyer that is willing to look at a problem from all angles to come up with a solution that meets his clients needs.

    Lawyer Michael Wayne Goolsby

    Michael Goolsby, Probate Attorney on Nov 19, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known Paul for many years. He is a lawyer with a great deal of integrity. He is extremely knowledgeable in probate and estate planning. It doesn't matter if it is a large complex estate or a smaller estate where you children are the main concern, Paul is a great choice.

    Lawyer Elliott E. Burdette

    Elliott Burdette, Tax Attorney on Nov 5, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Jill O'Connell

    Jill O'Connell, Probate Attorney on Oct 30, 2013
    Relationship: Friend

    I think Paul is a great lawyer with experience in complicated issues and I definitely endorse him.

    Lawyer James Brian Thomas

    James Thomas, Probate Attorney on Oct 17, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Paul does a great job for his clients, and I would trust any of mine to him. I definitely endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Victor Wallace Carmody Jr.

    Victor Carmody, Probate Attorney on Oct 15, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Diana Panian Larson

    Diana Larson, Divorce and separation Attorney on Oct 12, 2013
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer David Lawrence Traylor

    David Traylor, Probate Attorney on Oct 12, 2013
    Relationship: Friend

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Rachel Ramos Giron

    Rachel Giron, Tax Attorney on Oct 10, 2013
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Stephen Rohl Clark II

    Stephen Clark, Probate Attorney on Oct 8, 2013
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Bradley Michelsen

    Bradley Michelsen, Unknown Attorney on Jun 13, 2011
    Relationship: Worked for lawyer

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Nathan Steven Graham

    Nathan Graham, Litigation Attorney on Jun 13, 2011
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Hollie Gail Hendricks

    Hollie Hendricks, Unknown Attorney on Jun 13, 2011
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Patrick Allen Wright

    Patrick Wright, Probate Attorney on Oct 30, 2008
    Relationship: Family member

    Paul Wright is an excellent lawyer who cares about his clients. Paul is also a CPA and has the tax background necessary to properly advise clients on probate and estate planning matters.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates $250-$375/hour
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.33%-45%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card