Angela Bellanca Klenk

Angela Bellanca Klenk

Founding Attorney and Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law

Many of my law school classmates have asked why I went into estate planning. Many of them are now partners in large law firms, with the accompanying prestige and big money from handling bet-the-company litigation, international M&A, or private-equity deals. Out of law school I joined a California-based megafirm where I represented some renowned movers, shakers, and CEOs, many of whom remain friends. That work was certainly fascinating and professionally rewarding, but I discovered that I did not have the passion to dedicate my life to it. I turned to the area of trusts and estates, which blends my aptitude for technical legal analysis with the fulfillment of helping families deal with life’s most important issues.

Our family lost my dad to Parkinson’s Disease when I was young. Even with the proper estate plan in place, the months that followed his death were tough, especially for my mom. Fast forward and I have three active children and an aging mother. I share this to let you know that I intimately understand your family concerns; my job is to take that burden off your shoulders.

As a child, I loved reading the inside of the board game lids, so I knew all “the rules.” I found all the little details simply fascinating. I learned that an added benefit is that memorizing the minutiae helps you win a lot more games. Today, that’s how I approach every will, trust, and plan. Effective estate planning is all about “the rules,” and mastering more intricacies means you can offer clients more strategic options.

My clients share their deepest concerns and fears as we explore their options. I love seeing that “aha” look on their faces after I explain how we can use “the rules” to achieve their family and financial goals. I also love that most of my meetings end with a big hug. I bet that most of my old classmates can’t say that.

When I am not helping clients, I am out and about with my husband Kevin (or making care packages for my two sons and daughter in college). I enjoy figure skating, cuddling with our dogs, and volunteering. I also can’t resist a good cheese plate and a nice glass of wine.