Lauren Galbraith advises individuals and families on all aspects of estate and tax planning, estate and trust administration, and business succession planning.  She specializes in planning in connection with closely held businesses and real property holdings such as wineries, vineyards, and wine-related businesses. She administers estates with these types of illiquid assets, as well.

Much of Lauren’s work integrates family objectives with business strategy. She implements techniques to eliminate or minimize estate tax, for example, and to defer the payment of estate tax, which can allow a business to remain family-owned or give the family the freedom to decide whether management should be vested in the next generation or outside managers. She is experienced in planning around California property taxes.

She assists with philanthropic activities, including the formation and administration of private foundations and public charities. She has advised donors of substantial charitable gifts to major museums and hospitals, and prepared related gift agreements.

Lauren is skillful at identifying and addressing potential conflicts before they occur. She has drafted co-tenancy and buy-sell agreements to facilitate joint ownership of property and businesses. Her practice also includes privacy planning to limit publicly available information about individuals and their holdings. 

She often works closely with financial advisors and accountants, and frequently integrates herself into ongoing operating teams of consultants.  She taps into her professional network to make introductions as appropriate, for example to an employment attorney when workplace issues arise, or to appraisers, art advisors and other specialty service providers. 

Lauren’s compassionate and detailed approach provides peace of mind for her clients through their various life events. Her good judgment, excellent communication skills, warmth and responsiveness contribute to her effectiveness as a lawyer and trusted advisor to clients, their families and their businesses.