The Firm: This renowned firm is a mainstay of the country's wealth management market, with trust and estates teams in New York, Florida and California. It benefits from a strong corporate and investment funds practice, attracting a significant volume of work representing private equity and hedge fund principals in complex estate transactions and planning. Notable clients include US Trust, Bessemer, Goldman Sachs and Northern Trust.

Client Service: "They're excellent attorneys and they do an amazing job for their clients."

Commercial Awareness: "Absolutely wonderful – I can't speak highly enough of them. They have a creative approach and think outside the box, and they follow up and execute in a timely manner."

Key Individuals: David Pratt is "one of the most advanced estate planning attorneys when it comes to high-end work and clients love him," confirm sources. He heads the Boca Raton office.

Jay Waxenberg chairs the firm's trust and estates practice from New York. He has a broad range of experience and is noted for his excellent client service. As one source explained, "the most important thing is his great legal advice, but he is also practical and I can get him at two in the morning and on weekends."

Los Angeles-based Andrew Katzenstein has a well-regarded practice focused on tax planning matters. Clients appreciate "not only his knowledge and understanding of the laws, but also his advice about how decisions can impact future generations."

"Exceptionally bright and diligent," Albert Gortz is a dedicated trust and estates lawyer who is able to offer extensive estate, income and charitable planning experience. He is also adept in advising on charitable organizations.