Michael I. Schwartz, J.D., LL.M.
Estate Planning Attorney
Michael Schwartz is an Estate Planning Attorney and experienced former corporate Vice President with a demonstrated history of counseling, advising, and mentoring on all aspects of post-mortem planning, estate tax planning, estate settlement and probate in the financial services and legal industries.
Throughout his career journey, just like his father before him, Michael exclusively dedicated his craft and passion of serving and supporting his clientele on all related facets of estate planning. Mr. Schwartz’s father, a former IRS agent and established estate planning attorney, once told him the trust and estate attorney is the only practice of law that is referred to as a “Gentleman’s Practice”. Never truly interpreting the underlying meaning, the concept resonated with him and it was an easy decision for him to follow the footsteps of his Dad on the right path into estate planning.
“It always gave me great sense of pride to support all my clients as they navigate through the cumbersome estate settlement process with my ability to tackle and explain the intricacies of a process often perceived as intimidating and vastly complex.”
Michael’s financial services career spanned over a decade with the Bank’s National Estate Tax Division entirely concentrated in estate, gift and GST tax compliance, post-mortem planning and implementing lawful techniques to minimize the transfer taxes and fiduciary income taxes for the Bank’s high and ultra-high net worth relationships. During his accomplished trust banking tenure, Michael served as the senior post-mortem estate planner and the internal primary resource for the Bank’s Southeast region. He frequently lectured on technical topics to an array of audiences, and he authored articles on estate planning and tax concepts.
Prior to joining Wells Fargo Bank (formerly Wachovia Bank), Michael worked at several Florida law firms in the capacity of attorney and legal clerk. He has represented clients in regard to probate, estate planning, transfer taxes, asset protection, philanthropic planning and retirement planning.
Although Michael has demonstrated technical expertise in the field, clients believe what distinguishes him from other attorneys is cultivating and valuing long-term personal relationships through simple interaction and a team player-based approach. Michael embraces everyone and is a “total people person” with a need for understanding and relating to people on a genuine meaningful level.
Michael earned his Master of Laws (LL.M) in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law. Michael also received his Juris Doctor from St. Thomas University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida. Michael is licensed to practice law in Florida.
He is a member of the Florida Bar, the Estate Planning Council of Broward County, the Florida Bar’s Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, the Florida Bar’s Tax Section, Congregation Kol Tikvah, and Wealth Counsel.
As a native of South Florida, Michael resides in Parkland, Florida. He is actively involved in his community. He is an avid collegiate and professional sports fan, and enjoys spending time watching his children sing, dance, play basketball and soccer.
You can find Michael on LinkedIn @michaelschwartz.