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Verrill’s Wide-Ranging Private Wealth Law Practice Recognized in 2021 Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide

August 17, 2021 Press Releases

(August 17, 2021) – Verrill attorneys Michael Fay, Kurt Klebe, Mary McQuillen, and Jacqueline Rider were recognized in the Chambers High Net Worth 2021 Guide, Chambers and Partners' fifth edition of the publication specifically aimed at the international private wealth market. The firm was ranked in “band 1,” the highest ranking a firm can receive from Chambers and Partners’, for its wide-ranging private wealth law practice in Maine.

When interviewed during the evaluation process, one client noted Verrill is "in a different league,” adding: "There are people there that I really value." A second client interviewed praised the client service the Group’s attorneys provide, “They are very conscious of what the client needs. They are sensitive, they can communicate with the client well and they don't make unnecessary work. They have the capability of tapping into other resources.”

Michael Fay, Counsel at Verrill, has more than 40 years of experience advising clients on all aspects of wealth management, including tax efficient transfer of wealth, creation of family-controlled structures for long-term financial management and disposition of family assets, risk management, and implementation and oversight of family philanthropic endeavors. Michael has been recognized by Worth magazine as one of the nation's "Top 100 Attorneys" based upon his outstanding legal practice and exceptional client service, and he has also received Boston Magazine's FIVE STAR Wealth Manager Award. He is listed in Best Lawyers in America© for Trusts and Estates and has been named a Massachusetts Super Lawyer from 2004 – 2021 in Estate Planning/Trust Law. Fay is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Within the guide, Fay is recognized as "a talented lawyer" who "has been around for a long time" and is "a real authority on estate planning."

Kurt Klebe, Partner, focuses his practice in all aspects of estate planning, probate administration and trust administration, as well as tax planning and charitable gift planning for individuals and nonprofit entities. He has also been recognized in Best Lawyers in America© in the practice of Trusts and Estates and has been elected as a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Within the guide, commentators highlight his technical ability, with one reporting: "I would say his strength is his knowledge of trust and estate law; his knowledge is just excellent."

Mary McQuillen, Partner at Verrill, has practiced trusts and estates law since 1987, both in Maine and New York. Her practice includes representation of private foundations and other tax-exempt organizations, as well as estate planning, trust and estate administration and representation of fiduciaries. She has also been recognized in Best Lawyers in America© in the practice of Trusts and Estates. Quoted within the guide, one source explains McQuillen is "an excellent lawyer,” adding that, “she is very good at what she does and I wouldn't hesitate to refer someone to her."

Jacqueline Rider, Partner, Chair of Verrill's Private Clients & Fiduciary Services Group, and Co-Chair of the Probate Litigation Group, focuses her practice on all aspects of probate litigation, estate planning, probate administration, and trust administration. Rider has 28 years of experience successfully litigating a variety of civil matters in federal, state, and probate courts. She has also been recognized in Best Lawyers of America© in the practices of Trust and Estates and Litigation: Trust and Estates, and in 2016 and 2018 was named as the Portland, Maine Litigation-Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year. Quoted within the guide, one interviewee explained, “She works really hard to understand all the facts and circumstances in complex cases with an eye towards getting to an ultimate resolution that works for everyone. She is really good at cutting through all of the rigmarole and getting to a place where everyone is happy."

The Chambers and Partners’ High Net Work Guide provides a resource for accessing the world's leading high net worth advisers, including lawyers, bankers, accountants, and investment managers, among others serving this market internationally. Chambers and Partners, one of the world's most respected legal research and publishing firms, interviewed hundreds of professionals to assess the reputations and experience of professionals across the world in the private wealth sector.

Verrill's Private Clients Group works closely with individuals and families to understand the clients' priorities and goals for the legacies they wish to provide. As part of their service to clients, members of the group will also serve as trustees of trusts and as personal representatives of estates.