AWARDS & RANKINGS / PRESS RELEASE
April 24, 2026
Read time: 4 min
April 24, 2026 – Global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte has achieved exceptional recognition in the inaugural Legal 500 US Private Client 2026 guide. The firm secured three Tier 1 rankings for Private Wealth law in California, Florida, and New York and is the only firm top-ranked in all the three categories and jurisdictions researched this year. McDermott is leading an elite group of firms featured in the first-ever edition. This achievement marks a proud moment for the firm and highlights the strength, depth, and excellence of its Private Client practice.
In addition, the following lawyers were recognized:
- Susan Frunzi: New York: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Julie Kwon: California: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Read Moore: California: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Arianne Plasencia: Florida: Private Wealth – Next Generation Partner
- David Pratt: Florida: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Melissa Price: Florida: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Jay Rivlin: New York: Private Wealth – Leading Partner
- Caroline Robbins: California: Private Wealth – Recommended
- Jay Scharf: Florida: Private Wealth – Recommended
Our private client practice is distinguished as delivering a truly national, full service offering for ultra-high-net-worth families and entrepreneurs. The firm is noted for deep experience, ranging from establishing private trust companies and family offices, estate administration, charitable giving, to cross-border tax and treaty planning, and complex, multi-generational wealth structures. The team is highlighted for collaboration across global offices and drawing on strong capabilities in tax, corporate governance, investment management, and family law – while also advising on cutting-edge emerging areas such as cryptocurrency assets.
McDermott’s Private Client & Wealth Management Group helps the world’s wealthiest individuals – and their family offices and businesses – preserve and grow wealth across borders and generations. We field a team of more than 100 lawyers who serve as trusted advisors to many of the oldest and largest family offices in the US. We can guide you through the legal and tax implications of investments, real estate holdings, business operations, philanthropic efforts, and asset transfers to heirs and beneficiaries.
View the full rankings here.
About Legal 500 US Private Client
The Legal 500 US Private Client guide marks a major expansion highlighting the firms and individuals shaping high-value private client work across the United States. With 103 firms ranked across key jurisdictions – New York, California, and Florida – this guide reflects the depth, complexity, and sophistication of today’s private client landscape.
Leading organizations turn to global law firm McDermott Will & Schulte for a better way to address legal challenges, connect with those at the forefront, and drive stronger outcomes. Working across more than 20 offices globally, our 1,750+ lawyers act on data-driven insights, deep relationships, and unmatched industry experience to deliver on our commitment of Always Better.
