Susan M. Harrington
Education
J.D., 1992
Boston University School of Law
B.S., 1988
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Phi Beta Kappa, Mortar Board and Golden Key Honor Societies
Bar & Court Admissions
- Massachusetts
- United States District Court for the District of Massachusets
Susan’s extensive litigation background, unique and especially valuable for a trusts and estates attorney, helps her provide a complete repertoire of trust and estate services to individuals and families (including those with special needs). Because of her expansive breadth of skills, extraordinary client commitment, and diverse experiences, Susan can anticipate and solve issues that may arise during the drafting of essential trust and estate documents. She is also better able to answer client questions to their satisfaction, during that process.
Susan is renowned for her round-the-clock availability and her determination to meet all of her clients’ needs in a timely fashion. Her commitment to excellence derives from her keen realization that the trust or estate needs of her clients are mission-critical to their lives and to those of their loved ones.
Never distracted, she remains focused on finding and then implementing carefully crafted, personalized solutions to meet each client’s individual needs. She offers estate planning for all levels of wealth, from the simplest estate plans to the most complex and unique family wealth situations. She routinely addresses a wide range of client needs: Recent examples include family wealth planning for assets such as vacation homes shared by multiple generations; planning details for the future of family businesses; and helping clients determine the future for their fine art and other valuable collectibles.
Susan’s work extends further to cover the entire legal landscape for a family. This means, among other needs, focusing on the beneficiaries of trusts by protecting their interests and anticipating issues before they arise—for example, with prenuptial agreements.
In addition, these and other services don’t end with formulating and planning optimal solutions for her clients. Susan personally ensures the flawless handling of detailed estate administration at all levels and accompanies her clients for the long haul. This administration includes the timely distribution of assets to individuals, charities, and foundations (an important but often-overlooked consideration).
Perhaps most rewarding for Susan is her work as an independent and professional trustee in revocable, irrevocable, and special-needs trusts; in that role, she works closely with clients and their investment advisors to oversee the management of assets (as well as of client expectations). Susan is also often called upon to join litigation counsel and settlement advisors to help formulate a plan for funds emanating from medical malpractice and other tort cases. The collaboration often includes drafting special-needs trusts to protect the proceeds or serve as the independent and professional trustee overseeing the trust property for the lifetime of the injured party.
A client of Susan’s is a client for life, and most clients who call for an initial estate plan, find themselves calling later to resolve a host of other private-client issues that often materialize, ranging from the simple contract review to emergencies involving needs for a restraining order, and other major life events. One thing is certain: She always returns your call promptly and finds you the best solution.
Highlights of Susan’s experience and practice include:
- Full-service, solution-based representation;
- Estate planning for individuals, families, and those with special needs;
- Serving as a trustee;
- Assisting clients in qualifying for Medicaid and Social Security benefits (and continuing to qualify for the benefits).
- Providing consultation to tort lawyers and divorce counsel as they evaluate settlement options;
- Reviewing and advising clients on contractual matters, including consulting agreements.