News

Joel Weeks and Timothy Yeaglin Named Co-Chairs of Estate Planning & Probate Department

Lewis Rice LLC has named Joel L. Weeks and Timothy D. Yeaglin co-chairs of the Estate Planning & Probate Department. They succeed longtime Estate Planning & Probate Department co-chairs Marian V. (Bo) Mehan and Michael D. Mulligan. Mehan and Mulligan have worked closely with Weeks and Yeaglin to ensure a smooth transition.

“Joel and Tim are a natural choice to succeed the wonderful past leadership of Bo and Mike,” said Rick Walsh, Firm Chairman. “They are both excellent lawyers and serve as terrific mentors to the younger attorneys in the department. They possess the experience, legal skill and demonstrated commitment necessary to lead our world class Estate Planning & Probate Department.”

Weeks focuses his practice on estate and gift planning with an emphasis on transfer tax planning, business succession planning, estate and trust administration, preparation of estate and gift tax returns, and estate and gift tax controversies. He advises high-net-worth individuals and families with respect to their wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, charitable giving, and asset protection. Weeks is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Massachusetts and is also a member of the firm’s Management Committee.

“Estate planning is a very personal business, and Joel’s ability to connect with clients while navigating the intricacies of family relationships, financial complexities and legal nuance stands as a tribute to his leadership and exceptional legal skills,” said Mehan. “His election signifies his abilities in shaping the legacies of our clients but also in upholding our firm’s commitment to providing outstanding legal service.”

Yeaglin counsels individuals and families on the implementation and development of sophisticated tax and estate plans. He also has considerable experience putting wealth transfer techniques into action, including the use of limited partnerships, limited liability companies, buy-sell and shareholder agreements, intra-family loans, sales to defective grantor trusts, and other gifting practices. In addition, he is well-versed in estate administration and gift and estate tax audits. Yeaglin is licensed to practice in both Missouri and Florida.

“Tim has a well-earned reputation as a leader in this area of the law,” said Mulligan. “He serves as a trusted advisor to some of our firm’s most complex, sophisticated clients. His client-centric approach to service sets the gold standard in our department, safeguarding our clients' legacies through meticulous attention and skillful guidance.”