Williams Mullen Recognized in Chambers High Net Worth 2021; Farhad Aghdami, Dan Durst and Christine Piersall Ranked for Private Wealth Law

Williams Mullen’s Private Client and Fiduciary Services Practice was recently recognized in the 2021 edition of Chambers High Net Worth for Private Wealth Law.

Farhad Aghdami was once again rated a “Band 1” attorney, the highest rating available, and Dan Durst and Christine Piersall were rated “Band 3” attorneys. The practice received an overall “Band 2” rating.

The Private Client and Fiduciary Services Practice, which includes 10 attorneys throughout Virginia, received feedback demonstrating the team’s client-first approach, with one interviewee touting the firm’s  attorneys as "outstanding, highly reputable and totally service-oriented." Another client noted that they “enjoy the convenience of dealing with a larger firm that has many resources, but at the same time not feeling lost within the machine.”

Aghdami has more than 20 years of experience assisting clients with wealth transfer tax planning, business succession planning, income tax planning for individuals and businesses and fiduciary litigation. He is the Virginia State Chair of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). "Not only has Farhad done a good job on our short and long-term tax planning, but I trust him implicitly to always do what is in the best interest of my family," a client enthuses; "he is detailed and analytical, but also has the right mix of creativity."

Durst advises high net worth individuals, business owners and professionals with their estate planning needs, including the preparation of wills and trusts. He was named a Fellow of the ACTEC in 2019. One client shared that Durst "is a tireless listener with patience unsurpassed by anyone I have ever come across," adding that "the building of trust is a very important aspect of a lawyer-client relationship, and that was instantaneous with Dan."

Piersall is chair of the Private Client and Fiduciary Services Practice at Williams Mullen. She serves as a member of the firm's board of directors and was elected a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel in 2020. Piersall focuses her practice primarily on estate tax planning, estate and trust taxation and administration and elder law. One source notes that Piersall “diligently performs legal services, listens, researches, advises and executes. She stays composed under pressure and can bring calm to a family business with her exceptional demeanour."

The Chambers High Net Worth 2021 guide covers private wealth management work and related practice concentrations in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring an informative and important editorial about the leading professional advisers to wealthy individuals and families in each market. More than 55 countries around the world, including every major private wealth market across six continents, are researched meticulously by the Chambers High Net Worth team of research analysts.