2023 Ones to Watch Rising Stars: Laura Orlie, Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP

Number of years at firm: 1

One thing on my bucket list: Growing up in Arizona, I developed a love of hiking and would trek 17 miles up and down the Grand Canyon each summer. My goal would be to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, the highest freestanding mountain above sea-level at an elevation of 19,341 feet. 

When I am not working, I am: Since joining SSRGA last year, I have grown my practice and represented clients on complex trusts and estates issues. Outside of the office, I seek out professional development opportunities to supplement my experience. I am an active member of the New York State Bar Association’s trusts and estates section and the Connecticut Bar Association’s estates & probate section.

What recent project, transaction or accomplishment are you most proud of? I recently advised a condo board regarding a proposed purchase of units by multiple trusts. The trust structures were convoluted and involved layers of multiple trusts, which obstructed the view of the finances backing the proposed purchases. The condo board considered exercising its rights of first refusal over concerns about the trusts’ ability to pay the ongoing condo common charges. I employed my background in complex estate planning to parse through the trust documents and unravel the proposed trust ownership structure, and help the board understand the trust structures and the flow of finances behind them. 

What makes this nominee a RISING STAR? 
“Laura has distinguished herself as an adept navigator of complex trusts and estates matters. She is an incredible addition to the practice, and has impressed her peers in the year that she has been at SSRGA. I look forward to witnessing her continued growth and promising future as an attorney.” - Mindy Stern, Partner at Schwartz Sladkus Reich Greenberg Atlas LLP