Carolyn Handler practices in the Firm's Trusts and Estates group. She is responsible for overseeing the administration of complex estates and trusts, including tax planning, reporting, valuation issues and fiduciary advice. Additionally, Ms. Handler focuses on Surrogate's Court practice, representing fiduciaries as well as individual and charitable beneficiaries in uncontested and contested proceedings. Her exempt organizations practice is centered on the establishment and representation of charitable entities, including private foundations, charitable trusts and public charities, and all aspects of nonprofit governance.

Prior to joining the Firm, Ms. Handler was a senior member of the Trusts and Estates department of an elite New York City practice, where she focused on all aspects of estate planning and trust and estate administration. 

Bar Admissions

• New York

Education

• Fordham University School of Law (J.D., 1988)
  • Fordham Urban Law Journal, Commentary Editor
• Barnard College, Columbia University (B.A., cum laude, 1980)
  • Dean's List

MEMBERSHIPS: Association of the Bar of the City of New York; New York State Bar (Committee on Trust and Estate Administration)

• Note, "Civil Claims of Adults Molested as Children: Maturation of Harm and the Statute of Limitations Hurdle," 15 Ford. Urb. L.J. No. 3 (1986-1987) (Academic Achievement Award in Family Law, granted by American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers)
• Editorial, "Progress of Dover Knolls Development," Poughkeepsie Journal (June 28, 2009)
• Author, "The Ethical and Practical Considerations of Removing an Incapacitated Trustee," 43 Tr. & Est. L. Sec. 2 (Summer 2010)