MICHAEL C. LEVY
NEW YORK,USA
Summary
Dynamic trusts and estates attorney with extensive experience at Sills Cummis & Gross P.C., specializing in estate planning and Surrogate's Court practice. Proven track record in client advisory and business development, effectively managing complex cases while ensuring meticulous attention to detail and fostering strong client relationships.
Overview
24
24
years of professional experience
Work History
Of Counsel, Trusts and Estates
SILLS CUMMIS & GROSS P.C.
New York, NY
2025.07 - Current
- Originating and supervising attorney for clients in need of estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation/Surrogates Court Practice.
- Counsel high net worth clients regarding their estate planning with a focus on creating, drafting and implementing strategies to achieve their goals.
- Manage and administer Surrogates Court matters including estate and trust administration, estate litigation and contested trust accountings.
- Collaborate and support firm colleagues to ensure that estate-related issues in their cases were addressed properly.
Member, Trusts and Estates
OTTERBOURG P.C.
New York, NY
2024.12 - 2025.07
- Originating and supervising attorney for clients in need of estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation/Surrogates Court Practice.
- Assisted Senior Attorney by drafting and advising on estate and trust matters.
- Collaborated with non-trusts and estates attorneys to find solutions to their clients problems and counseled firm attorneys on wills, trusts and estates.
Shareholder, Wills, Trusts and Estates
ANDERSON KILL P.C.
New York, NY
2022.03 - 2024.11
- Originating and supervising attorney for clients in need of estate planning, estate administration and estate litigation/Surrogates Court Practice.
- Counseled and coordinated with attorneys on estate planning, administration, and litigation matters to enhance collaborative outcomes.
- Marketed and developed firm business through article publications and seminars, contributing to visibility in entertainment, sports, media, and financial services sectors.
Owner/Trusts and Estates Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL C. LEVY, LLC
New York, NY
2011.08 - 2022.03
- Operated a full-service trusts and estates law firm, specializing in estate planning, estate administration, and Surrogates Court Practice.
- Advised clients on all facets of estate planning for all wealth and age levels, estate administration and Surrogates Court Practice.
- Developed and enacted a business plan by which the firm grew from the ground up to a continuous caseload of between 45 and 60 matters at any given time.
- Supervised law clerks and assistants on client work, business development, and administrative tasks to support firm operations.
Trusts and Estates Attorney
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL, LLP/ROY P. KOZUPSKY
New York, NY
2007.03 - 2011.01
- Drafted and executed complex estate planning documents including tax planned wills with QTIP marital and credit shelter trusts, revocable trusts, QPRTs, ILITs, IDGTs, premarital agreements and powers of attorney
- Advised clients on estate, gift and generation skipping tax strategies for clients with taxable estates worth between $5 million and $50 million
- Counseled and represented clients in estate and fiduciary litigation, including court appearances, drafting pleadings, and negotiating settlements with opposing counsel.
- Customized philanthropic plans to align family charitable giving with clients' values and financial goals.
- Developed comprehensive business succession plans and organizational structures for family business owners to ensure continuity and stability..
- Expanded firm business through marketing and networking activities including writing articles, development of Trusts and Estates blog, leading seminars for financial professionals, and attending networking events.
Trusts and Estates Attorney
FRANKLIN MONTGOMERY, ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW
New York, NY
2002.11 - 2007.03
- Drafted and executed complex estate planning documents, including wills, CRUTs, GRATs, private annuity agreements, ILITs, and IDGTs, tailored to meet client objectives.
- Advised clients on estate, gift and generation skipping tax strategies for clients with taxable estates worth between $2 million and $50 million
- Coordinated international estate and gift transfer transactions across jurisdictions, ensuring compliance with legal requirements for United Kingdom, Iran, Nigeria, and Bermuda.
- Structured sale and transfer of corporations, limited partnerships, and limited liability companies to facilitate smooth transitions from senior to junior family members.
Education
LL.M. -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
New York, NY2002-06
J.D. -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
New York, NY2001-06
B.A. - Psychology
State University of New York, University At Albany
Albany, NY1998-05
Skills
- Estate planning
- Probate proceedings
- Estate litigation
- Surrogates court
- Client counseling
- Business development
- Attention to detail
- Tax strategies
Affiliations
New York
Timeline
Of Counsel, Trusts and Estates
SILLS CUMMIS & GROSS P.C.
2025.07 - Current
Member, Trusts and Estates
OTTERBOURG P.C.
2024.12 - 2025.07
Shareholder, Wills, Trusts and Estates
ANDERSON KILL P.C.
2022.03 - 2024.11
Owner/Trusts and Estates Attorney
LAW OFFICE OF MICHAEL C. LEVY, LLC
2011.08 - 2022.03
Trusts and Estates Attorney
SMITH, GAMBRELL & RUSSELL, LLP/ROY P. KOZUPSKY
2007.03 - 2011.01
Trusts and Estates Attorney
FRANKLIN MONTGOMERY, ATTORNEYS AND COUNSELLORS AT LAW
2002.11 - 2007.03
LL.M. -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
J.D. -
Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law
B.A. - Psychology
State University of New York, University At Albany