contact information
P (212) 826 5546
F (347) 438 2118
lwank@fkks.com
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areas of expertise
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Linda J. Wank is a partner and Chair of our Estate Planning & Administration Group. Her core practice encompasses estate, gift and income tax planning, as well as estate and trust administration and charitable giving. She was named to Chambers' HNW Guide for 2024.
Ms. Wank advises high net-worth individuals, including corporate executives, business owners, entrepreneurs and creative talent, and assists clients in identifying and implementing their estate planning goals. She also counsels individuals and fiduciaries in estate settlements, probate litigation and tax audits, and represents public and private charitable organizations.
Ms. Wank is a Fellow of The American College of Trusts and Estates Counsel (ACTEC) and Vice-Chair of a standing committee of the Trusts and Estates Law Section of the New York State Bar Association. She is also a member of the U.K.-based Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), and the New York City Bar Association's Committee on Estate and Gift Taxation. In addition, Ms. Wank is a member of New York Women in Film & Television and its Planned Giving Committee, and serves on the Professional Advisory Committee of the Anti-Defamation League.
Ms. Wank writes regularly on a broad range of topics relating to estate planning and administration and is a frequent lecturer at trusts and estates law conferences throughout the country. Most recently, she was a speaker at the 52nd Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, where she presented on the Estates of Prince and Michael Jackson.
Before joining the firm, Ms. Wank worked for ten years in the Personal Representation department of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison. She is admitted to practice in New York.
awards & recognition
Best Lawyers in America
Chambers High Net Worth (Private Wealth Law: Mid-market)
New York City's top estate planning lawyers by Avenue Magazine
Outstanding Women in Law Award from Hofstra University School of Law (2018)
New York-area "Super Lawyer" for Estate Planning and Probate
education
Hofstra University School of Law (J.D., 1990)
-Member and editor of the Law Review
Hofstra University (B.A., 1987)
Upcoming Speaking Engagements
Past Speaking Engagements
Estate Planning for Intellectual Property
Linda Wank presents "Estate Planning for Intellectual Property" during a webinar for the Estate Planning Council of Northern New Jersey.
March 23 2021
Estate Planning for Intellectual Property Assets
Linda Wank speaks on Estate Planning for Intellectual Property Assets for the Non-Tax Issues Committee of the ABA Real Property Trusts & Estates Section eCLE series.
March 6 2018
Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning
Linda Wank and Edward H. Rosenthal present "Dying for Fame in the Age of Celebrity: From Neverland Ranch to Paisley Park" at the 52nd Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning in Miami. More information can be found here.
January 24 2018
NY Historical Society: Right of Publicity and Trusts
Edward Rosenthal and Linda Wank present on Prince, Michael Jackson and right of publicity and trusts issues for the NY Historical Society.
November 30 2016
2016 Annual Music Business Law Conference
Linda Wank speaks on the panel, "Planning for Celebrities and Beyond" for the NYSBA's 2016 Annual Music Business Law Conference.
November 18 2016
New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Committee Meeting 2014
Linda Wank highlights lessons learned from celebrity wills and estate planning gone wrong for the New York State Society of Certified Public Accountants Committee.
April 23 2014
NYSSCPA Committee Meeting
Linda Wank speaks on lessons to take away from celebrity estate planning gone wrong in "Celebrity Wills and Estates" at Frankfurt Kurnit.
April 23 2014
Meet the Trusts & Estates Community Dinner
Linda Wank presents at the "Meet the Trusts & Estates Community Dinner" at Heartland Brewery.
April 3 2014
news & press
The Best Lawyers in America 2025
Best Lawyers in America recognizes 48 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2025 edition. Read more.
Chambers High Net Worth Guide 2024
Chambers and Partners includes Linda J. Wank in their 2024 High Net Worth Guide for her expertise in Private Wealth Law: Mid-market. View Article
39 Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2023
Super Lawyers magazine lists 39 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2023 NY-metro edition. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2024
Best Lawyers in America recognizes 44 Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in the 2024 edition. Read more.
Increased Exemption for 2023 Creates Estate Planning Opportunities
The Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (“GST”) tax exemption amounts have increased in 2023 to $12.92 million per individual (up from $12.06 million in 2022). Read more.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2022
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Hannah Taylor, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Aaron Deitsch, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Jordyn Milewski, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2023
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
More Than 2,000 Women Partners Issue Call to Action Post-‘Dobbs’
Partners Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine Farrelly, Julie Murray, Amy Nickin, Terri Seligman, Hannah Taylor, and Linda Wank signed a letter, and call to action, in the wake of the Supreme Court's ruling in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization. (Behind paywall) View Article
Frankfurt Kurnit in Chambers 2022
For the eighteenth consecutive year Chambers and Partners included Frankfurt Kurnit practice groups & attorneys. The 2022 USA guide praised our Advertising, Entertainment, Intellectual Property, and Privacy & Data Security practices. In addition,13 of our attorneys are ranked individually. Read more.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2021
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Caren Decter, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, and Adam Osterweil are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2022
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to January 29, 2021
By Executive Order 202.87 issued December 30, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through January 29, 2021. Read more.
New York Implements Substantial Changes to Power of Attorney Law
On December 15, 2020, Governor Cuomo signed into law a long-awaited bill regarding New York’s Power of Attorney form, which will take effect in the summer of 2021. Read more.
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to January 1, 2021
By Executive Order 202.79 issued December 2, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through January 1, 2021. Read more.
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to December 3, 2020
By Executive Order 202.72 issued November 3, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through December 3, 2020. Read more.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers New York Metro List for 2020
The list includes: Christopher R. Chase, Victoria Cook, Lisa E. Davis, Catherine M.C. Farrelly, Michael P. Frankfurt, Hayden Goldblatt, Jeffrey A. Greenbaum, John B. Harris, Richard B. Heller, Richard Hofstetter, Nicole Hyland, Candice Kersh, Rick Kurnit, Brian E. Maas, Richard Maltz, Jeffrey Marks, Kimberly Maynard, Mark Merriman, Ronald C. Minkoff, Brian G. Murphy, Edward H. Rosenthal, Terri Seligman, Thomas D. Selz, Barbara E. Shiers, Wendy Stryker, Linda Wank, S. Jean Ward, and Maura Wogan. Marcie Cleary, Christina Jenkins, Sasha Levites, Tyler Maulsby, Adam Osterweil and Rachel Santori are listed as “Rising Stars.” Read more.
New York Extends Remote Notarization and Document Execution to October 4, 2020
By Executive Order 202.60 issued September 4, 2020, New York’s remote notarization and document execution procedures are extended through October 4, 2020. Read more.
How COVID-19 Affects Estate Planning Today
The pandemic has prompted many of our clients and friends to focus on their estate planning -- finalizing Wills and estate planning documents that had been in progress, or just getting the planning process started with a new sense of urgency. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2021
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
New York Remote Document Execution Expires August 5th
New York State Executive Order 202.48, issued July 6, 2020, which extended New York’s remote document execution procedures, is set to expire on August 5, 2020. Read more.
New York Extends Remote Document Execution to August 5, 2020
By Executive Order 202.48 issued July 6, 2020, New York’s remote document execution procedures are extended through August 5, 2020. Read more.
New York State Surrogate’s Courts Continue to Reopen
After weeks of uncertainty regarding commencement of probate petitions and the admission of Wills to probate, the New York State (NYS) Surrogate’s Court system has taken steps toward reopening for both essential and non-essential matters. Read more.
Remote Document Execution: Current Rules in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut
For the past month, we have been supervising the execution of our clients’ Wills and related estate planning documents through the use of audio-video technology, allowing for the completion of planning projects while maintaining appropriate social distancing. We conduct these signing conferences through the use of various technological platforms, depending on clients’ preferences or limitations – and all coordinated with clients beforehand. Read more.
Estate Planning Opportunities During the Pandemic
The pandemic’s effect on the economy has led to reduced valuations for many privately-owned and publicly-traded businesses, as well as reduced valuations for real estate and other assets. At the same time, interest rates remain at historically low levels. This unique economic environment can create estate planning opportunities for certain individuals and families. Read more.
Executive Order 202.14 Allows Audio-Video Witnessing for Execution of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies, and Appointments of Agent for Disposition of Remains
On April 7, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued Executive Order No. 202.14, which allows for audio-video witnessing of Wills, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care Proxies and Appointments of Agent for Disposition of Remains. Read more.
SECURE Act Signals Significant Changes for Estate and Retirement Planning
The SECURE Act (which stands for “Setting Every Community Up for Retirement Enhancement”) was enacted at the end of last year and makes several significant changes to the laws governing retirement accounts. The changes will have consequences for both retirement and estate planning. Read more.
Increased Exemption for 2020 Creates Estate Planning Opportunities
The Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption amounts have increased in 2020, to $11.58 million per individual. Read more.
Paulina Porizkova Hires Lawyer in Late Husband Ric Ocasek’s Estate Case
Page Six mentions Linda Wank as counsel to Paulina Porizkova. View Article
Thirty Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named to Super Lawyers Metro List for 2019
Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2019 NY-area edition. Read more.
Not Only in Dreams: Roy Orbison is Back on Tour. Sort of.
Texas Monthly quotes Linda Wank about the creation of a federal right of publicity law for digitally re-created deceased musicians and celebrities. (Behind paywall) View Article
Thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named in Super Lawyers Magazine for 2018
Super Lawyers magazine lists thirty-two Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2018 edition. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2019
We are pleased to report that Best Lawyers — the oldest and one of the most respected peer reviewed lawyer recommendation services — continues to recommend Frankfurt Kurnit. Read more.
Is Now the Time to Revisit Your Estate Plan?
On December 22, 2017, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (the "Act") was signed into law. The Act temporarily doubles the estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer ("GST") tax exemption amount. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2018
Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" ranked Frankfurt Kurnit nationally in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment - Motion Pictures and Television, and Trademark Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, and Trusts & Estates Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Read more.
Thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2016
Super Lawyers listed thirty-four Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2016 edition. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2017
In its 2017 edition, Best Lawyers "Best Law Firms" ranked Frankfurt Kurnit nationally in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment - Motion Pictures and Television, and Trademark Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation - Intellectual Property, Media Law, and Trusts & Estates Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation. Read more.
Recent Estate Tax Changes Create Planning Opportunities
On April 1, 2016, the New York State ("NYS") estate tax exclusion amount increased to $4,187,500, further narrowing the gap between the NYS estate tax exclusion amount and the Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer ("GST") tax exemption amounts ($5,450,000 as of January 1, 2016). Read more.
Thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2015
Super Lawyers listed thirty-three Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2015 edition. Read more.
The Best Lawyers in America 2016
Best Lawyers recognized our firm and 17 of our attorneys in their 2016 list. Read more.
Thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2014
Super Lawyers listed thirty-one Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2014 edition. Read more.
Increased Exemptions Provide Estate Planning Opportunities
The current Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer (GST) tax exemption amounts are projected to increase in 2015. Read more.
Best Lawyers 2015
Best Lawyers recognized our firm and 16 of our attorneys in their 2015 list. Read more.
New Law Significantly Impacts the New York State Estate and Gift Tax Regimes
On March 31, 2014, Governor Cuomo signed legislation to implement the New York State fiscal plan for 2014 - 2015. The legislation makes broad changes to the New York State estate and gift tax laws as well as some more technical changes to certain trust income tax rules. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit in “Best Lawyers 2014”
In its 2014 edition Best Lawyers ranked Frankfurt Kurnit in "Tier 1" in Advertising, Copyright, Entertainment, Trademark, and Trust & Estates Law, "Tier 2" in Litigation (IP) and Media Law, and "Tier 3" in Commercial Litigation and Regulatory Enforcement Litigation. Read more.
Twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named “Super Lawyers” for 2013
Super Lawyers listed twenty-seven Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2013 edition. In addition Super Lawyers recognized Terri Seligman in its "Top 50 New York Women Lawyers List". Read more.
Increased Exemptions Provide Estate Planning Opportunities
The current Federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer tax exemption amounts are projected to increase in 2014. Here are he projected adjustment, compared to 2012 and 2013. Read more.
Supreme Court Recasts Estate Planning for Same-Sex Spouses
As you probably know, two recent Supreme Court cases have altered the estate planning landscape. Here's a summary of what happened with the Defense of Marriage Act - and suggestions for how to proceed. Read more.
Nine Frankfurt Kurnit Women Honored As “Super Lawyers”
Nine Frankfurt Kurnit women appeared in The New York Times Magazine’s women "Super Lawyers" list for 2012. The list appeared on December 30th in a special section devoted to women attorneys in the New York metropolitan area. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit Top Ranked in Best Lawyers and Best Law Firms for 2013
Best Lawyers ranked Frankfurt Kurnit one of the "Best Law Firms" of 2013. Read more.
Twenty-four Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named 2012 NY-Area “Super Lawyers”
Super Lawyers listed twenty-four Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2012 edition. Read more.
Eleven Frankfurt Kurnit Lawyers Appear in New York Magazine’s List of the “Best”
New York Magazine named eleven Frankfurt Kurnit Klein & Selz attorney's to its 2012 "New York Area's Best Lawyers" list. Read more.
Seventeen Frankfurt Kurnit Attorneys Named 2011 New York-Area “Super Lawyers”
Super Lawyers named seventeen Frankfurt Kurnit attorneys in its 2011 edition. Read more.
Estate and Gift Tax Alert
The Tax Relief Act of 2010 was overwhelmingly passed by Congress and signed into law by President Obama on December 17, 2010. The new law provides numerous tax benefits for businesses and individuals for the next two years. Read more.
2010 Year End Estate Planning
The end of 2010 brings more than the usual range of estate planning opportunities.As year-end approaches, so does the expiration of the Bush era tax cuts. The lame duck Congress' willingness to enact tax legislation before 2011 looks increasingly unlikely. Read more.
Frankfurt Kurnit in Best Lawyers 2010
Best Lawyers ranked Frankfurt Kurnit in its 2010 edition. Read more.
Estate Tax Update
By now, many of you have heard about the dramatic - and, many pundits would add, inexplicable - changes to the Federal estate tax law that became effective as of January 1, 2010 and will apply through the end of the calendar year. Read more.
Important Revision of EPTL 5-1.4: Extension of Revocatory Effect of Divorce
On July 7, 2008, Governor Paterson signed into law a bill that extends the revocatory effect of divorce to non-probate dispositions of property and certain fiduciary designations of a former spouse. This article summarizes the provisions of the newly enacted law and outlines how it differs from the Uniform Probate Code Section after which it was patterned. Read more.
The Lasting Effect of Star Power
The New York Law Journal featured Linda Wank and Elisabeth Cavanagh's "The Lasting Effect of Star Power" as the lead article in the Trusts & Estates section of its September 17, 2007 publication.
Linda Wank on Inside Edition
Inside Edition interviewed Trust and Estates expert Linda Wank to answer questions about Leona Helmsley's will.