Stevens & Lee recently announced the strategic expansion of its Estates and Trusts Department with the hiring of two veteran attorneys, Ephrat Orgel and Darshan Patel. The additions significantly strengthen the firm’s ability to handle complex tax law and wealth preservation for high-net-worth clients across Northern and Central New Jersey.
Orgel joins the firm as a Shareholder based in Bergen County, while Patel joins as Counsel residing in the Princeton office.
The move comes as wealthy individuals and family offices face an increasingly complex landscape regarding federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
“Ephrat and Darsh are outstanding additions to our Estates and Trusts practice,” William Thornton, Jr., president and CEO of Stevens & Lee said. “Their expertise in tax law, estate planning, and wealth transfer strategies will be a tremendous resource for clients across the region.”
Orgel brings a sophisticated background in tax-efficient wealth preservation to the Bergen County office. Her practice focuses on advising high-net-worth families on drafting wills and revocable trusts, as well as navigating the intricacies of federal estate tax exemption planning.
Orgel frequently collaborates with family offices, accountants, and financial advisors to create holistic planning solutions. She holds a J.D. from Cardozo School of Law, a B.S. from Yeshiva University, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) from New York University School of Law, a top-tier institution for tax specialization.
In Princeton, Patel will advise individuals and fiduciaries on wealth planning and business succession. His expertise spans the implementation and administration of estate plans that align charitable giving goals with tax efficiency.
Beyond personal planning, Patel has extensive experience in:
- Nonprofit Governance: Assisting with the formation of private foundations.
- Fiduciary Support: Providing legal guidance for those managing trusts and estates.
- Tax Compliance: Preparing complex gift, estate, and inheritance tax returns.
Patel earned his J.D. from Western Michigan University, an LL.M. from Villanova University School of Law, and his undergraduate degree from the University of Western Ontario.
With 230 lawyers and 18 offices, Stevens & Lee remains a powerhouse in the Mid-Atlantic legal market. These New Jersey additions reinforce the firm’s multidisciplinary approach, combining traditional legal counsel with affiliated services in investment banking, public affairs, and financial advisory.
The expansion in Bergen County and Princeton highlights the firm’s commitment to New Jersey’s key economic corridors, ensuring that regional clients have localized access to national-level tax and estate expertise.
