Katherine M. Szymanski

Estate Planning Attorney

Katie is a member of the Estate Planning Team. She has significant experience in estate settlement and trust administration matters. She has additional experience working with individuals and families through ongoing estate, tax, and wealth transfer planning for current and future generations. She understands that every client situation is unique, and she strives to help each client reach their goals through specific and tailored estate plans.

Katie’s background also includes review of tax compliance forms and non-traditional asset planning including strategies for real estate, and closely-held business interests. She previously served as a trust officer for a regional accounting firm and holds a Certified Trust and Fiduciary Advisor (CTFA®) designation.

Honors and Recognitions

Best Lawyers in America®, Ones to Watch, Trust and Estates, since 2024

Professional Affiliations

American Bankers Association

State Bar of Michigan, Probate and Estate Planning Section

Western Michigan Estate Planning Council – Board of Directors, Next Gen Committee

Community Involvement

Maria Lida Foundation, Board, 2025

USA Gymnastics Judge, 2010 – Present

Michigan NAWGJ, Board, 2023

Spartan Nash YMCA, Board, 2016-2021

Presentations

Estate Planning with Special Assets, ICLE, 2025

Estate Planning for Millennials, ICLE, 2024

Special Issues with Estate Planning, ICLE, 2023

Estate Planning for Athletes: Top Tips in Ten Minutes, ICLE, 2023

Drafting for Administrative Efficiency, Michigan Probate and Estate Planning Journal, Summer 2022

Institute of Continuing Legal Education Speaker, 2019

The Notice Trap: Qualified Trust Beneficiaries of Irrevocable Trusts, 2022