Susan von Herrmann focuses her practice on estate planning and estate and trust administration. She actively advises clients on strategies to minimize estate and gift tax liability and charitable planned giving. Ms. von Herrmann regularly assists clients with the formation of entities including family limited liability companies, family limited partnerships and private foundations, and advises family-owned businesses on succession planning. In addition to counseling traditional families, she has a significant breadth of experience in assisting nontraditional and blended families in estate planning matters.
Publications
"What Does Same-Sex Marriage Mean for California Estate Planners?" (co-author) Daily Journal (April 24, 2013)
“Estate Planning and Copyright,” (co-author) Landslide, ABA Section of Intellectual Property Law, vol. 5 no. 3 (January/February 2013)
Speeches and Presentations
"Key Gifting Strategies for 2012 and Beyond," Financial Planning Association of San Francisco (October 9, 2012)
"Key Gifting Strategies for 2012 and Beyond," Financial Executives Forum, Family Office Exchange (July 19, 2012)
“Tax and Estate Planning Issues Affecting Same Sex Couples,” CalCPA Education Foundation (September 11, 2011)
"Current Issues In the Estate and Tax Planning for LGBT Families," San Francisco Bar Association (September 7, 2011)
"Estate Planning Strategies for 2011 and Beyond," Merrill Lynch, Oakland, California (March 6, 2011)
"2010 Tax Legislation: What it Means for LGBT Couples and Families," Grace Cathedral/Horizons Foundation (January 20, 2011)
"Current Issues in Estate, Tax and Financial Planning Affecting Members of the LGBT Community," San Francisco Estate Planning Council (November 17, 2010)
"Estate Planning for the Blended Family," Continuing Education of the Bar, San Francisco, California (July 23, 2010)
"Politics, Religion and Discourse: A Conversation about Same Sex Marriage," Grace Cathedral (June 22, 2009)
"The Perils of Planning With Joint Tenancy for LGBT Couples and the Use of the Life Partner LLC--The Perfect Investment Vehicle," Rainbow Chamber of Commerce (April 23, 2009)
"Estate Planning for the Blended Family," East Bay Community Foundation, Oakland, California (February 24, 2009)
"LGBT Charitable Giving: Saving Taxes and Supporting Our Community," Wyndham Hotel, Palm Springs (February 10, 2009)
University of California, Berkeley, School of Law(J.D., 1984)
Professional Memberships
American Bar Association
Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section
San Francisco Estate Planning Council
State Bar of California
Estate Planning and Trust Administration Section
Civic and Charitable Memberships Alta Bates Summit Foundation
Board of Delegates
Clausen House
Heritage Advisor
Grace Cathedral
Board of Trustees
Gift Planning Committee
The Point Foundation
San Francisco Board of Trustees