Jessica Lauter is Counsel in Stradling’s Trusts and Estates practice. Jessica advises individuals, families, and closely held businesses on sophisticated estate and gift planning strategies designed to preserve wealth, promote charitable giving, and achieve multi-generational goals. With a focus on minimizing exposure to federal, state, and international taxes, she crafts tailored solutions that align with clients’ values, whether supporting philanthropic causes, transferring assets to heirs, or preparing the next generation for responsible stewardship. Jessica also represents trustees, executors, and beneficiaries in all aspects of trust and estate administration.
Prior to joining the firm, Jessica spent almost a decade with the Internal Revenue Service’s Estate and Gift Tax Division. Most recently, she managed the Los Angeles office, where she led a team of attorneys and staff conducting complex estate and gift tax audits. Jessica’s work focused on matters involving high-net-worth individuals, closely held and publicly traded business interests, complicated valuation issues, and sophisticated trust and estate planning techniques. She addressed legal, tax, and valuation matters, resolved unagreed cases, and collaborated closely with National Counsel, valuation specialists, and policy advisors. Beyond her government service, Jessica brings significant experience advising nonprofit organizations and charitable foundations on tax compliance, governance, and regulatory matters.