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Nicole L. Phatak

Member
fax +1 412.394.2555

Nicole Phatak assists clients in estate planning and estate administration matters and advises on individual and fiduciary income tax returns, as well as gift tax returns.

Nicole helps clients with many aspects of the estate planning process ranging from the preparation of basic wills and powers of attorney to sophisticated trusts and asset preservation techniques. She provides a comprehensive approach to estate planning, including advice regarding and preparation of individual federal and state income tax, gift tax and fiduciary income tax returns. Nicole also advises clients on estate and trust administration and brings a personal approach to an often-stressful process.

Education

J.D., cum laude, University of Pittsburgh School of Law, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 2006
B.A., summa cum laude, Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Behrend, Erie, Pennsylvania, 2003, Political Science, with Honors

Recognitions

Named among Best Lawyers in America® for Trust and Estates by Best Lawyers (2024-2025)

Memberships

Allegheny County Bar Association, Member

Estate Planning Council of Pittsburgh, Member

Pennsylvania Bar Association, Member

Women’s Leadership Council, United Way of Southwestern Pennsylvania

Executive Circle, Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh – Children’s Trust

Chair’s Ambassador Council and Past Board Member, Animal Friends

Young Professional Advisors Committee, The Pittsburgh Foundation

Girl Scout Leader (Brownies)

State Bar Licenses

Pennsylvania

Court Admissions

U.S. District Ct., W.D. of Pennsylvania
Articles
  • Author, “The Uniform Trust Act: 10 Months Later,” presented at a Joint Conference of Professional Trustees and Trust Attorneys sponsored by the Pennsylvania Bar Institute, 2007
  • Co-Author, “Preparer Penalties under the New Tax Preparer Regulations,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute’s 3rd Annual Estate Law Update, May 13, 2009
  • Co-Author, “Mass Media & International Law,” Florida Journal of International Law, 2006
Presentations
  • Panelist, “Charitable Gifting Strategies – Make the Most of Your Donations,” Fort Pitt Capital, December 3, 2020
  • Presenter, “Charitable Planning 101,” Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh Foundation, March 2020
  • Presenter, “Charitable Planning 101,” Next Act Fund LLC Educational Session and Member Meeting, March 2020
  • Presenter, “Talking With Donors About Their Legacy (and Creative Planned Giving Solutions!),” Pittsburgh Planned Giving Council Meeting, November 2019
  • Presenter, “5 Reasons Estate Planning for Women is Essential,” Next Act Fund LLC Educational Session and Member Meeting, July 2019
  • Co-presenter, “Tax-Reform and the Impact on Charitable Giving and Non-Profit Organizations,” Allegheny County Bar Association Committee on Exempt Organizations, November 2018 (co-presented with Christie Tillapaugh of Cohen & Grigsby)
  • Panelist, “Administering an Estate in PA,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute, September 2017
  • Panelist, “2013 Tax Update,” Animal Friends, 2013
  • Panelist, “Using Trusts as Building Blocks for Your Client’s Estate Plan: Common Techniques for the Foundation of an Estate Plan,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar, 2011
  • Panelist, “Insolvent Estates: A Practical Primer,” Pennsylvania Bar Institute Seminar, 2010

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