Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has appointed Jillian Merns as a partner and co-head of its trusts and estates practice in New York. Merns, previously a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, brings extensive experience in estate planning and administration for high-net-worth individuals and families.
At Willkie Farr, Merns was recognized for her work in private wealth law, earning a Band 5 ranking in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. Her practice encompassed the preparation of complex wills, trust agreements, and advising clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax matters. She also worked closely with single- and multi-family offices to provide comprehensive solutions to complex issues facing wealthy families.
Merns holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and an LL.M. from New York University School of Law. She has been active in professional organizations, serving as chair of the Next Gen Trusts and Estates Group and the Young Lawyers Division of the UJA-Federation of New York. She is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Alumnae Board of the Spence School.
This strategic hire aligns with Davis Polk’s recent efforts to expand its capabilities through lateral partner recruitment. In May 2024, the firm announced plans to increase lateral hiring and adjust compensation structures to attract top legal talent. This initiative has led to the addition of partners in various practice areas, including infrastructure finance and mergers and acquisitions.
Merns’ appointment is expected to enhance Davis Polk’s trusts and estates practice, providing clients with sophisticated estate planning and administration services. Her expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals and families will be instrumental in addressing the complex needs of the firm’s clientele.
Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP has appointed Jillian Merns as a partner and co-head of its trusts and estates practice in New York. Merns, previously a partner at Willkie Farr & Gallagher LLP, brings extensive experience in estate planning and administration for high-net-worth individuals and families.
At Willkie Farr, Merns was recognized for her work in private wealth law, earning a Band 5 ranking in the Chambers High Net Worth Guide. Her practice encompassed the preparation of complex wills, trust agreements, and advising clients on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax matters. She also worked closely with single- and multi-family offices to provide comprehensive solutions to complex issues facing wealthy families.
Merns holds a J.D. from Columbia Law School and an LL.M. from New York University School of Law. She has been active in professional organizations, serving as chair of the Next Gen Trusts and Estates Group and the Young Lawyers Division of the UJA-Federation of New York. She is also a member of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and the Alumnae Board of the Spence School.
This strategic hire aligns with Davis Polk’s recent efforts to expand its capabilities through lateral partner recruitment. In May 2024, the firm announced plans to increase lateral hiring and adjust compensation structures to attract top legal talent. This initiative has led to the addition of partners in various practice areas, including infrastructure finance and mergers and acquisitions.
Merns’ appointment is expected to enhance Davis Polk’s trusts and estates practice, providing clients with sophisticated estate planning and administration services. Her expertise in advising high-net-worth individuals and families will be instrumental in addressing the complex needs of the firm’s clientele.