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Graham S. Leonard

Partner

Graham focuses his practice on all aspects of trust and estate planning and administration.

Graham represents high-net-worth individuals and closely held business owners in connection with their estate and business succession planning in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. He provides tailored solutions that address his clients’ specific concerns and long-term planning goals. While focusing on what matters most to his clients, Graham offers clear explanations of his client’s options while handling the technical complexities behind the scenes. His approach fosters connection and understanding, making sure his clients feel empowered and informed every step of the way.

Graham advises clients ranging from those making their first estate plans to those with complex cases involving multi-jurisdictional and cross-border trust and estate administration. His experience makes him a trusted resource for clients with ties to multiple states or countries. Graham regularly works alongside advisors and professionals from various regions, ensuring smooth coordination and cohesive strategies across diverse legal environments.

When guiding clients through estate planning or Surrogate’s Court proceedings, Graham strives to simplify complex legal processes by distilling them down to key decision points. His experience in Surrogate’s Court includes representing fiduciaries, beneficiaries, charities, and creditors.

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Named to The Daily Record Trusts & Estates Power Law List since 2024
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, for Trusts and Estates, 2024
  • Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2018-2024
  • University at Buffalo School of Law
    • Order of the Coif
    • Birzon Prize in Clinical Legal Studies

PUBLICATIONS

  • Co-author, “Leveraging Gifts in a Low Interest Rate Environment to Save on Estate Taxes,” LegalNews.com, July 14, 2020
  • Co-author, “New Proposals Would Change Estate Planning for Retirement Accounts,” Rochester Business Journal, November 18, 2019
  • Co-author, “Changes on the Horizon for Federal Estate Tax?” Rochester Business Journal, April 17, 2019

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning in 2024: Protecting Your Legacy in a (Potentially) Changing Landscape,” HSE Seminar, October 30, 2024
  • “Estate Planning and Administration 101,” Monroe County Bar Association, May 26, 2022
  • Decanting Irrevocable Trusts: A Practical Guide,” New York State Bar Association, October 16, 2019
  • “Decanting Irrevocable Trusts: A Practical Guide,” Monroe County Bar Association, January 30, 2019

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
  • University of Albany, B.A.

Graham focuses his practice on all aspects of trust and estate planning and administration.

Graham represents high-net-worth individuals and closely held business owners in connection with their estate and business succession planning in a wide range of industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and retail. He provides tailored solutions that address his clients’ specific concerns and long-term planning goals. While focusing on what matters most to his clients, Graham offers clear explanations of his client’s options while handling the technical complexities behind the scenes. His approach fosters connection and understanding, making sure his clients feel empowered and informed every step of the way.

Graham advises clients ranging from those making their first estate plans to those with complex cases involving multi-jurisdictional and cross-border trust and estate administration. His experience makes him a trusted resource for clients with ties to multiple states or countries. Graham regularly works alongside advisors and professionals from various regions, ensuring smooth coordination and cohesive strategies across diverse legal environments.

When guiding clients through estate planning or Surrogate’s Court proceedings, Graham strives to simplify complex legal processes by distilling them down to key decision points. His experience in Surrogate’s Court includes representing fiduciaries, beneficiaries, charities, and creditors.

HONORS & AWARDS

  • Named to The Daily Record Trusts & Estates Power Law List since 2024
  • Selected by peers for inclusion in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America, for Trusts and Estates, 2024
  • Selected to the Upstate New York Super Lawyers Rising Stars list, 2018-2024
  • University at Buffalo School of Law
    • Order of the Coif
    • Birzon Prize in Clinical Legal Studies

PUBLICATIONS

  • Co-author, “Leveraging Gifts in a Low Interest Rate Environment to Save on Estate Taxes,” LegalNews.com, July 14, 2020
  • Co-author, “New Proposals Would Change Estate Planning for Retirement Accounts,” Rochester Business Journal, November 18, 2019
  • Co-author, “Changes on the Horizon for Federal Estate Tax?” Rochester Business Journal, April 17, 2019

PRESENTATIONS

  • Co-Presenter, “Estate Planning in 2024: Protecting Your Legacy in a (Potentially) Changing Landscape,” HSE Seminar, October 30, 2024
  • “Estate Planning and Administration 101,” Monroe County Bar Association, May 26, 2022
  • Decanting Irrevocable Trusts: A Practical Guide,” New York State Bar Association, October 16, 2019
  • “Decanting Irrevocable Trusts: A Practical Guide,” Monroe County Bar Association, January 30, 2019

PRACTICE AREAS

ADMISSIONS

  • New York

EDUCATION

  • University at Buffalo School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude
  • University of Albany, B.A.

Leonard_Graham_2024_Roc_WebReady
Graham S. Leonard