Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Sophisticated Legal Counsel
Cummings & Lockwood has delivered sophisticated legal counsel for over a century, combining partner-level attention, cutting-edge technology, and a client-centric approach. Founded in 1909, we serve high-net-worth individuals, families, businesses, and charitable organizations with expertise in trusts and estates, corporate law, litigation, and real estate. Our team of over 200 attorneys and specialists provides tailored solutions across six offices in Connecticut and Florida, with a global reach spanning 50 U.S. states and 20+ countries.Recognized for innovation and excellence, we hold distinctions including ACTEC fellowships, Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings, and leadership in Best Lawyers and Super Lawyers. Our proprietary technology streamlines estate planning, while our in-house fiduciary accountants manage billions in assets under administration. We prioritize long-term client relationships, offering seamless service across generations and jurisdictions.
Services
Trusts & Estates
Corporate Law
Litigation
Real Estate
Tax Planning
Fiduciary Services
Charitable Giving
Business Succession
International Tax
Private Client Services
Details
- Year established: 1909
Highlights and features
- We provide partner-level attention to every client relationship.
- Our in-house fiduciary accountants manage billions in assets.
- We utilize proprietary technology for industry-leading estate planning.
- We serve clients in all 50 U.S. states and 20+ countries.
- Our attorneys hold distinctions including ACTEC fellowships and Martindale-Hubbell AV ratings.
Associations and certifications
- ACTEC (American College of Trust and Estate Counsel)
- Martindale-Hubbell
- Best Lawyers
- Super Lawyers
Services
Trusts & Estates
Our trusts and estates practice offers comprehensive solutions for wealth preservation and transfer. We create customized revocable and irrevocable trusts, handle complex tax planning, and administer estates with billions in assets. Our attorneys specialize in dynasty trusts, charitable remainder trusts, and international estate planning. With over 100 years of experience, we serve high-net-worth families and institutions, combining technical expertise with personalized service.
Corporate Law
Our corporate law team advises businesses on mergers, acquisitions, and governance. We represent Fortune 500 companies and family-owned enterprises in financing transactions, joint ventures, and compliance matters. Our practice includes specialized expertise in private equity, venture capital, and tax-efficient structures. We provide strategic counsel for business succession planning and cross-border transactions, leveraging industry-specific knowledge across manufacturing, finance, and healthcare sectors.
Litigation
Our litigation group handles complex commercial disputes, fiduciary litigation, and appellate matters. We represent clients in state and federal courts, with particular strength in trust and estate litigation, business conflicts, and real estate disputes. Our trial attorneys combine aggressive advocacy with strategic settlement approaches. The team includes former judges and certified mediators, offering multidimensional solutions for resolving legal conflicts efficiently and effectively.
Real Estate
Our real estate practice covers commercial and residential transactions, development, and financing. We handle acquisitions, leasing, zoning, and construction projects for institutional investors and private clients. The team specializes in conservation easements, historic preservation, and multi-generational property planning. With deep expertise in Connecticut and Florida markets, we provide full-service support for real estate portfolios, including tax-efficient ownership structures and dispute resolution.
Tax Planning
Our tax planning experts deliver integrated solutions for estate, gift, and income tax matters. We specialize in cross-border tax compliance, charitable giving strategies, and business entity structuring. The practice includes representation before IRS and state tax authorities, with particular focus on high-net-worth individuals and family offices. We develop innovative approaches to minimize tax exposure while aligning with long-term wealth preservation goals.
People
Heather J. Rhoades
Chair, Private Clients Group
Heather J. Rhoades leads our Private Clients Group with 25+ years of experience in estate planning and trust administration. A Fellow of ACTEC, she specializes in complex wealth transfer strategies for high-net-worth families and charitable organizations.
Kelley Galica Peck
Principal, Fiduciary & Probate Litigation
Kelley Galica Peck represents fiduciaries and beneficiaries in trust and estate disputes. Recognized as a Best Lawyers honoree, she combines litigation expertise with deep knowledge of probate law to resolve complex fiduciary conflicts.
Marc T. Finer
Principal, Corporate & Finance Group
Marc T. Finer advises corporations on mergers, acquisitions, and financing transactions. With dual expertise in corporate law and private client services, he helps businesses navigate succession planning and cross-border investment structures.
Robert L. Lancaster
Principal, Fiduciary Litigation
Robert L. Lancaster specializes in fiduciary litigation and trust administration. He provides strategic counsel in will contests, fiduciary removal proceedings, and complex estate disputes, combining legal acumen with practical problem-solving.
Daniel P. Fitzgerald
Principal, Private Client Services
Daniel P. Fitzgerald offers comprehensive estate planning for high-net-worth individuals. A Martindale-Hubbell AV-rated attorney, he focuses on tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies and multigenerational family planning.
Questions
What practice areas does Cummings & Lockwood specialize in?
We specialize in trusts and estates, corporate law, litigation, real estate, and tax planning for individuals, families, and businesses.
How long has Cummings & Lockwood been in business?
Founded in 1909, we have over a century of experience serving clients in complex legal matters.
What geographic areas do you serve?
We operate from offices in Connecticut and Florida, serving clients in all 50 U.S. states and over 20 countries.
What distinguishes your trusts and estates practice?
Our practice combines proprietary technology, in-house fiduciary accountants, and ACTEC fellows to deliver innovative estate planning solutions.
Do you handle international legal matters?
Yes, we advise on cross-border estate planning, domicile strategies, and international tax compliance for global clients.
How do you approach business succession planning?
We develop customized strategies combining corporate governance, tax planning, and family dynamics to ensure smooth business transitions.
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