Julie B. Lasak, Esq. f/k/a Julie B. Zgoda, Esq. is a dedicated trusts and estates attorney with extensive experience in managing complex estate planning and administration matters. Julie received her Bachelor of Science in marketing, cum laude, in May of 2009 from St. John’s University. She attended Pace University School of Law where she received her Juris Doctor in May of 2014. For the past 10 years, Julie has focused her practice of law on Estate Planning, Trust and Estate Administration, Elder law, Long-term Care Planning and Special Needs Planning.

As a former senior associate at a well-respected boutique law firm, Julie took on a leadership role in managing a dedicated legal team within the trusts and estates department. In this capacity, she was responsible for overseeing the workflow and case management processes, ensuring that each team member—comprising attorneys, paralegals, and administrative staff—collaborated effectively to deliver high-quality legal services to clients. Julie implemented best practices and established protocols to enhance efficiency and accuracy in the handling of estate planning and trust administration matters.

With a focus on sophisticated estate planning and elder law planning, Julie has worked thoroughly with clients to prepare Wills, Irrevocable Trusts, Revocable Living Trusts, Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts, Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts, Supplemental Needs Trusts and Medicaid Asset Protection Trusts. She collaborates closely with financial advisors, accountants, geriatric care managers, and other professionals, to create tailored, long-term estate plans that meet each client’s unique needs.

Julie excels in managing all aspects of estate planning from inception to execution. She provides invaluable assistance to clients in the process of funding trusts by facilitating the transfer of a variety of assets. This includes real property, cooperative units, intellectual property, life insurance policies, and business interests. Julie meticulously guides clients through each step of this process, ensuring that all legal requirements are met and that the transfers are executed smoothly and efficiently.

In addition to estate planning, Julie has overseen many estate and trust administrations, handled probate and administration proceedings, wrongful death compromises, and judicial accountings. Julie’s expertise encompasses a wide range of representation for both beneficiaries and fiduciaries in all aspects of estate and trust administration. This includes guiding beneficiaries through the complexities of their rights and entitlements under the terms of the estate or trust, ensuring they understand the distribution process and their options. For fiduciaries, such as executors or trustees, Julie provides comprehensive support in fulfilling their legal duties, which involves managing estate assets, ensuring compliance with relevant laws, and maintaining transparency with beneficiaries. Additionally, she assists fiduciaries in managing their responsibilities effectively, from financial reporting and accounting to addressing any disputes that may arise among beneficiaries, ensuring that the administration process is handled smoothly and efficiently.

Julie has also played a crucial role in assisting clients with the legal process of appointing guardians for minors and incapacitated adults. This involves evaluating the specific needs of the individual in question, whether a child requiring a guardian or an adult who can no longer make decisions due to incapacity.

Besides facilitating the appointment of guardians of minors, she also represents individuals who are serving as Article 81 guardians, providing them with essential support and guidance in fulfilling their responsibilities. This includes advising guardians on their legal duties, helping them understand the rights of the individuals under their care, and ensuring compliance with court orders. Julie’s commitment to advocating for the best interests of both the wards and the guardians themselves ensures that the guardianship process is handled with sensitivity and professionalism, allowing for effective management of the ward’s affairs and well-being.

Julie also serves as a Part 36 Court Appointee, providing compassionate legal counsel to alleged incapacitated persons and fulfilling the role of court evaluator. Her commitment to advocating for clients and navigating complex legal matters makes her a trusted resource in the field of trusts and estates.

Julie is fluent in Polish and is admitted to practice law in the State of New York.