Donald J. Slater

With ten years of experience in trusts and estates law, Donald Slater focuses his practice at Fennemore on wealth preservation, estate planning, and advising trustees and executors in navigating the complex laws, duties, and unique family dynamics they face.  Don also assists clients with business formation, administration, and succession planning.

Before joining Fennemore, Don specialized in trust, estate, and conservatorship matters as a partner in a boutique law firm in the San Francisco Bay Area where he represented beneficiaries and fiduciaries in all phases of litigation and dispute resolution.  Don relies on his extensive litigation experience and practice knowledge to guide clients through completing their fiduciary responsibilities and counsel them through difficult situations.

Don has an L.L.M. (Master of Laws) in taxation with an emphasis on estate and gift tax and earned his J.D. with honors at UC College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly U.C. Hastings) where he concentrated on employment law.  At the University of Washington in Seattle, Don received his undergraduate degree in Microbiology and a minor in Art History.

Don has been selected to the Super Lawyers® Rising Stars list each year since 2018 and appeared as a live legal commentator regarding the conservatorship of Britney Spears on over eight major news networks, including BBC World News and Fox News.  He has served on the board of directors for East Bay Trusts & Estates Lawyers and remains an active member.  Don enjoys reading, the outdoors, live music, and playing board games with his wife and friends.

Education

  • LL.M., University of San Francisco, School of Law
  • J.D., University of California, College of the Law, San Francisco (Formerly U.C. Hastings)
  • B.S., University of Washington

Areas Of Practice

Thoughtful and careful preparation of estate plan documents is key to wealth preservation and transition. Proper implementation and diligent administration are equally critical.

Awards and Honors

  • Rising Star, Super Lawyers, 2018-2023

PROFESSIONAL AND COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES

  • Board Member, Litigation and Mediation Committee, Chair of East Bay Trusts & Estates Lawyers, 2023

Admissions

  • California