Profile
Paul B. McCawley is Co-Chair of the National Private Wealth Services Practice and focuses his practice on sophisticated estate planning for individuals and families. Such planning involves an overall plan for the client and the client’s family relating to the preservation and transfer of wealth while minimizing income taxes and transfer taxes (estate taxes, gift taxes, and generation-skipping transfer taxes) to the extent consistent with the client’s goals. Paul is a Florida Bar Board Certified Specialist in Wills, Trusts and Estates.
Concentrations
- Estate planning, including the preparation of wills, trusts, and related documents
- Family wealth preservation, including the non-tax issues relating to inter-generational wealth transfers
- International estate planning, including pre-immigration planning and planning for the receipt of an inheritance or gifts from a non-U.S. parent or other non-U.S. person
- Estate (probate) administration
- Trust law and trust administration
- Negotiation and preparation of marital agreements, including prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
- Establishment and operation of private and public charitable organizations, including family foundations
Capabilities
Recognition & Leadership
- Listed, South Florida Legal Guide, "Top Lawyer," 2020-2021
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America, Tax Law; Trusts and Estates, 2009-2025
- "Lawyer of the Year," Tax Law, Fort Lauderdale, 2018 and 2021
- Listed, Super Lawyers magazine, Florida Super Lawyers, 2009-2022
- Selected, Fort Lauderdale Illustrated, "Top Lawyers," 2020-2023
- Tax Law, 2020-2023
- Trusts and Estates, 2020-2022
- Listed, Florida Trend magazine, "Legal Elite," Trust and Estate Law, 2006
- Finalist, "Up and Comer Award," South Florida Business Journal, 2002
- Recipient, Community Service Award, Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc., 2002
- Member, Community Foundation of Broward, Professional Advisors Council, 2023-Present
- Member, The Florida Bar, Wills, Trusts and Estates Board Certification Committee, 2008-2014
- Chairman, 2011-2012
- Vice Chairman, 2010-2011
- Board Certified, Wills, Trusts and Estates Lawyer
- Member, Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP)
- Member, United Way of Broward County, Planned Giving Council, 2006-2011
- Board Member, Fort Lauderdale Historical Society, Board of Trustees, 2001-2011
- President, 2007-2009
- Vice President, 2005-2007
- Treasurer, 2003-2004
- Co-Chair and Representative, Community Foundation of Broward, 7th Annual Joint Tax Seminar, presented by Community Foundation of Broward, United Way of Broward County, and Jewish Community Foundation of Broward, 2008
- Counsel, Junior League of Greater Fort Lauderdale, Inc. 1998-2006
- Board Member, Jack and Jill Children's Center, Inc., Board of Directors, 1997-2006
- Treasurer, 1998
- Member, Broward Center for the Performing Arts, Planned Giving Council, 1999-2004
- Trustee, First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale, Board of Trustees, 2003-2005
- Board Member, Friends of Our House, Inc., Board of Directors, 1998-2003
- Treasurer, 1999-2003
- Secretary, 1998-1999
- Graduate, Leadership Fort Lauderdale, Class VI 2000
- Co-Chair, Class VII, History/Preservation Day, 2001
- Volunteer Big Brother, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Broward County, 1997-1999
Credentials
Education
- LL.M., Taxation, New York University School of Law
- J.D., University of Florida Levin College of Law
- B.S., Finance, University of Florida
Admissions
- Florida
- U.S. Tax Court