Seward & Kissel is proud to share that the Private Client Group has been ranked in Chambers and Partners’ High Net Worth 2026 guide in Private Wealth Law! In addition to the group recognition, partners Kristen Curatolo, David E. Stutzman, and Edward Vergara received individual rankings for their outstanding work in Private Wealth Law. For more details, please visit Seward & Kissel’s profile on the Chambers site.
What Chambers USA Says About the Team
Seward & Kissel advises high net worth individuals on domestic and cross-border estate planning and trust administration. The team also assists with business succession and wealth transfer, charitable giving and family office creation.
Client feedback includes:
“Seward & Kissel’s private wealth law team stand out for their exceptional technical expertise combined with a truly personalised approach to client service. Their depth of knowledge in complex trust and estate planning, tax strategy and multi-jurisdictional structuring is complemented by a clear ability to translate sophisticated legal and financial concepts into actionable, well-organised plans tailored to individual family goals.”
“The Seward & Kissel team are highly responsive and provide the highest level of service. They are a true pleasure to work with.”
“All matters that we have sent to Seward & Kissel were handled in a highly professional and capable way.”
Notable Practitioners
Kristen Curatolo
Kristen advises high net worth individuals and private equity principals on trust and estate matters, including estate planning and wealth transfers.
Clients describe her as: “One of the most impressive attorneys that I have worked with in my career. She is reliable, professional and extremely capable. Clients and colleagues leave every interaction with Kristen deeply impressed.”
“Kristen Curatolo consistently brings clarity, precision and thoughtful strategy to some of the most complex and challenging matters I manage within my role, and her support has been invaluable.”
“Kristen is highly responsive, detail-oriented and proactive. She consistently went above and beyond to ensure every document and structure was properly aligned and fully understood. Her ability to communicate sophisticated concepts clearly and practically distinguishes her from peers and makes her an invaluable adviser in private wealth law.”
David E. Stutzman
David Stutzman has over 30 years of experience advising on complex and high-value estate, trust and charitable planning. He often advises artists and those with large art collections.
He is praised for being: “Very talented and technically proficient.”
“David immediately puts clients at ease and I appreciate his experience, especially around art law.”
“David is a terrific advocate for his clients.”
Edward Vergara
Edward Vergara co-heads Seward & Kissel’s trusts and estates practice. Vergara advises individuals and fiduciaries on tax, wealth and succession planning.
Clients highlight his: “Ability to make the complicated feel simple. He has a wonderful manner with clients, and is technically expert and a great communicator. He’s a fantastic person to bring in.”
“Edward has been always a pleasure to work with: smart, sophisticated and able to deliver extraordinary value to his clients.”
