The annual Opal Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum West, held October 21–25 in Napa Valley, California, brought together leading voices in the family office and wealth management community to explore the most pressing issues shaping today’s private wealth landscape.
Among the distinguished speakers was Thomas Handler, Managing Partner of Handler Law LLP, who presented at several high profile sessions:
- “The Future of Family Enterprise: Navigating Succession & Generational Wealth Transfer”
- “Global Perspectives: Navigating Geopolitics, Economic Uncertainty, and Policy Impacts on Family Wealth” and
- “The Impact of Advanced Tax & Estate Planning on Family Governance.“
- He also served as moderator for “Trusts, Estate Planning & Asset Protection: Safeguarding Wealth for Generations”
Drawing on decades of experience advising family offices, ultra-high-net-worth families, and their closely held businesses, Tom provided timely insights into the pressing concerns and opportunities surrounding wealth continuity, governance and next-generation engagement.
His session covered key themes, including:
- Evolving Models of Succession Planning: How modern families can align governance, leadership and legacy to ensure smooth transitions across generations.
- The Tax and Regulatory Outlooks: How shifting laws and global policy trends are influencing estate planning and intergenerational transfers.
- Navigating Geopolitical and Economic Risk: The impact of market volatility, regulatory changes and policy uncertainty on long-term family strategies.
- Next-Generation Readiness: Empowering future leaders through education, purpose and structured engagement.
- Governance and Communication Frameworks: Why formalized structures and shared vision are essential to sustaining multigenerational family enterprises.
Tom’s sessions underscored the importance of integrated, forward-looking strategies that balance financial, legal, and relational priorities, helping families preserve not only their wealth, but also their values, culture and long-term objectives.
As the family office ecosystem continues to evolve, Tom’s insights remain at the forefront of defining best practices for succession, governance and generational continuity.
About the Conference
Opal Financial Group’s Annual Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum West is one of the premier gatherings for family offices and private investors in North America.
Set in the heart of Napa Valley, the forum attracts a distinguished audience of first- and second-generation family offices, particularly from Northern California and the Silicon Valley region. Attendees explore strategies across private equity, venture capital, technology, impact investing, and alternative assets, while engaging in discussions on family governance, trustee–beneficiary relationships, and long-term portfolio growth.
The conference serves as a dynamic forum where investment managers and families come together to share insights, build relationships, and exchange ideas on sustaining wealth across generations. Learn more about the Opal Group