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At the Single Family Office Summit in New York City, Thomas J. Handler participated in an exclusive fireside chat discussing the strategies, philosophies and lessons he has learned while advising more than 600 family offices and over 130 billionaire families throughout his career. The conversation explored what distinguishes the world’s most successful families, entrepreneurs and family offices, offering practical guidance on preserving wealth across generations.

During the discussion, Handler highlighted several key principles that continue to shape sophisticated wealth planning, including:

Advanced Planning Is Never Finished — Estate plans, tax strategies and asset protection structures should be reviewed regularly as laws, assets and family circumstances evolve. Long-term success comes from continually optimizing, not simply creating, a plan.

The Best Advisors Deliver Honest, Candid Advice — Effective advisors don’t simply agree with their clients or present a list of options. They provide clear recommendations, challenge assumptions when necessary and have the confidence to tell clients what they need to hear—not just what they want to hear. Trusted relationships are built on objective guidance that puts the client’s long-term interests first.

Integrated Teams Aren’t Optional—They’re Essential — Tax planning, estate planning, business succession, executive compensation and asset protection are deeply interconnected. Coordinated collaboration among experienced specialists produces stronger long-term outcomes than siloed advice.

Protecting Wealth Is Just as Important as Growing It — Successful families don’t focus solely on investment performance. They proactively address liability management, asset protection and contingency planning to preserve wealth through changing markets, legal challenges and unforeseen events.

The Cost of Good Planning Should Be Measured by Its Value — Sophisticated planning often requires a meaningful investment, but properly structured strategies can generate significant long-term benefits through tax efficiency, asset protection and more effective wealth transfer.

Family Governance Begins with Communication — Successful wealth transfers require more than legal documents. Clear expectations, ongoing conversations and preparing future generations well before wealth changes hands are essential to preserving both family relationships and family assets.

Success Is Intentional — The most successful entrepreneurs and family office principals don’t rely on chance. They develop written plans, seek trusted advisors, surround themselves with accomplished peers and continuously refine their long-term vision.

Throughout the conversation, Handler also discussed the importance of surrounding yourself with accomplished people, seeking diverse perspectives and maintaining written long-term plans—habits he has consistently observed among successful entrepreneurs, investors and family office principals.

Watch the full fireside chat below to hear Tom Handler’s insights on advanced planning, family office strategy and protecting multigenerational wealth.

How Handler Law Can Help

Handler Law LLP advises ultra-high-net-worth families, family offices, entrepreneurs and closely held businesses on sophisticated legal and planning strategies designed to:

• Structure investments efficiently and strategically.
• Evaluate and mitigate legal, tax and liability risks.
• Preserve and transfer wealth across generations.
• Align governance, succession and long-term family objectives.

To learn more about these topics or discuss your family’s planning needs, please contact us.