Philip J. Siana

Principal

Overview

Estate planning for high-net-worth individuals is much more complex than merely creating a will. Proper estate planning entails a lifelong process for wealth-management, retirement-planning, and preservation of a family legacy. Phil Siana's estate planning practice focuses on helping his wealthy clients preserve and protect their wealth. His clients trust him with their money and the future financial well-being of their heirs because they recognize how knowledgeable he is in this area of the law and how much he cares about his clients. He is well-versed in the benefits and pitfalls of the various estate tax laws and the estate planning vehicles that are available to successfully navigate them. Perhaps Phil's greatest skill is his ability to really hear what his clients are saying, and what is truly important to them. A keen grasp of their concerns and wishes and a well-honed understanding of the options available to meet their needs are integral to his success in helping clients plan for now and for the future. It is this combination of qualities that have allowed Phil to develop a client base with a net worth in excess of two billion dollars.

In addition to estate planning services, Phil's strong background in tax accounting enhances his ability to advise clients on income tax issues. He stays abreast of the ever-changing current tax laws, analyzes income tax saving techniques beneficial to his clients, and then prepares their income tax returns, often finding discrete exceptions or nuances in the tax law that have literally saved some of his clients hundreds of thousands of dollars in income taxes. If an income tax audit arises, he has an excellent track record in resolving tax controversy issues favorably to his clients with the IRS and state taxing authorities. Phil also works with the firm's real estate and environmental teams on the tax issues and tax incentives with regard to renewable energy projects. 

Phil is Vice President of the firm and a member of the firm's Management Committee. He has nearly 20 years' experience in the estate planning, income tax and tax controversy areas. Phil obtained an undergraduate degree, cum laude, from the University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown in accounting, a law degree from the Dickinson Law School and an LL.M. in Taxation with a concentration in Income Taxation and Estate Planning from Villanova Law School. He is a Certified Public Accountant in the state of Maryland.

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Media Mentions

University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown, B.A., cum laude, Concentration in Accounting, 1986

  • Dean’s List
  • Honorary Leadership Society
  • President’s Award

Prior Relevant Experience

  • Law Office of Richard E. Ingram, Esq., New Brunswick, New Jersey, 1994-2007
  • Edwards & Antholis, Morristown, New Jersey, Senior Associate, 1991-1994
  • Price WaterhouseCoopers, Morristown, New Jersey, Tax Associate, 1989-1991