Samantha Fitzgerald | Plantation Wills & Probate Lawyer

Samantha Fitzgerald

Samantha Fitzgerald

Estate Planning and Probate & Trust Administration

Experience: 26 years

Top Local Lawyers

About Samantha

I was born and raised on Long Island, New York and I moved to Florida over 20 years ago. I currently live in Plantation Florida with my husband and two children. Prior to starting my own firm in early 2011, I was a partner at a Fowler White Burnett for over 10 years in both its Fort Lauderdale and Miami offices. Community involvement is very important and I support various volunteer based organizations in Broward County as well as being involved in my children's school and PTA organization.

Fees are determined on a case by case situation. Some cases are handled on a flat fee basis and some are billed hourly.

Experience

Attorney/Owner

Law Offices of Samantha J. Fitzgerald

2011 - Present

Plantation, FL

Attorney/Shareholder

Fowler White Burnett P.A.

2001 - 2011

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Associate

Hugh L. Koerner, P.A.

1998 - 2001

Fort Lauderdale, FL

Admission

Verified U.S. District Court Southern District of Florida

2000

Verified U.S. Tax Court

2000

Verified Florida

1999

Education

University of Miami School of Law

LL.M. (Tax)

2000

Nova Southeastern University - Shepard Broad Law Center

Juris Doctor (Law)

1999

Palm Beach Atlantic College

B.S. (Accounting)

1996

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • The Florida Bar, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Section, and Tax Section
  • Broward County Bar Association
  • Florida Lawyer's Network
  • Joe DiMaggio Children's Hospital Foundation/Memorial-Foundation Audit Committee,
    2011-2013
  • Leadership Fort Lauderdale, Class XV,
    2009
  • Plantation Junior Woman's Club, Board of Directors
    2007-2012
  • Peters Elementary PTA Board, current, President current
    2012 / 2013
  • Take Stock in Children Mentor, current
    2011
Honors / Awards
  • AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated,&#;Martindale-Hubbell
    8232
  • Florida Trend Legal Elite
    2011 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015
  • Florida Supers Lawyersand
    2010 / 2011 / 2012 / 2013 / 2014 / 2015

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

Last year I took over the representation of a personal representative in a probate administration. Prior to my involvement, there was a lot of adversity between the personal representative and the decedent's children. I was able to facilitate a resolution and the timely closing of the probate administration.

How did you build a successful practice?

I care about my clients and their cases, and I believe that is evident in my work product and relationships. I surround myself with quality professionals whom I know will give my clients the same level of care that I do.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

This depends on the type of case. Certainly, the lawyer should be knowledgeable in the particular field of law. But knowing the law doesn't make someone a good lawyer. A good lawyer is organized, professional to other lawyers and responsive.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

Extremely important. Severe unintended consequences can result when an attorney is not familiar with local law.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

It depends on the case.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

I have a tax background (CPA and LL.M degree), which helps me considerably in my practice. .

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

Helping people plan, which gives them peace of mind, and helping them navigate through the legal system after losing a loved one. My entire practice revolves around helping people.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

Most of my free time is spent with my children or exercising. We love to go camping.

Are you involved in your community?

Community involvement is very important to me. Currently, I am in my second term serving as PTA President of my kids elementary school. I am a mentor of an elementary school student and a high school student, and I serve on the City of Plantation's Educational Advisory Board. I am also very active in my kids extracurricular activities such as cub scouts and soccer.

Law Offices of Samantha J. Fitzgerald Highlights

Estate Planning, Wills & Probate, Tax

Firm Size: 1-5
Firm Locations: 1