Sean R. Weissbart

Sean R. Weissbart
Partner
Trusts & Estates

Biography

CO-CHAIR, TAX, BENEFITS, AND PRIVATE CLIENT PRACTICE GROUP

As one of the most regarded millennial estate planners in the country, Sean plays an integral role in the lives of his clients, working together to create legacies that are tax efficient and responsive to the unique needs of each family.

On Sean’s practice and style, Chambers USA quotes a client saying that “Sean Weissbart is a very creative estate tax lawyer, and he’s always looking to provide a fuller package than just documents. He cares quite a bit about his bedside manner, and it shows.” Another states, “There are three things that stand out about Sean. First is his ability to accommodate clients, second is his passion for the work he does and third is his empathy.”

Clients turn to Sean to handle all aspects of estate planning, the administration of trusts and estates, and the representation of beneficiaries and fiduciaries in contested matters in Surrogate’s Court. Sean’s extensive experience includes advising international families on the impact of U.S. tax laws on their wealth. In international estate matters, Sean assists non-citizens with domestic assets navigate the complicated rules surrounding the tax-efficient transfer of their wealth and counsels U.S. citizens facing income tax issues related to their beneficial interest in foreign trusts.  

Sean also represents clients on matrimonial matters, including the negotiation of prenuptial and postnuptial agreements and trust modifications following divorce.

In addition to his law practice, Sean serves as an adjunct professor of law at New York University School of Law, where he teaches Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, International Estate Planning, and Tax Aspects of Charitable Giving. He is an author of the law school textbook The Income Taxation of Trusts and Estates, a fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and a regular speaker at the nation’s most prestigious tax conferences. He gives back to the community through many philanthropic endeavors including his service on the board of the Ment’or BKB Foundation and as event chair of the Trusts and Estates Committee of the UJA Federation of New York, having raised millions of dollars to assist those in need.

Outside the Firm

Sean spends time with his wife, children, and Maltipoo dog. He also enjoys skiing and music.

News & Views

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Recognitions

  • 2023–2026, Trusts and Estates in New York, listed in Best Lawyers in America©
  • 2025, Band 2 for New York Private Wealth Law: Mid-Market, listed in Chambers High Net Worth
  • 2024–2025, New York Metro “Super Lawyer” in Estate Planning and Tax-Exempt Organizations, listed by Super Lawyers
  • 2024, Band 3 for New York Private Wealth Law: Mid-Market, listed in Chambers High Net Worth
  • 2022–2023, “Up and Coming” for New York Private Wealth Law: Mid-Market, listed in Chambers High Net Worth
  • 2015–2022, “Rising Star” in Estate Planning and Tax-Exempt Organizations, listed by Super Lawyers
  • 2010, “Justice Award” for Outstanding Contributions to Pro Bono Legal Services in New York City, awarded by MFY Legal Services

Credentials

Admissions

  • New York
  • U.S. District Court - Eastern District of New York
  • U.S. District Court - Southern District of New York
  • United States Court of Federal Claims

Education

  • New York University, BA, magna cum laude
  • Fordham University School of Law, JD
  • New York University School of Law, LLM

A description of the standard or methodology on which the accolades are based can be found here.

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