Brenda S. Diana

Brenda Diana joined the private client group of Ropes & Gray in 1988, and became a partner of the firm in 1996. She serves as trustee for numerous trusts, concentrating on representing fiduciaries in the settlement of estates and preparing estate plans for individuals.

Brenda's extensive experience comes from working with clients that include high net worth individuals, multiple generations of families with accumulated wealth, entrepreneurs, private and public company executives and shareholders, and professional public personalities. Her practice involves the administration of client estates and trusts, including post-mortem tax planning and rendering advice regarding fiduciary responsibilities. Brenda serves as executor for estates of varying size and complexity, helping clients through diverse personal transitions and providing advice on risk management, fiduciary investments and efficient tax alternatives to avoid potential issues or disputes. In addition, she coordinates the proper disposition of individual and family assets including art, antiques, real estate and other valuables and works with well-known auction houses and advisors when appropriate. Brenda's practice also involves estate planning, including advising clients on various charitable and philanthropic endeavors. She works closely with financial planners and philanthropic advisors to develop comprehensive plans to meet the unique needs of her clients.

Brenda is a member of the firm's Trust Conference which is responsible for the investment management of in-house trust accounts. She is also a member of the firm's Hiring Committee that sets guidelines to attract exceptional attorneys to the firm.

Good to know

Areas of Practice 1) Trusts & Estates and 2) Private Client Group
Law School New York University School of Law (J.D 1987)
Education Cornell University (B.A., with distinction, 1984)
Bar Member / Association State Bar Of Massachusetts
Most recent firm Ropes & Gray LLP
Ellen J. Deringer
Ellen J. Deringer

Ellen J. Deringer is of counsel in Morgan Lewis's Personal Law Practice.Ms. Deringer earned her J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School in 2000 and her B.A. from Brown University in 1995.

Francis J. Mirabello
Francis J. Mirabello

Francis J. Mirabello is a partner in and manager of Morgan Lewis's Personal Law Practice.Mr. Mirabello is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania, California, and Florida.

Frederick M. LaValley
Frederick M. LaValley

Frederick M. LaValley is of counsel in Morgan Lewis's Personal Law Practice. Mr. LaValley has prepared estate plans for individuals and drafted wills, trust agreements, powers of attorney, and partnership documents to effect such plans.