Edward Vergara Joins Seward & Kissel as Co-Head of Trusts & Estates Practice
NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Seward & Kissel LLP announced today that Edward Vergara has joined the firm's New York office as Co-Head of its Trusts & Estates Practice.
Vergara started his legal career at Seward & Kissel and thereafter served as a partner at an AmLaw 100 firm, Head of Tax and Estate at a family office startup, and a partner at a boutique law firm focused on high-end private clients. He advises individuals, fiduciaries, and closely held businesses on a broad range of matters related to tax optimization and succession planning. His client base includes founders, executives, fund principals, and other investors and business leaders.
'I am pleased to co-head the Trusts & Estates Practice alongside Ed,' said Kristen Curatolo, Co-Head of Seward & Kissel's Trusts & Estates Practice and Co-Leader of the Private Wealth and Family Office Team. 'Ed has over two decades of experience advising cross-border individuals and families. His expertise will greatly expand our capabilities and immediately add value to our clients.'
Vergara focuses his practice on advising cross-border families and businesses. He often works with taxpayers managing changes of residency, including not only pre-immigration and expatriation planning for the United States, but also changes of residency and domicile between U.S. jurisdictions. Many of his engagements involve coordination with advisors in multiple jurisdictions to help clients manage tax, reporting, and succession issues both in the United States and in the jurisdictions where assets or other stakeholders reside. He often works with fiduciaries and beneficiaries of foreign trusts and foundations managing U.S. tax and reporting considerations.
'Ed's arrival reinforces our firm's commitment to delivering top-tier service and expertise to our clients,' said Managing Partner and Chair of the Tax, ERISA, and Trusts & Estates Group, James Cofer. 'His leadership and depth of experience will further strengthen our Trusts & Estates Practice.'
'It's a privilege to be welcomed back to Seward & Kissel and return to the culture of excellence and collegiality where I started my career,' stated Vergara. 'The scope of the Trusts & Estates Practice's work is a perfect complement to my own practice.'
Vergara received his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law and his J.D. from Georgetown University Law Center. He received his B.A. from New College of Florida.
Vergara's arrival is the latest in a series of lateral hires by Seward & Kissel. Since 2023, the firm has added Kristen Curatolo, the Co-Head of the firm's Trusts & Estates Group, from Kirkland & Ellis; David Baron, Head of the Employment Group, from Hogan Lovells; Peter Shea, a partner in the Investment Management Group, from K&L Gates; Walter Van Dorn, a partner in the Capital Markets and Corporate Securities Group, from Dentons; Ronald Hewitt, a partner in the Global Banking and Corporate Trust Group, from Covington & Burling LLP; Sonita Bennitt, a partner in the Tax Group, from Goodwin Procter; Daniel Viola, a partner in the Investment Management Group, from Sadis & Goldberg; and Caroline Lee, a partner in the Fund Finance Group, from Dechert LLP.
About Seward & Kissel LLP
Seward & Kissel LLP, founded in 1890, is a leading U.S. law firm with offices in New York City and Washington, D.C., with particular expertise in the financial services, investment management, banking and shipping industries. The firm is well known for its representation of investment advisers and related investment funds, broker-dealers, commercial banks, institutional investors and transportation companies. Its practices primarily focus on corporate, M&A, securities, litigation, restructuring/bankruptcy, real estate, regulatory, tax, trusts and estates, employment and ERISA for clients seeking legal expertise in these areas.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Ed Mitchell remembered as 'political genius'
May 31—KINGSTON — Longtime friend Andy Reilly described the late Ed Mitchell succinctly. "Ed Mitchell was a political genius," said Reilly, executive director at the Wyoming Valley Sanitary Authority. "He had an innate ability to understand the mood of the electorate and he knew exactly what they would respond to, which is why he was so successful as a political consultant. And so he was never afraid to tell his clients the truth with regard to how they were being perceived by the public, which is very rare in politics." Mitchell passed away on Thursday at the age of 77, following a short illness. A visit to Mitchell's website, reveals a lot about who he was and just how effective he had been in local, state and national politics. Just take a look at his impressive list of successful campaigns that he handled. "We'll quarterback your team to victory," is the first thing that catches your eye on the website. "Analyzing polling data, gathering research, providing media strategies and advice are among the strengths Edward Mitchell Communications brings to their winning campaign efforts. This is what goes into the compelling ads Ed Mitchell creates and produces. "When it comes to campaign management, political advertising and media relations — there is virtually no task the founder of the company, Ed Mitchell, has not performed successfully." That says it all. One of Mitchell's biggest successes was in his handling of all primary and general election campaigns for former U.S. Rep. Paul Kanjorski — 26 in all, 13 primaries and 13 general elections. Kanjorski said his first encounter with Mitchell was as an opponent — the two were candidates in the 1980 special election to fill the seat formerly held by U.S. Rep. Dan Flood. A third Democrat won the nomination — the late State Sen. Ray Musto, who lost the General Election to Republican Jim Nelligan. I was so impressed by Ed that I had lunch with him after that campaign," Kanjorski said. "I knew if I ever ran again, I wanted Ed on my staff." Mitchell was with Kanjorski for the Nanticoke Congressman's 26 years in the U.S. House of Representatives. "Ed was a dear friend," Kanjorski said. "We all will miss him and his counsel, which was always very worthwhile." It's the same story with Reilly, who said Mitchell was a mentor to him in politics and government. "He helped me in my first foray into politics when, as a young 18-year-old, I ran a successful campaign for Luzerne Borough Council," Reilly said. "He also helped in my subsequent campaigns for Mayor and then County Controller. Ed was always my biggest advocate throughout my career." Reilly went on to say, "But as tough as Ed was in politics, he was the most generous person I ever met. And not only to me, but with restaurant servers, bartenders, delivery people, nurses and caretakers. Ed would routinely hand out gift cards for popular restaurants, stores, and gas stations to people he came across in his daily life. He would also routinely give money or pay bills for those he knew were struggling. And for all his accomplishments in politics, to those who were touched by his generosity, that is what he will be most remembered for." State Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski said Mitchell will certainly be missed, but more so he will never be forgotten. "Ed dedicated decades of his life to the political community, on all levels, federal, state and local," Pashinski said. "Ed understood the importance and necessity of participating in the political world to preserve the voice of the people and to preserve our precious Democracy." Pashinski said all who knew Mitchell will miss his words of wisdom and his diplomatic guidance to foster a win for the people. "I always enjoyed my conversations with Ed and learned a great deal," Pashinski said. "And I suspect he will be looking down from heaven, keeping watch and still guiding some of our words and actions." Former Luzerne County Democratic Chair Kathy Bozinski said Mitchell was a brilliant political strategist and an incredible person. "When I worked in television news, I could always turn to him for clear, insightful analysis of any political story," Bozinski said. "When I became Chair of the Luzerne County Democratic Committee during the chaos of COVID and one of the most volatile presidential campaigns ever, Ed was my mentor and friend." Bozinski said Mitchell was the first to reach out to offer help and sound political advice, which, she said, he always gave straight up — with brutal honesty and no sugar coating. "But on a personal level, he was one of the kindest, most generous and supportive friends I was privileged to have," Bozinski said. For Wilkes-Barre City Mayor Tim Leighton said, "Ed was the best at what he did and loved to do. He was a great mentor to me and many others, but more importantly, he was a true friend. I will miss the calls and text messages from him asking how my family and I are doing. He was a dear friend to many." Family offers memories Mitchell's brother, Alan, a professor at Georgetown University, provided some biography information about his brother: Ed Mitchell was born on Aug. 23, 1947, to Albert and Blanche Mitchell (nee Buczkowski) in Brooklyn, NY. He lived there until 1957, when the family moved to Northeast Pennsylvania. He attended St. Ann's High School in Freeland, from which he graduated in 1964. He graduated from the University of Scranton in 1968 with a degree in Political Science, after serving as Student Body President. He was a member of Alpha Sigma Nu, the Jesuit Honor Society. Upon graduation, he embarked on a 14-year career on Capitol Hill, first working in the office of Congressman Daniel Flood. He served as a legislative assistant to the late Congressman Allard K. Lowenstein (D-NY) and as Administrative Assistant and Press Secretary to Congressman Peter Kostmayer (D-Pa) from 1978-1981. He was also a counselor to Congressman Paul Kanjorski (D-PA) for 26 years. Prior to that, he was the press secretary and communications director for Pennsylvania Gov. Milton J. Shapp. Ed had run for Congress himself twice. In 1981, he began his own political consulting business, Ed Mitchell Communications. In 1987, he returned to the Wyoming Valley, where he served local clients seeking positions in public service. He had a keen interest in the people of the Wyoming Valley and contributed to local charities and causes seeking to alleviate food insufficiency, such as The Commission on Economic Opportunity and the Harry and Jeanette Weinberg Regional Food Bank, founded by his close friend, the late Gene Brady. "Ed will be remembered by his family as a loving son, brother, brother-in-law, uncle and grand-uncle, who was caring and extraordinarily generous," Alan Mitchell said. "Ed Mitchell will be remembered as a big-hearted man who accomplished extraordinary things in ordinary ways. He never forgot his own humble beginnings in Brooklyn, N.Y., and dedicated his entire life to helping those less fortunate than he was." Alan Mitchell said the McLaughlin Funeral Home is handling all arrangements. Ed Mitchell's clients (Partial Listing) — U.S. Congressman John P. Murtha (PA). — U.S. Congressman Paul E. Kanjorski (PA). — U.S. Congressman Ron Klink (PA). — U.S. Congressman Bob Borski (PA). — U.S. Congressman Peter Kostmayer (PA). — U.S. Senator Bob Casey's (PA) campaign for Auditor General. — Pennsylvania State Senate Democratic Campaign Committee. — Pennsylvania State House Democratic Campaign Committee. — Pennsylvania State AFL-CIO. — State Sen. Lisa Boscola (PA). — State House Speaker Keith McCall (PA). — State Rep. Kevin Blaum (PA). — State Rep. Jim Wansacz (PA). — State Rep. Rich Grucela (PA). — State Rep. Steve Samuelson (PA). — State Rep. Mike Gruitza (PA). — State Rep. Phyllis Mundy (PA). — The Democratic Study Group. — The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DC). — County and District Judges campaigns in Luzerne, Lackawanna, and Northampton Counties. — Northampton County Executive Glenn Reibman. — Schuylkill County Commissioners Frank McAndrew and Mantura Gallagher. — Luzerne County Commissioner Maryanne Petrilla. — Mayor Chris Doherty of Scranton. — Mayor Tom Leighton of Wilkes-Barre. — Schuylkill County District Attorney Jim Goodman. — Luzerne County District Attorney Jackie Musto Carroll. — Lackawanna County Sheriff Campaign of Rob Mazzoni. Some of his business and governmental clients have been: — Commission on Economic Opportunity (Luzerne County). — Housing Development Corporation (Luzerne County). — NRDC (Luzerne County). — Home Recording Rights Coalition. — SONY Corporation of America. — CAN DO, Hazleton. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Business Journals
3 days ago
- Business Journals
CSS Construction announces new senior vice president
Creative Structures Services, known to many as CSS Construction, has announced the appointment of Ed Pawlik as the new Senior Vice President. Ed has been part of the CSS Construction team since 2019 acting as a Project Manager overseeing ongoing construction projects with a focus on managing relationships and balancing communication between subcontractors, architects, owners and the internal CSS team members. Prior to joining CSS, Mr. Pawlik worked for PC Construction; an ENR top Construction Management firm based out of New England. His previous work comprised of various market segments which included multifamily residential, higher education and water/wastewater treatment. Ed is a graduate of Clarkson University completing his Master's Degree in Engineering Management. President of CSS Construction, Russell Kyte stated 'for the past 6 + years Ed has proven to be an asset to the company on multiple levels. I will value having Ed, as my partner with CSS Construction.' To date, Ed has successfully completed over $48 million worth of work in a variety of market segments, including multifamily housing, education, and commercial office/retail. Several of these projects have received notable recognition such as the Persistence Preparatory Academy Charter School being awarded the Buffalo Business First 'Brick by Brick Award for Elementary/Middle School Project,' as well as the People Inc. Jefferson Avenue Apartment Project being awarded the 'NYSFAH Upstate NY Project of the Year.' Presently Ed is overseeing the Blocher Homes Apartments project which is a $29 million affordable multi-family housing project. The project is located on Evans Road in collaboration with People Inc. and will bring a total of 93 affordable apartment style housing units to the Williamsville, NY area in Fall of 2025. With his new position as Senior Vice President, Ed will continue overseeing similar projects. Additionally, he will expand his role to include oversight of ongoing construction development, budgeting, and administration of operations involving employee relations, corporate insurance, and surety bonding. When asked about this new position, Ed stated 'I am very excited to make this transition and continue to grow along with CSS. The strength of CSS is greatly attributed to the incredible team that we have internally and the companies that we have the privilege to work with. I am truly looking forward to this opportunity to expand my role at CSS while continuing to foster these great working relationships that we have with our clients and subcontractors. 'CSS is about more than just 'bricks & mortar.' We are committed to providing high-quality project management and constructability for our developments. We believe a project's success is built upon developing a partnership with our client and their consultants, to successfully accomplish all our client's goals,' said Ed Pawlik.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Longtime lawmaker appointed to lead the Montana Hospital Association
Rep. Ed Buttrey speaks about House Bill 60 during the 2025 Montana Legislature. (Photo courtesy of Montana Public Affairs Network). Following a national search, the Montana Hospital Association Board of Trustees today announced that it has appointed F. Edward 'Ed' Buttrey as President and chief executive officer for the Association. Buttrey will begin in the role on July 1. In this role, Buttrey will provide strategic leadership for association activities as well as provide direction to the association's charitable arm, the Montana Health Research and Education Foundation, and for-profit subsidiary, MHA Ventures. 'Ed is uniquely qualified to lead the Montana Hospital Association into its next chapter, thanks to his extensive experience in both healthcare policy and decades leading successful businesses. Ed understands the challenges and opportunities facing healthcare in Montana, the various solutions that can help or hinder them, and how to build and lead successful organizations. He has demonstrated a lifelong commitment to improving the lives of the people and communities he serves, and we believe Montana patients will continue to benefit from his vision and leadership,' said Craig Aasved, MHA Board Chair and CEO of Shodair Children's Hospital in Helena. Buttrey, a graduate of Montana State University, is a business owner and long-serving state legislator from Great Falls. As a lawmaker, he's worked on the state's healthcare policies and future, including improving access and affordability, and was the sponsor of the 2015 Montana Medicaid expansion bill and bills to renew and revise the program in 2019 and during the 2025 session. He has served as a board member on the Benefits Health System (Great Falls) Board of Trustees since 2015. In addition to his legislative work, Buttrey has extensive experience in business, with a focus on real estate, hospitality, technology and manufacturing. He has volunteered with numerous local organizations, including efforts aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, supporting youth programs, and promoting economic development in Great Falls and surrounding areas, according to the press release. 'This is an exciting opportunity to move from crafting policy to driving meaningful change in the healthcare system itself. For more than 14 years, I've worked hard on a variety of healthcare policy issues because I have seen firsthand the importance of healthcare to our neighbors, our communities and our local economies. While the MHA is actively involved in the healthcare policy space, it also supports our state's hospitals by providing quality improvement, safety, workforce development, emergency preparedness and other programs that enhance care in rural and frontier communities. I am deeply committed to applying both my legislative and business experience to build a stronger future for all Montanans who rely on the care our healthcare system provides,' Buttrey said. Buttrey will succeed Robert W. 'Bob' Olsen, who has served in leadership positions for the Association since 1989 and has led the organization as president and CEO since 2022. During the course of his more than 30-year career with the association, Olsen has made significant contributions to federal and state regulatory, policy and advocacy matters. He was awarded the MHA Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022 and the Frederick C. Morgan Individual Achievement Award from the Healthcare Financial Management Association in 2025. 'I've witnessed significant changes in Montana's healthcare system during that time, yet one constant has remained: The need to adapt. Montana patients and healthcare providers will be well served by Ed's innovative approaches, ability to bring together diverse stakeholders, and a longstanding commitment to improving healthcare for our state,' Olsen said.
