Jillian E. Brevorka

Jillian Brevorka is a partner in the firm’s Trusts & Estates Practice who is licensed to practice in four states: North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, and New York. Based out of North Carolina, she concentrates her practice on planning for complex estates, gift and estate tax planning, business succession planning, multigenerational estate planning, estate administration, and estate litigation.

Jillian understands that work in trusts and estates is not “one size fits all.” She is known for the specialized way in which she approaches all cases for her clients, crafting personalized plans that fit their individual needs. With all of her clients, Jillian takes a collaborative approach to estate planning. She works with families to help them navigate the challenging and often sensitive circumstances surrounding the development of wills and trusts. Jillian acts as an advocate for her clients, helping to put them at ease and obtain the best possible outcome.

Jillian also has an extensive background in tax law. She understands the struggles and legal barricades many people face when they chose to relocate to different states. She has the foresight and experience necessary to help families ensure a smooth transition when moving to a new state.

Being licensed to practice law in four states allows Jillian to assist her clients with cross-border planning, both long- and short-term. She helps families navigate the multitude of different taxes and fees related to estates. Jillian stays on top of the newest developments in tax, estate, and trust law. A regular speaker on estates and trusts topics, Jillian co-authors a monthly article, Death and Taxes, through the Bar Association of Erie County (New York).

Jillian’s work has helped shape North Carolina laws pertaining to trusts and estates, including the Power of Attorney Statute. She also served on the legislative committee for the North Carolina Bar Association’s Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law section. Jillian also acted as an advocate for first responders, serving as the co-chair of the North Carolina Bar Foundation’s Wills for Heroes program from 2010-2013.

In addition to Trusts & Estates, Jillian is also a member of the firm's Food and Beverage Practice. A graduate of the Cornell School of Hotel Administration with a concentration in Hospitality Law and Food and Beverage Management, Jillian has over eight years of experience in management and consulting in the restaurant industry. She also has significant experience in the hotel industry, specifically in food and beverage management, banquet management, and national hotel sales at the five star Four Seasons Hotels and Starwood Hotels. Jillian provides her Food and Beverage clients with a powerful combination of vast industry experience and significant labor law knowledge.

• Listed, Best Lawyers in America (Trusts and Estates) 2024
• Listed, North Carolina Super Lawyers Rising Stars, (Estate Planning & Probate) 2014 - 2018
• The Robinson O. Everette Award for Professionalism by the North Carolina Bar Association (2014)
• Business North Carolina Tax/Estate Planning Legal Elite (2013)
• The Charles F. Blanchard Young Lawyer of the Year Award (2012)
• Co-Author, Death and Taxes, Bar Association of Erie County (2009-Present)
• National Labor Relations Board Award 

• Lecturer, Basics of Wills and Revocable Trust Drafting
• Member, Estate Analysts of Western New York
• Financial Advisor and Board Member, University of North Caroline Chapter of Alpha Phi 
• North Carolina Department of Justice Hate Crime Advisory Board (2021-2022)
• Board Member of the ACLU of North Carolina (2014-Present); President of the Board (2015-2016), National Board Representative (2018-2022), Secretary of the ACLU of North Carolina Foundation (Present)
• Co-Chair, New Programs and CLE Committee, NCBA YLD (2009-2010)
• Co-Chair, Elder Law Basics and Beyond Seminar, NCB (2009)
• Chair, Elder Law Committee, Bar Association of Erie County (2011-2014)
• Member, Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, Professional Advisor Council (2011-2012)
• Co-Chair, Wills for Heroes Committee, NCBA YLD (2010-2013)

• Member, Legislative Committee of NCBA Estate Planning Section (2010-Present)