Jeff LaClair

Jeff LaClair is a partner at Phelps LaClair and is an experienced estate planning and tax attorney. He focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, taxation, wealth preservation planning, and business succession planning. Jeff designs customized estate plans using trusts and business entities to help clients preserve their assets, minimize taxes, and avoid probate.

With advanced tax training from New York University’s nationally renowned Graduate Tax Program, where he specialized in estate planning, Jeff brings a sophisticated tax perspective to his work with families, business owners, and high-net-worth clients.  His background allows him to help clients navigate complex planning issues while proactively reducing the risk of future family conflict, tax disputes, and unnecessary court involvement.

Jeff began his career in the finance industry and has always enjoyed helping families plan for the future. In his early years as a lawyer, he combined his passion for helping others with his understanding of the tax laws by focusing on tax planning and tax controversy work. After having seen firsthand the financial and emotional stress that comes with family conflicts and tax disputes, Jeff now focuses his practice on comprehensive estate planning that integrates tax planning and business succession planning to proactively help clients avoid disputes before they arise.

Jeff has a particular interest in helping clients who have loved ones with special needs. Starting in high school, Jeff had the opportunity to teach students with developmental disabilities and coach Special Olympics. During his career, Jeff has continued to work with various organizations devoted to assisting individuals with disabilities including Sharing Down Syndrome and the Special Olympics.

Prior to joining Phelps LaClair, Jeff was an attorney with Mazur Carp & Rubin (now Schiff Hardin, LLP), a boutique estate planning law firm in Manhattan, New York and Nason Yeager, P.A., a full-service law firm in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Outside of the office Jeff enjoys spending time with his family and friends, playing sports, hiking, mountain biking, and exploring the Arizona outdoors.