My Journey to Becoming an Estate Planner and Founding Pinnacle Law Firm
Every hero has an origin story, and while I may not be a hero, I certainly have my own journey to share. My name is Corlandos Scott, and I am the founder of Pinnacle Law Firm. Today, I want to take you through my path to becoming an estate planning attorney and the reasons that drove me to start my own firm.
The Early Days: A Grand Vision
When I decided to go to law school, I had a grand vision—perhaps a bit naive, I’ll admit. I wanted to use my creativity and problem-solving skills to make a tangible impact on people’s lives. Growing up, my understanding of lawyers came mainly from TV shows, particularly those involving criminal law. I was never interested in courtroom drama; rather, I aspired to be more like Tom Hagen from “The Godfather,” minus the mafia ties, of course. I wanted to be a trusted advisor, someone who could help people navigate life’s challenges.
First Experiences in Law
My first taste of practicing law came at a large firm where I worked in white-collar criminal defense. It sounded exciting, but the reality hit hard. My first assignment was to help a billionaire get his World War II bomber plane through customs. Not exactly the high-stakes legal drama I had envisioned. After six weeks of babysitting a plane, I realized I needed something more fulfilling.
I then moved on to work in-house at an entertainment industry labor union. This was more my speed, as I had always been a fan of filmmaking. However, I still felt disconnected; the work I was doing was so far removed from the final product that I couldn’t see the direct impact on the people I was supposed to help.
The Turning Point: Discovering My Passion
Things finally clicked when I joined a boutique law firm that specialized in assisted reproduction and estate planning. For the first time, my work had a direct impact on my clients. Helping families protect and provide for their children brought me a sense of fulfillment I had been missing. However, I soon realized that despite the strengths of the firm, it was falling short in critical areas.
For instance, everything on the estate planning side was billed hourly. Imagine being charged over $500 an hour just to ask questions! My clients were understandably hesitant to reach out, especially during significant life changes like a new baby or a divorce. This meant that their plans quickly became outdated, often failing when families needed them most. I hated this; I wanted openness and ongoing support, not a transactional relationship.
The Cookie-Cutter Approach
Another issue was the cookie-cutter approach to estate planning. While there are legal norms in most estate plans, the devil is in the details. Not tailoring a plan to fit a client’s specific goals and family dynamics can lead to disaster. I had clients with children from two marriages who wanted their children from the first marriage to receive specific heirlooms, while ensuring their second spouse was financially secure. The standard trust we used split assets equally, nearly causing a family feud.
In another case, a client had a child with special needs who relied on government assistance. Our generic trust didn’t include a special needs provision, which jeopardized their benefits. This mistake could have been catastrophic for their long-term care.
Failures of the Traditional Model
At the firm, there was a significant lag in follow-up. After clients left with their estate planning documents, we had no system to maintain an ongoing relationship. We didn’t check in when laws changed or when life events occurred, leaving clients with outdated and ineffective plans. I remember a client who created an estate plan after their first child was born. But when they unexpectedly passed away, the outdated plan only provided for the first child, leaving the others out. This led to costly emotional litigation.
Another client’s estate plan was created before a major change in state tax laws. They missed out on significant tax savings, costing them hundreds of thousands of dollars. I also recall a client who set up a revocable living trust, but their assets were never properly funded into the trust. When they became incapacitated, the family discovered that most assets were still in the client’s name, leading to a time-consuming and expensive court process.
A Personal Loss: The Catalyst for Change
The turning point for me came from a deeply personal experience. Years ago, my grandmother passed away. She was an amazing woman who took pride in owning her home outright. She hired a lawyer to draft a will, thinking she had done the responsible thing. However, my family never probated the will, and a missed property tax payment allowed the state to sell her house for pennies on the dollar.
Watching my family’s inheritance slip through our fingers was the moment I realized that the traditional model was broken. Estate planning isn’t just about drafting documents; it’s about guiding families through the entire process, ensuring they have a trusted advisor. This experience drove me to seek a different way—where clients are supported every step of the way.
Building Pinnacle Law Firm
This realization led me to found Pinnacle Law Firm. Here, the relationship with clients doesn’t end when they leave with their binder of documents. We focus on building long-term relationships, ensuring that trusts are funded and plans are regularly reviewed and updated to remain relevant as lives and laws change. I want to ensure my clients never experience the heartbreak that my family did.
At Pinnacle Law Firm, we operate on a flat-fee model. There are no surprises; clients know exactly what it will cost to work with us after we’ve clarified their goals. After the initial planning process, we offer options to keep plans up to date throughout their life, with costs clearly outlined. This approach means clients aren’t afraid to reach out if something changes.
Empowering Clients with Clarity
For example, we worked with a young couple expecting their first child. They had spoken to other attorneys who billed by the hour, which made them hesitant to move forward. When they came to us, we explained our flat-fee model and presented a clear upfront fee for the entire estate planning process. They appreciated being in control and chose a fee option that fit their budget. After the plan was in place, they opted into our ongoing maintenance program.
A few years later, when they had a second child and purchased a new home, they returned to update their plan. They knew the exact cost upfront and could confidently make decisions without worrying about unexpected bills. This approach gave them peace of mind, not just about their estate plan but also about the financial aspects of working with us.
Understanding Unique Family Dynamics
At Pinnacle Law Firm, we start every relationship with an in-depth conversation that goes beyond just assets. We take the time to understand family dynamics, financial situations, and personal values. This isn’t just about filling in blanks on a form; it’s about understanding what truly matters to clients.
For instance, a married couple with two young children initially thought they only needed a simple will. However, during our initial planning session, we learned that the husband owned a growing business they hoped to pass on to their children, and the wife’s aging parents were beginning to experience health issues. They also had strong philanthropic values and wanted to leave a portion of their estate to charity.
With this fuller picture in mind, we designed a comprehensive plan that included a revocable living trust, guardianship provisions for their children, and a charitable giving strategy. They left our office with peace of mind, knowing they had a plan that reflected their unique situation and values.
Planning for the Future
We see estate planning as just the beginning of our relationship with clients. Once clients sign their planning documents, we ensure their plans remain relevant as their lives evolve. Every three years, we review every plan at no additional charge, and most of our clients participate in one of our membership programs, which provides yearly plan reviews and unlimited changes.
Being a parent means constantly thinking about the “what-ifs” we’d rather not dwell on but must prepare for. I approach estate planning with the same care and attention I’d want from my own family. Every family is unique, and we treat every client with that understanding.
Conclusion: Your Legacy Matters
If you don’t have a plan in place, I encourage you to reach out to us at Pinnacle Law Firm. Schedule a free discovery call to find out the best next step for you and your legacy. Together, we can ensure that your family’s future is secure, and that your legacy is protected for generations to come.
