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Jennifer Jordan McCall, Partner

Jennifer Jordan McCall

Partner
Silicon Valley & New York

Partner, Silicon Valley & New York

T: +1.650.233.4020
T: +1.212.858.1546
T: +1.650.233.4020
T: +1.212.858.1546

Areas of Focus

Jennifer knows the code and practice area inside out … she does a great job of reading a family’s prevailing attitude and leaning, and applies a plan accordingly.
—Chambers USA and Chambers High Net Worth Guide

Jennifer Jordan McCall, co-leader of both the Private Client & Family Office and the Litigation – Trusts, Estates and High Net Worth teams, is a leading authority on U.S. and international gift and estate planning. 

Jenny is consistently recognized by Chambers USA and Chambers High Net Worth as a leading lawyer nationally (2006 – 2017) and in Northern California (2016 – 2017, 2019 – 2024). She is also recognized by Super Lawyers (published by Thomson Reuters) in California (2006 – 2024) and New York (2006 – 2011, 2014 – 2024).

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Jenny crafts tax-savings business succession and estate transfer plans that preserve wealth and enhance family relationships. Her clients include internationally renowned museums and corporations, charities, foundations, high-net-worth families and individuals, fiduciaries and nonprofits. Jenny’s experience includes complex trust and estate administration and litigation; gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes; spousal rights of election and rights of adopted children; endowments; and tax aspects related to disposition of corporate holdings and financial transactions.

Jenny has successfully represented numerous clients in dispute resolution and litigation matters involving family disputes and trusts and estates matters. Representative cases include representing clients in a highly contentious family matter involving a family corporation, and oil and gas and mineral rights, where she obtained a very favorable result for her clients, notwithstanding strong opposition from other top law firms, and which involved New York and Texas courts and related law. Jenny has prevailed in litigations and dispute resolutions involving substantial assets in a family with dozens of trusts and multiple parties in the context of a bitterly litigated divorce and post-nuptial disputes, obtaining extremely favorable results for her clients and preserving the trust assets without any reduction of the trust assets in the various settlements, involving the law in London and New York. Jenny has represented banks and trust companies, serving as executor and trustee in highly contested disputes and litigations in California and New York. Her experience includes dispute resolution and litigation experience in many jurisdictions.

Jenny is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), where she serves as a member of the International Tax Planning and Estate and Gift Tax committees. She has lectured extensively and conducts seminars on estate and tax planning. Jenny also serves as a co-chair of the Princeton Planned Giving Advisory Committee, on behalf of whom she presented during the 1746 Society Webinar series. The series is widely commended, winning Grand Gold & Circle of Excellence awards by the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). CASE recognized the series as an “outstanding concept with clear goals,” and “an innovative way of leveraging a concept as a stewardship opportunity.”

She is based in the Silicon Valley, New York and Palm Beach offices and is admitted to practice law in California, Florida, New York and Wyoming.

Representative Experience

  • Successfully represented the cousin (and her sons) of a co-founder of a Fortune 100 technology company (“co-founder”), in contesting the validity of a holographic will, which was allegedly written and signed in 2013. Co-founder left an estate worth approximately $1.1 billion, and because he was presumed to have died intestate, our client, as heir-at-law to his estate, was due to inherit approximately $70 million in pre-tax dollars.
  • Successfully represented beneficiaries of a trust in a litigation against defendant trustee who was a one-time family friend, with possible damages under consideration. At the end of the three-day bench trial, the court granted an expansive interim order, finding for our clients, the descendants of a family that founded a major agricultural and energy conglomerate, and holding that the defendant breached his fiduciary duties. The judge ordered his immediate removal and appointed an interim trustee.
  • Represented an octogenarian in a proposed conservatorship and related elder abuse case, in addition to coordinating a divorce action. The matter involved unwinding steps taken by our client’s husband to divest our client of her family fortune and recovering our client’s assets that had been transferred to her husband’s accounts. We argued three motions strategically and wrote numerous briefs analyzing various intricacies of the California Probate Code and litigation procedure, and marshalled an array of supporting evidence. Our efforts resulted in a total victory, beating back petitions for temporary and general conservatorship, and causing the other side to withdraw the elder abuse petitions and pay attorneys’ fees in the process.

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  • Advised the owner of hedge funds and private equity funds on establishing a long-term tax-exempt trust for his descendants that appreciated to billions of dollars and saved hundreds of millions of dollars in transfer tax.
  • Represented a family with multiple trusts and generations in resolving complex financial and family issues while preserving the trusts for the protection of the family beneficiaries.
  • Advised the owner of a valuable real estate business on tax-saving strategies, transferring the business to younger generations and charitable components.

Professional Highlights

  • Recognized by Best Lawyers in America (published by BL Rankings LLC), Litigation – Trust and Estates (2025)
  • Member of the Board of Directors of the Francine A. LeFrak Foundation
  • Selected by peers for membership in the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)

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  • Recognized by numerous publications, including Chambers USA, Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Euromoney, PLC Which Lawyer? and Super Lawyers.
  • Recipient of prestigious “Simmons Award” from the Wausaukee Club for her outstanding contributions to the Wausaukee Charitable Foundation, including the creation of the foundation and ongoing pro bono work relating to its mentor program, scholarship grants and preservation of the natural environment.
  • Co-chair of the Princeton University Planned Giving Committee.
  • Publications
  • Speaking Engagements
    • “Tailoring Family Wealth Strategies: Jurisdiction Shopping and Alternatives to Family Offices,” Private Client Forum Americas 2025, Banyan Tree Mayakoba (March 12, 2025)
    • “Recent Trends in Estate and Gift Tax Law 2025, IRC 2036 and Related Tax Law,” ACTEC Guidance & Comments, IRS / Tax Guidance, Podcasts (February 18, 2025)
    • “Current Developments in Estate and Tax Planning,” ACTEC/ALI CLE webcast (December 5, 2024)
    • “Legacy Leaders: Estate Planning for Business Owners.” NewEdge Wealth (October 22, 2024)
    • “To Retain or Not to Retain: Planning With Business Entities and Code Section 2036(a),” EPCNYC Evening Program (September 12, 2024)
    • “Estate Planning for Blended Families: Minimizing Taxes and Estate Issues of Second Marriages,” Strafford Webinar (May 8, 2024)
    • “How Can the CCA Be Reconciled with RR 2004-64,” ACTEC at the Estate and Gift Tax Committee (March 7, 2024)
    • “U.S. Estate Tax on Equity Awards and Shares Held by Non-U.S. Citizens: Key Issues and Planning Considerations,” Strafford Webinar (February 27, 2024).
    • “Advanced Gifting Strategies for Estate Planners: Balancing Income and Transfer Tax Benefits for Individuals, Couples,” Strafford Webinar (June 29, 2023).
    • “Partner in Trust & Estates,” 2023 SupChina Women’s Conference & Gala (May 17, 2023).
    • “Stranger Things: Alternative Investments,” Private Client Forum Americas 2023 (February 13, 2023).
    • “Family Governance Roundtable,” International Private Client Forum (November 18, 2022).
    • “Tax Issues Facing High-Net-Worth Individuals and Their Estates,” Hawaii Tax Institute 59th Annual In-Person Conference (November 8, 2022).
    • “Cautionary Tales for High-Net-Worth Clients and Their Advisors,” Estate Planning Council of New York City Evening Program & Dinner (June 2, 2022).
    • “Dark Side Tales – Watch Your Back: Common Threats to High-Net-Worth Individuals,” USC Gould School of Law 2022 Tax Institute, Virtual (January 26, 2022).
    • “Overhauling Your Estate and Income Tax Planning Technique,” Chambers, Webinar (June 3, 2021).
    • “Holistic Planning for the Future as One Grows Older,” Princeton University, Webinar (March 7, 2021).
    • “U.S. Tax Law Changes and Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities,” Pillsbury’s 2021 California CLE Marathon Webinar (January 26, 2021).
    • “Family Office and Wealth Management Panel,” SupChina Women’s Conference (September 9, 2020).
    • “Episode #16: The Effect of COVID-19 on Estate Planning,” The Pillsbury Industry Insights Podcast (September 4, 2020).
    • “Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities in a COVID-19 Economy," Pillsbury, Webinar (May 12, 2020).
    • “National Fiduciary Roundtable,” BNY Mellon, Webinar (April 29, 2020).
    • “The Path Forward from Coronavirus: Where We Can Take Control,” Deutsche Bank, Teleconference (April 7, 2020).
    • “Estate Planning Tips in a COVID-19 Economy,” East West Bank, Teleconference (April 2, 2020).
    • “Tales for the Dark Side: Avoiding Unforeseen Financial Dangers and Traps for the Unwary,” Princeton University Nationwide Webinar (October 23, 2019).
    • “Tiger-IZE Your Assets,” Princeton University Breakfast Reunion (June 2019).
    • “Updating Estate Plans after Tax Reform: Maximizing Basis and Minimizing Income Taxes,” Strafford Publications, Webinar (May 21, 2019).
    • “Estate Planning and Tax Reform: Wealth Transfer Strategies under the New Tax Law,” Strafford Publications, Webinar (February 5, 2019).
    • “U.S. Reform – Impact on the Private Wealth Industry,” STEP Asia Conference 2018, Hong Kong, China (November 21, 2018).
    • “Tax and Legacy Planning for Tigers,” Princeton University, New York, NY (October 22, 2018).
    • “Issues Confronting International Clients Investing in the United States,” Northern Trust, New York, NY (July 17, 2018).
    • “Taxing times: What You Need to Know about Tax Return,” Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (June 2, 2018).
    • “Some Issues Confronting International Clients Investing in the United States,” East West Bank, Palo Alto, CA (May 2, 2018).
    • “Some Issues Confronting International Clients Investing in the United States,” East West Bank, Beverly Hills, CA (May 1, 2018).
    • “Effects of new U.S. Tax and for Inbound Investment,” Hong Kong, China (March 14, 2018).
    • “Tales from the Dark Side: Watch Your Back!,” STEP Conference 2017, Jackson Hole, WY (September 19, 2017).
    • “Recent Developments and Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities,” The Hedge Fund Forum, Hong Kong, China (February 24, 2017).
    • “Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities and Recent Developments,” The Economic Forum, Palm Beach, FL (February 13, 2017).
    • “Blue Pointe Wealth Management Bootcamp for Women,” Menlo Park, CA (November 17, 2016).
    • “Optimal Tax and Trust Planning Ideas for Investment in Real Property and other Assets by Non-Residents in the U.S.,” Afternoon Tea, Trusts and Tax luncheon, Hong Kong, China (October 31, 2016).
    • “The Art of Estate Planning with Art Collections,” The O'Hare Group's Strategic Portfolios Luncheon Series: Art as an Asset Class, Palm Beach, FL (March 9, 2016).
    • “Family-Owned Business Issues in Divorce,” Expert Webcast (January 14, 2016).
    • “Your Online Legacy: Estate Planning in the Digital Age,” Princeton University, Princeton, NJ (June 26, 2015).
    • “The Art of Estate Planning with Art Collections,” The Society of the Four Arts, Palm Beach, FL (January 26, 2015).
    • “Current Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities for Pre-Liquidity Planning, Low Interest Rate Environment, and Favorable Current Tax Rates and Exemptions,” Women’s Entrepreneurs Workshop, Menlo Park, CA (February 29, 2012).
    • “Top Ten Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities for Year End 2010,” Citi Private Bank – 2010 Year End Tax Planning, Menlo Park, CA (December 8, 2010).
    • “Top Ten Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities for Year End 2010,” BNY Wealth Management Luncheon – Insights Into Estate Planning, Menlo Park, CA (December 3, 2010).
    • “Top Ten Estate and Tax Planning Opportunities for Year End 2010,” Bank of the West Economic & Investment Outlook Luncheon, Pasadena, CA (November 18, 2010).
    • “Estate Planning in Uncertain Times,” Conference on Charitable Giving 2010, Palo Alto, CA (May 11, 2010).
    • “Families That Successfully Manage Relationships As Well As Wealth,” A Princeton Precept Conversations about Family, Wealth and Philanthropy, San Francisco, CA (May 6 and 7, 2010).
    • “Pre-IPO Estate and Tax Planning Strategy: How to Maximize the Benefit of a Liquidity Event,” 2009 Liquidity Summit, Menlo Park, CA (December 10, 2009).
    • “Wealth Preservation: Wealth Planning in a Changed World,” Wealth Management Conference West Coast, Half Moon Bay, CA (November 20, 2009).
    • “Watch Out, It Could be a Skip! Practical Tips and Common GSTT Pitfalls in Planning and Administration,” 2009 Annual Meeting of the California Tax Bar & California Tax Policy Conference, San Diego, CA (November 13, 2009).
    • “Opportunities in the Economic Climate for Savvy Estate, Tax & Corporate Succession Planning,” Backstage Pass, Palo Alto, CA (June 11, 2009).
    • “Inheritance, Wills, Trusts and Much More,” New York, NY (November 8, 2007).
    • “Top 10 Wealth & Estate Management Ideas,” Women of Wealth, hosted by Lehman Brothers, San Francisco, CA (March 2007).
    • “Estate and Tax Planning for High-Net-Worth Individuals,” hosted by Morgan Stanley, San Francisco, CA (October 2006).
    • “Building a Family Legacy Using Trusts,” Conference for the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), San Diego, CA (July 26, 2006).
    • “Charitable Gifts of Artwork and Other Planning Techniques for Collectibles,” hosted by Neuberger Berman, San Francisco, CA (June 29, 2006).
    • “Charitable Gifts of Artwork and Other Planning Techniques for Collectibles,” 2006 Stanford Conference on Charitable Giving, Stanford, CA (May 17, 2006).
    • “Wealth Management Strategies for Liquidity Events,” presented at Pillsbury, in conjunction with UBS Financial Services Inc. and Berger/Lewis Accountancy Corporation, Palo Alto, CA (May 3, 2006).
    • “Wealth Management Strategies for Real Estate Owners,” hosted by The Private Bank of the Peninsula, Palo Alto, CA (April 26, 2006).
    • “A Select Sampling of Advanced Estate Planning Strategies,” hosted by Morgan Stanley, San Francisco, CA (March 21, 2006).
    • “Estate Planning Seminar on Gift and Estate Taxes, Gift and Split Gifts, Charitable Gifts, Charitable Trusts and Family Limited Partnerships,” Fiduciary Trust International of California, San Mateo, CA (June 29, 2004).
    • “Estate Planning Seminar on Types of Property in California, Forms of Property Ownership, Forms of Joint Ownership and Wills and Living Trusts,” Fiduciary Trust International of California, San Mateo, CA (June 1, 2004).
    • “Recent Legislative Developments Regarding the Estate, Gift and Generation-Skipping Transfer Taxes: Where Do We Stand and Where Are We Going?,” NMS Family Office Forum: Challenges in Wealth Management, Palm Beach, FL (February 24, 2004).
    • “Art: Investing Today and Planning for Tomorrow,” presented in conjunction with the Citigroup Private Bank and the Citigroup Art Advisory Service, hosted by NetJets, Denver, CO (October 12, 2003).
    • “Art: Investing Today and Planning for Tomorrow,” presented in conjunction with The Citigroup Private Bank Art Advisory Service at the Orange County Estate Planning Council, Newport Beach, CA (September 24, 2002).
    • “Art: Investing Today and Planning for Tomorrow,” presented in conjunction with The Citigroup Private Bank Art Advisory Service at the San Jose Museum of Art (September 23, 2002).
    • “Strategic International and U.S. Planning for Collectors of Fine Art and Other High-Net-Worth Individuals,” Institute for International Research, Miami, FL (January 22 and 23, 2001).
  • Honors & Awards
    • Corporate INTL Global Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year in California (2025).
    • Advisory Excellence Annual Awards, Wealth Management Firm of the Year in USA, California (2024).
    • Leaders in Law – Global Awards, Wealth Management Firm of the Year in California (2020- 2021, 2023 – 2025).
    • Acquisition International,Leading Advisor Awards, Leading Trusts & Estates Lawyer of the Year – California (2023).
    • Leaders in Law – Global Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year in California (2022).
    • Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Private Wealth—Nationwide (2016 – 2017) and Northern California (2016 – 2017, 2019 – 2024).
    • Citywealth Powerwomen Awards, Woman of the Year – Business Growth (Large/Institutional), Bronze award winner (2022).
    • Super Lawyers, Top Rated Estate Planning & Probate Attorney (2006 – 2024).
    • Global Law Experts Annual Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year in California (2020 – 2021).
    • Lawyer Network Annual Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year in California (2021 – 2023).
    • Legal 100, Individual Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year, California, USA (2021).
    • Citywealth Powerwomen Awards, Top Female Advisor in the U.S., finalist (2019 – 2021).
    • San Francisco Magazine, Top Women Attorneys of Northern California (2016 – 2020).
    • Corporate INTL, Global Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year (2017 – 2023).
    • International Advisory Experts Award, Wealth Management in California (2020).
    • Princeton University, CASE Circle of Excellence Grand Gold Award, “Special Events on a Shoestring – 1746 Society Webinar Series”(2020).
    • International Global Business Awards, Trusts & Estates Lawyer of the Year – USA (2019).
    • Global 100, Global Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year, California, USA (2018).
    • M&A Today, Global Awards, Wealth Management Lawyer of the Year, California, USA (2017 and 2018).
    • Chambers USA, Wealth Management—National (2006 – 2016), Wealth Management—Western Region (2017).
    • New York Times, Top Attorneys in Metro New York (2015).
    • Best Lawyers/ U.S. News, Law Firm of the Year in Trusts & Estates Law (2013).
    • PLC Which Lawyer?, Private Clients—National (2009, 2011 – 2012).
    • Guide to the World’s Leading Trusts & Estates Lawyers, Euromoney/Legal Media Group (2010 – 2011).
  • Associations
    • Member, New York City Bar Association
    • Member, Palm Beach County Estate Planning Council
    • Fellow, The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
    • Trustee and secretary of the Board of Trustees, San Francisco Ballet Association.
    • Chair of the Board of Trustees, President and founder, The Baker Institute for Children with Hearing Loss.

Education

  • LL.M., New York University School of Law, 1988

    J.D., University of Virginia School of Law, 1982

    B.A., Princeton University, 1978
    cum laude

Admissions

  • California

    Florida

    New York

    Wyoming

Jenny's Insights

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