Susan R. Schoenfeld, JD, LL.M. (Taxation), CPA, MBA, is CEO and founder of Wealth Legacy Advisors LLC, which serves as thought partner to wealthy families through personal attention and human spirit. An award-winning Thought Leader, she provides guidance on Legacy, Stewardship, Governance, Next Generation, and Philanthropy.
Based in New York City, Susan is a “recovering” Attorney and CPA with deep experience as advisor to families and family offices on the human issues of wealth. After leaving Trusts & Estates law, she ran the trust department at an ultra-high net worth trust company, and then was Family Ambassador for a $600 million single family office. Susan’s passion is helping families -- and their provider organizations -- with the tools to take them to their full potential.
Get to know Susan:
1. Attorney, CPA and Financial Services Leader. After practicing Tax Law and Trusts & Estates Law, Susan was Principal of Bessemer Trust for over 14 years, where she developed generational wealth planning strategies for wealthy families. She created, developed and facilitated Women and Wealth Workshops, designed to explore personal aspects of wealth, which then inspired Next Generation of Wealth workshops. She ran its donor advised fund, and also headed its Northeast Region Trust Administration group. Later, she was Family Ambassador for a $600MM single family office, facilitating the family meetings, and engaging and educating the next generation.
2. Author & Award-Winning Thought Leader. "One of the few women on the national speaking circuit who is guiding financial services firms and their clients to connect with the human side of the client relationship." -FWR Awards 2020
3. Contributor to her Profession. Susan chairs the NY Family Business Study Group, member of NYC Family Enterprise Center’s Professional Advisory Board, Attorneys for Family-Held Enterprises, and Family Firm Institute.
4. Speaker. Susan is on the national speaking circuit on family office and fiduciary matters across the country. Opal Family Office Forum has invited her back to speak at their annual flagship conference every year since 2014.
5. Academic Over-Achiever and Serial Volunteer. In addition to her CPA, Susan has an LL.M. (in Taxation) from NYU School of Law, J.D. from Pace University School of Law, and BBA (summa cum laude) and MBA (with distinction) degrees from Pace University. With 4 academic degrees and 2 professional licenses, she brings a rare ability to translate complex concepts into easy-to-digest actionable takeaways.
To keep life in balance, she loves to spend time in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts.
Bottom line: Susan Schoenfeld brings a unique combination of financial services, family office, estate planning law and entrepreneurship experiences to any project, and helps financial services firms create a family-centered culture around the human issues of wealth to boost morale, new business and the bottom line. www.SusanSchoenfeld.com