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Overview

Rachel Harris counsels clients in connection with all aspects of domestic and international estate planning for individuals and families, pre-immigration planning prior to arrival in the U.S., planning for U.S. citizens residing outside of the U.S., trust and estate taxation and administration, charitable giving, and operation of tax-exempt organizations. Her practice extends to all facets of estate and gift tax planning and encompasses multijurisdictional and international matters.

Highly regarded for her breadth of experience in resolving complex technical matters that involve more than one jurisdiction, Rachel enjoys helping her clients and their advisers navigate and manage whatever tax, succession, probate, or related matters they may face. She also has a depth of experience advising clients in connection with California fiduciary income tax matters.

Rachel is a graduate of Harvard College and Yale Law School.  She is admitted in California, England and Wales, and New York.

She is an amazing attorney and is always a true joy to work with. Her knowledge of international tax issues and her assistance in structuring the framework for my client's business and personal interests abroad are the best I have experienced, hands down. – Citywealth Leaders List (peer commentary)

Among her many professional distinctions and accomplishments, Rachel was part of the initial team representing Edith Windsor in the case United States v. Windsor, which was argued before the U.S. Supreme Court.

  • U.S. Estate Planning and Compliance for Non-Resident Aliens
    Speaker
  • Migration into the U.S. or Across States, and Related Federal and State-Specific Tax and Other Issues
    Speaker
  • Planning for the U.S. Citizen Moving to Europe, International Bar Association Annual International Wealth Transfer Practice Conference
    Speaker
  • Hot Topics: International Bar Association International Private Client Conference
    Speaker
  • Jurisdictional Update and Planning for the Later Stages of a Client's Life, International Wealth Advisors Forum 2.0
    Co-Chair and Moderator
  • Case Studies in International Estate Planning, Jewish Community Foundation and Endowment Funds Day of Philanthropy
    Speaker
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Education

  • New York University School of Law, LL.M. (Taxation)
  • Yale Law School, J.D.
  • Harvard University, A.B., magna cum laude

Bar Admissions

  • California
  • New York
  • England and Wales

Recognition

  • Awarded Silver for "Woman of the Year - Leadership" award by Citywealth (2024)
  • Named 1 of 5 finalists for "Woman of the Year - Leadership" award by Citywealth (2024)
  • Named in "Top Lawyers" by Pasadena Magazine (2023-2024)
  • Named "Best in Wealth Management" by International Finance Law Review Women in Business Law Awards (2019)
  • Named 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for Los Angeles in Litigation: Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers 
  • Named in Chambers High Net Worth Guide in Southern California, Private Wealth Law and Nationwide Private Wealth Law: Western Region (2014-2024)
  • Named "Southern California Super Lawyer" in Estate & Probate by Thomson Reuters (2017-2021)
  • Named in The International Who's Who of Private Client Lawyers, published by Who's Who Legal (2013-2020 editions)
  • Named 2019 “Lawyer of the Year” for Los Angeles in Litigation: Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers 
  • Recognized in the Citywealth "Leaders List" by Jones Publishing Limited (2013-2019 editions); named to "Power Women" list (2015-2019)
  • Named "Best Lawyer" in Trusts & Estates and Trusts & Estates Litigation, The Best Lawyers in America (2016-2025), and recognized among "Women of Influence" by Best Lawyers (2016-2017), published by Woodward White, Inc.

Affiliations

  • Co-Chair, International Wealth Advisors: Future Leaders Forum (2015-2018)
  • Member, Steering Committee, International Wealth Advisors: Future Leaders Forum (2013-2014)
  • Member, International Academy of Trusts and Estates Law