Meister Seelig & Schuster Expands Private Client and Wealth Planning Capabilities with Addition of Avelino Law

Meister Seelig & Schuster’s established trusts and estates practice continues to grow with the addition of A. Jude Avelino and Stacey Valentine, who bring decades of private client, tax and wealth planning experience

NEW YORK – November 2, 2026 – Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC (MSS) today announced that A. Jude Avelino and Stacey Valentine, along with their team at Avelino Law, LLP are joining the firm. Their private client services expertise will further strengthen Meister Seelig & Schuster’s established trusts and estates practice, expanding its capabilities in estate planning, wealth transfer, probate litigation and other related tax matters while building on MSS’ longstanding excellence in providing personalized counsel to individuals and families navigating personal, business, financial and philanthropic interest.

Avelino founded his firm in 1999 and built a practice focused on wealth preservation, asset protection and income tax planning, estate planning, corporate structure and tax matters. Valentine, who has led the firm as Managing Partner alongside him, brings extensive experience structuring and administering sophisticated estate plans and guiding individuals and families through the complexities of wealth transfer and succession planning.

The addition reflects Meister Seelig & Schuster’s consistent growth and strategic expansion throughout 2026 which saw: Mitch Schuster’s elevation to named partner, the expansion into Tennessee with renowned criminal defense attorney Kimberly S. Hodde and the opening of the firm’s Nashville office, and continued recognition of the firm and its attorneys from leading industry organizations including Chambers USA, Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

“Clients with complex personal and financial lives need counsel that understands the full picture, from how their businesses are structured to how their wealth is protected and passed on to the next generation,” said Mark J. Seelig, Chairperson of Meister Seelig & Schuster. “Jude and Stacey bring deep experience and a thoughtful, highly personalized approach to this work. Their addition strengthens our ability to serve clients across these interconnected needs and builds on the relationships we have developed with families, advisors and businesses working to create lasting value for the people they represent.”

“For more than two decades, our practice has been built around understanding our clients as individuals and developing solutions that reflect their personal and professional objectives,” said Jude Avelino. “Joining Meister Seelig & Schuster creates an opportunity to build on that approach with a broader platform of legal experience and resources. Our goal remains the same: to be a trusted advisor who understands what matters most to the people we serve.”

“Estate planning is deeply personal. It requires technical knowledge, but it also requires the ability to listen, communicate clearly and help clients make informed decisions about their families and their futures,” said Stacey Valentine. “We have always believed that clients deserve thoughtful guidance tailored to their circumstances. At MSS we see an opportunity to preserve that personal connection while drawing on a wider range of capabilities to help clients navigate important transitions and plan with greater confidence.”

Avelino’s experience spans estate planning, tax, corporate transactions and litigation. He holds a J.D. from Brooklyn Law School and an LL.M. in Taxation and Certificate in Estate Planning from Georgetown University Law Center. Valentine also advises on fiduciary responsibilities, estate and trust disputes, charitable giving and matters involving closely held family businesses. She earned her J.D. from Washington and Lee University School of Law and her undergraduate degree from Colgate University.

About Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC

Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC (MSS) is a multi-service law firm headquartered in New York City, with additional offices in Connecticut, California, New Jersey and Tennessee. For over 30 years, MSS has represented individuals and businesses across diverse practice areas, including litigation, crisis management, real estate, corporate, criminal defense, family law, intellectual property, patent, employment, tax and trusts and estates. Known for its entrepreneurial spirit, collaborative approach and commitment to integrity, MSS is dedicated to helping clients achieve their objectives with practical solutions and strong advocacy.

Media Contact:
Berk Communications for Meister Seelig & Schuster
msspllc@berkcommunications.com