Back to All Professionals

Stanley A. Smith
Counsel
Back to All Professionals
Stanley A. Smith
Counsel
Contact
Office

Harrisburg, PA

Stan’s decades of experience have not only earned him a statewide reputation in the field of personal planning, but for nearly 15 years, it has also earned him the distinction of being named to the prestigious “Best Lawyers in America” list that U.S. News and World Report publishes annually to recognize the cream of the attorney crop throughout the country.

In his practice, Stan develops individualized estate plans that preserve and protect clients’ assets not only during their lifetime but also makes sure those assets ultimately pass to the clients’ heirs in a tax-efficient fashion. He seeks to understand each client’s unique goals, and crafts and implements practical estate plans to accomplish those goals.

Stan routinely advises individual and corporate fiduciaries in the structuring and administration of:

  • Wills
  • Revocable trusts
  • Irrevocable trusts
  • Buy-sell shareholder agreements
  • Charitable and non-charitable transfers

He assists with the preparation and presentation of fiduciary accountings, the negotiation and drafting of non-judicial settlement agreements among fiduciaries and heirs and petitions to the Orphans’ Court where appropriate.

Succession planning is an important piece of Stan’s practice, as he has worked with business owners to craft plans for the smooth transfer of ownership to younger generations through buy-sell agreements and partnerships, LLC and limited partnership agreements.

In addition to his work with individual and corporate clients, Stan has helped enrich his community by serving as counsel to various non-profit organizations. Charitable organizations such as colleges, universities and hospitals, as well as numerous private foundations, have benefited from Stan’s legal advice. 

Outside of his legal work for charitable organizations, Stan has used his experience to serve on the boards or committees of various charitable, educational and religious organizations throughout Pennsylvania. 

RECOGNITIONS
  • Best Lawyers, 2015 Harrisburg Trust & Estates “Lawyer of the Year”
  • The Best Lawyers in America©, Trusts & Estates (2006-2024), Non-Profit/Charities Law (2006-2024)
PUBLICATIONS
  • Income Tax Deduction for Gift of Right to Develop Real Estate
  • Does a Family Foundation Fit in Your Planning?
  • Governor Corbett Signs House Bill 1950 into Law
PRESENTATION
  • “Estate Planning After the 2010 Tax Act”, McKonley & Asbury webinar
Stanley A. Smith
Education
  • Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law, J.D., cum laude, Order of the Coif
  • Lycoming College, B.A., summa cum laude
Admissions
  • Pennsylvania
Capabilities
Community Involvement
Salvation Army -- Harrisburg

Board member

John G. Williams Scholarship Foundation

Former board member

ARC of Dauphin County

Former board member

The Foundation for Enhancing Communities

Former member of gift planning committee

Messiah College Board of Trustees

Former member of gift planning committee

Pinnacle Health Foundation

Former member of gift planning committee

Lycoming College

Former member of gift planning committee

Estate Planning Council of Central Pennsylvania

Former board member

Volunteers of America

Former board member

Dauphin County Bar Association

Past president of the Probate Section

Related News

View More News
Press Release
August 25, 2021

“Best Lawyers” Honors 30 Barley Attorneys

For Immediate Release  Lancaster, Pa. – Barley Snyder is please...

Learn More
Press Release
August 20, 2020

Nearly Thirty Barley Snyder Attorneys Named “Best Lawyers”

Media Contact: Michael Sadowski, Communications Coordinatormsadowski@barley...

Learn More
Press Release
August 15, 2019

Barley Snyder Places 21 Attorneys on “Best Lawyers” List

Media Contact: Michael Sadowski, Communications Coordinatormsadowski@barley...

Learn More
Press Release
August 16, 2018

Sixteen Barley Snyder Attorneys Named to “Best Lawyers” List; Werner Named a “Lawyer of the Year”

Media Contact: Michael Sadowski, Communications Coordinatormsadowski@barley...

Learn More

Get in Touch

Our attorneys, paralegals and staff look forward to hearing from you. Please reach out to let us know how we can help.

Get In Touch
RECOGNIZED IN
Super Lawyers
Best Law Firms US News
Best Lawyers