E. Diane Thompson – Virginia Beach, VA

Nationally Recognized Estate and Tax Planning Authority

E. Diane Thompson is a preeminent figure in the field of estate planning and taxation, serving as a shareholder at the prestigious law firm of Pender and Coward, P.C. in Virginia Beach. With a career spanning more than four decades since her admission to the bar in 1981, Ms. Thompson has established herself as a go-to advisor for ultra-high-net-worth individuals and families. She is widely respected for her deep intellectual command of complex tax codes and her ability to structure wealth transfers that minimize liability while preserving family legacies. Her expertise is so regarded that she maintains the country’s most complete compilation of resources on disclaimer law, a critical niche in post-mortem estate planning.

Specialized Legal Practice

Ms. Thompson’s practice is highly specialized, focusing on the intricate intersection of law and finance:

• Estate and Wealth Transfer Planning: Designing sophisticated strategies to transfer assets to future generations, often utilizing trusts to reduce federal estate and gift taxes.
• Taxation Law: Providing expert counsel on fiduciary income tax, inheritance tax, and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
• Post-Mortem Planning: Assisting families and personal representatives after a death to identify opportunities for tax savings, specifically through the use of disclaimers.
• Trust Administration: Guiding trustees through their fiduciary duties to ensure compliance and proper asset management.
• Business Succession: Helping family-owned businesses navigate the complex transition of leadership and ownership.

A Leader in the Profession

Diane Thompson’s influence extends well beyond her client list. She is a frequent lecturer at top industry conferences, including the University of Miami Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, and has taught advanced estate planning courses at William & Mary Law School. Her peers have consistently recognized her excellence, selecting her for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America and Virginia Super Lawyers for nearly two decades. When you work with Diane Thompson, you are not just hiring an attorney; you are engaging a thought leader who shapes the practice of estate law itself.

Premier Town Center Office

Ms. Thompson practices out of the Armada Hoffler Tower, located at 222 Central Park Avenue, Suite 400. This location in the heart of Virginia Beach’s Town Center reflects the high caliber of her practice. The office offers a discreet and professional environment suitable for discussing sensitive financial matters, surrounded by the region’s top financial institutions and businesses.

Strategic Wealth Protection

For those with significant assets, the wrong legal advice can cost millions. E. Diane Thompson offers the precision and foresight needed to protect what you have built. If you need to find a lawyer who can navigate the most complex tax landscapes with ease, Ms. Thompson stands in a class of her own.