ROSELAND, N.J./November 13, 2006 -- Anthony F. Vitiello, chairman of the Taxation and Estate Planning group at Connell Foley LLP, has been named by the editors of Worth magazine for the second year in a row, in its list of the nation’s “Top 100 Attorneys.” The list is featured in the December issue and is the culmination of a year of extensive research by Worth’s editorial staff. The editors reviewed hundreds of nominations by readers, as well as those provided by financial advisors, family office executives, accountants, consultants, academics, and others who work with or closely monitor attorneys.
In determining their selections, Worth’s editors looked most carefully at attorneys specializing in trust and estates, philanthropy, elder care, matrimonial, and other private practice areas. Specifically, they looked for professionals who combined exceptional legal expertise with outstanding interpersonal skills and great tact.
At Connell Foley, Mr. Vitiello’s practice focuses on tax planning for individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, estates, and trusts, with a particular emphasis on estate and asset protection planning. He brings his innovative expertise to planning estates from four million to over five hundred million dollars, as well as advising family foundations, closely held corporations, partnerships, and limited liability companies on significant tax issues.
Mr. Vitiello has lectured extensively and published on estate planning and related tax matters. He was an Adjunct Professor at Fairleigh Dickinson University for five years where he taught estate planning courses. He is also a member of the American Bar Association, New Jersey State Bar Association, New York State Bar Association, Texas Bar Association, and United States Tax Court. Additionally, Mr. Vitiello is certified to provide continuing professional education credits to certified public accountants in New York and New Jersey, as well as those individuals holding the certified financial planner designation.
Mr. Vitiello received both his law degree and masters of law (LL.M.) in taxation from New York University.
“It is an honor that Tony has been recognized, for the second year in a row, among the top 100 attorneys nationally by such a well-respected magazine. His work ethic and dedication to the profession is commendable and we are proud that his efforts are noticed,” stated Kevin Coakley, Chairman of Connell Foley.
To pare its list down to 100, Worth’s editorial staff “searched for those who can think beyond the numbers and routine of their daily work,” explained Worth Features Editor Emily DeNitto. “We asked about how they are responding to current trends and pivotal cases. We wanted to know what types of strategic recommendations our nominees have made. We then examined their years of experience, time spent both behind a desk and in front of judges.”
Attorneys making the final list “did so because of their keen sense of service,” Ms. DeNitto further explained. “They understand the importance of being accessible to their clients and the delicacy of many of the issues they deal with.”