Russell J. Fishkind – Top Attorney
Princeton, NJ WW/Press/ – Russell J. Fishkind, Partner, with Saul Ewing LLP is recognized and distinguished in the Top Attorneys of North America 2025-2026 edition.
Russell J. Fishkind has built a remarkable career at the intersection of law, finance, and family legacy. As a partner in the Trusts & Estates Practice at Saul Ewing LLP, he advises some of the nation’s wealthiest families on complex estate matters. With a unique blend of practical experience, academic expertise, and published insights, Fishkind is a leading authority in trusts, estates, and probate law.
Fishkind’s journey to becoming one of America’s most respected estate planning attorneys began in the financial sector. Early in his career, he worked as a trust and estate administrator and financial officer for the U.S. Trust Company of New York. This hands-on experience gave him invaluable insight into the inner workings of estate management, a foundation that continues to inform his legal strategies today.
He later co-founded Rudolph & Fishkind, establishing offices in New York City and East Brunswick, New Jersey. This entrepreneurial endeavor highlighted his ability to address multi-jurisdictional estate planning challenges, a critical skill when working with high-net-worth families with assets spread across state lines.
Before joining Saul Ewing LLP, Fishkind served as chair of the Trusts & Estates Team at Wilentz, Goldman & Spitzer P.A., where he further cemented his reputation as a skilled practitioner and leader in the field.
At Saul Ewing LLP, Fishkind focuses on crafting sophisticated estate plans for affluent families, addressing their unique challenges and needs:
Wealthy families face more than just tax complications when structuring their estates. Fishkind works closely with clients to build comprehensive strategies that protect their legacy, navigate family dynamics, and align with philanthropic and business goals. His approach ensures wealth is preserved and effectively transferred across generations.
Entrepreneurs face high stakes when transitioning their businesses to the next generation. Without proper planning, decades of hard work can unravel, leaving families divided. Fishkind specializes in helping business owners navigate the intricate legal, financial, and familial challenges of succession planning, ensuring smooth transitions and preserving family unity.
Ultra-wealthy families often establish family offices to manage their assets and affairs. These complex structures require expert legal counsel to ensure effective operation. Fishkind’s deep understanding of wealth management enables him to guide families in structuring and maintaining efficient family office operations.
Estate disputes are often emotionally charged and legally complex. With a background in estate administration, Fishkind brings both litigation expertise and practical understanding to resolve contentious cases. His ability to navigate probate processes makes him especially effective in resolving high-stakes disputes.
In addition to his legal practice, Fishkind serves as an Assistant Adjunct Professor at New York University’s Department of Finance, Taxation, and Law. There, he teaches estate and business succession planning, shaping the next generation of professionals entering this specialized field. His academic role not only underscores his expertise but also keeps him attuned to emerging trends, which he integrates into his client work.
Fishkind’s contributions extend beyond the classroom. He is also an accomplished author, having written several influential publications:
“Probate Wars of the Rich and Famous”
This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at high-profile estate disputes, examining common mistakes made by celebrities and wealthy families. It offers practical lessons for avoiding similar pitfalls.
“Legacy of a Lifetime”
This accessible guide simplifies estate planning for everyday families, breaking down complex concepts into practical advice for those without legal or financial expertise.
“J.K. Lasser Pro’s Estate Business Succession Planning – A Legal Guide to Wealth Transfer”
As a co-author, Fishkind contributed to this respected reference, which provides detailed guidance on business succession planning and wealth transfer.
Through his writing, Fishkind demonstrates an exceptional ability to communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences, from professionals to families seeking clarity in estate planning.
Fishkind’s expertise has earned widespread recognition within the legal and financial communities. He has been admitted to practice law in New York (1989) and New Jersey (1990), equipping him to handle the multi-state complexities of high-net-worth estate planning cases.
He has been named to the Super Lawyers list (2005, 2007–2009) for excellence in estate and trust litigation, business law, and probate planning. This honor, based on a rigorous peer-review process, attests to his professional achievements and reputation. Most recently, he was featured in the “Top Attorneys of North America 2025–2026” edition, further solidifying his standing as one of the continent’s elite legal practitioners.
In addition Attorney Fishkind has appeared on numerous television shows, including as legal commentator on the Investigation Discovery’s “Cashed Out” detailing the litigation involved in the estates of Michael Jackson, Prince, Johnny Carson, Amy Winehouse, B.B. King and Robin Williams.
Fishkind’s work exemplifies the importance of a comprehensive approach to estate planning. His career, spanning finance, law, and academia, equips him with a nuanced understanding of family dynamics, tax implications, business realities, and long-term wealth preservation. This holistic perspective allows him to design tailored strategies that address all facets of his clients’ needs.
As estate planning evolves to address changes in tax laws, economic conditions, and family structures, practitioners like Fishkind play a vital role in helping families adapt. His blend of practical experience, academic engagement, and thought leadership ensures he remains at the forefront of the field.
For families navigating complex estate challenges, Fishkind offers unparalleled expertise and guidance. His career reflects a commitment to excellence, innovation, and education, making him one of the most trusted names in modern estate planning.
The Top Attorneys of North America, a New York based publication, distinguishes and profiles leading attorneys who have reached a recognizable degree of success and leadership in their field. The directory is valued for promoting awareness of the accomplishments within the North American legal community.
