Laura Thomas

Laura Thomas is an Associate in the firm’s Estate Planning, Estate & Trust Administration, Tax and Corporate practice groups. She advises individuals, families and small business of their estate planning needs and tax needs. Laura takes extra care to accommodate her clients’ wishes, understanding that estate administration is often emotionally difficult, and that a well formed plan can be crucial to helping a family get through a challenging time. She is diligent in her drafting of wills, trusts, advance directives, powers of attorney, business formation agreements and transfer documents.
Prior to joining Paley Rothman as an Associate, Laura worked at the office of the Comptroller of Maryland as a Tax Consultant in the Estate Tax Unit. While there, she examined and audited Maryland estate tax returns and refund claims; corresponded with attorneys, accountants, Personal Representatives and Register of Wills offices regarding Maryland estate tax returns; responded to tax inquiries regarding the Maryland estate tax; and reviewed estate tax closing letters, penalty and interest waivers and payment plans. She also spoke to groups of lawyers and accountants about the Maryland estate tax, and assisted with Tax Court cases. Before working at the Comptroller’s office, she was an estate planning Associate at another law firm.

Estate Planning

Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills

Tax Law

Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning

• Estate & Trust Administration
• Corporate

Maryland

Pennsylvania

Associate

Paley Rothman

Current

Villanova University School of Law

LL.M. (2016) | Taxation

The Catholic University of America Columbus School of Law

J.D. (2011)

2011

Activities: - President, Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity International - Treasurer, Health Law Society

University of Pittsburgh - Pittsburgh

B.A. (2006)

“Rising Stars” (2013-2014, 2018)

Maryland Super Lawyers

2018

"Rising Stars"

Washington D.C. Super Lawyers

2018

best Law Firms

U.S. News & Best Lawyers

- Tier 2 National Ranking for Trusts & Estates - Tier 1 Metropolitan (D.C. area) Ranking for Trusts & Estates

Howard County’s Finest Under 35

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation

Pennsylvania Bar Association

Current

Howard County Bar Association Young Lawyers’ Section, Estates & Trusts Section

Current

Activities: Young Lawyers’ Section, Estates & Trusts Section

Maryland State Bar

Member

Current

Activities: - Estates & Trusts Section Council - Estates & Trusts Section - Young Lawyers’ Division

American Bar Association - Young Lawyers Division

- Vice-Chair, Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Committee

2018 - 2019