With over 10 years of experience solving complex legal and tax issues for her clients, Erin B. Patterson, JD, CPA now concentrates her law practice exclusively on estate planning, estate and trust administration and business law. Her mission is to provide North Carolina and South Carolina residents – families and business owners – with the advice they need to solidify their legacy.
Prior to founding the firm, Erin counseled primarily high net worth clients regarding advanced estate, trust and business matters as a Partner at another Charlotte law firm. That experience complemented the start of her career which began as a CPA and tax consultant at a “Big 4” accounting firm advising executives at nationwide companies on how to handle and sometimes dispute their state and local income tax obligations. In opening the doors of Erin Patterson Law, she sought to bring her legal and business acumen to those who need it most and in a manner unlike other law firms.
Erin recognizes that a properly planned estate involves much more than who receives assets at death; rather, it requires a careful balancing of objectives, family dynamics, resources, and the tax environment. She understands that the grief experienced after death can hinder an executor or trustee's energy or ability to tackle the responsibilities of the probate process. She empathizes with entrepreneurs who are rightfully absorbed with the daily demands of running a successful business and feel overwhelmed by the attendant legal obligations. Erin's passion is to lift the burden of worry by methodically walking clients through these matters.
Born and raised in New Orleans, Erin is now a proud resident of the Dilworth neighborhood in Charlotte, several blocks from her practice. Her husband, Brad, and two young children are the source of her joy and serve as the inspiration to treat her clients as she hopes her own family would be treated. On the weekends, you might spot Erin walking to the parks in Dilworth with her family and yellow lab, Mojeaux, watching college football, or planning her next international adventure.
Bar Admissions:
- North Carolina (NC Bar #39540)
- South Carolina (SC Bar #104983)
Additional Professional Designations:
- Certified Public Accountant (North Carolina Certificate Number 35871)
Affiliations:
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North Carolina Bar Association
- Member, Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section
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South Carolina Bar
- Member, Probate, Estate Planning and Trust Section
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Mecklenburg County Bar Association
- Member, Estate Planning & Probate Section
- Charlotte Estate Planning Council
- North Carolina Association of Certified Public Accountants
Awards:
- Super Lawyers - North Carolina Rising Stars (Estate Planning), 2019 - 2023
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The Best Lawyers in America
- Corporate Law, 2021
- Trusts and Estates, Corporate Law, and Business Organizations, 2022 & 2023
- Business North Carolina - Legal Elite (Tax & Estate Planning), 2021 - 2023
Education:
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Louisiana State University, 2009
- Juris Doctor and Graduate Diploma in Civil Law
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University of South Carolina, 2006
- Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting
Recent Blog Posts
45th Annual Queens Estate Planners Day
Where NOT to Store Your Estate Plan Documents
2023: Estate Planning in the New Year
New & Noteworthy: Erin Patterson Recognized with 2 New Awards
New & Noteworthy: Erin Patterson Law, PLLC included in "Best Law Firms" 2023
Recommendations
- Our Financial Advisor suggested Erin when we needed to update our wills. Our youngest daughter also did hers. Erin was a pleasure to work with, very friendly and personable. She took the time to get to know us a bit before we got into details, all of which were worked out by phone, with a follow ...
- Erin and her staff go above and beyond in ensuring that their clients needs are addressed and cared for in the creation of wills and trusts. Erin is professional, knowledgeable, friendly and organized. Her attentiveness and listening skills made me feel like she truly cares about my concerns and ...
- I was recently introduced to Erin Patterson and her firm by my asset manager to assist with ongoing estate planning work where my previous law firm was struggling to accomplish my goals. Her reputation as a talented lawyer capable of navigating diverse business and personal issues was spot on. Sh...
- Very competent and thorough. A delight to work with.
- Thank you for prompt and professional service for updating our wills!
- Erin was a pleasure to work with. She was recommended by my financial advisor and what an outstanding recommendation it turned out to be. Erin is efficient, professional, and fairly priced for the excellent service she provides.
- Erin assisted me with updating my Will and Trust documents. She was very thorough in the questions she asked and covered all aspects of future planning. I would highly recommend Erin.
- I recently completed the settlement of my father‘s estate. Prior to dad‘s death Erin P. helped us title all of his assets to be optimally distributed upon his death which was a huge benefit. She and her firm made the settlement process easy for me with timely and clear communications which in tur...
- As a Wealth Advisor, I work with many attorneys. Erin is one of the absolute best I have ever seen in her process, care and diligence. This time I was the client and I experienced it from the other side of the table. Erin asks great questions, takes the time to explain and simplifies the legal la...