Stacie Polashuk Nelson

Stacie Polashuk Nelson is the leader of Holland & Knight's Private Client Dispute Resolution Practice Group and helps individuals, families, charitable organizations, financial institutions and private professional fiduciaries navigate complex trust, estate and conservatorship disputes. Since 1998, she has represented clients in high-stakes matters involving will and trust contests, fiduciary accounting disputes, breach of fiduciary duty claims, contested conservatorships and financial elder abuse allegations. Stacie combines extensive trial experience with a practical focus on achieving efficient resolutions through strategic counseling, mediation and settlement when those approaches best serve a client's objectives.

Trust and Estate Litigation and Dispute Resolution

Stacie advises clients through every stage of trust and estate disputes, from early risk assessment and conflict avoidance strategies to mediation, settlement negotiations and trial. She works closely with clients to develop legal strategies tailored to their goals, helping them protect personal, family and fiduciary interests in contentious matters involving trusts, estates and conservatorships.

Her experience includes serving as a key member of the jury trial team that propounded and defended the will of Huguette M. Clark in New York County Surrogate's Court, where she was admitted pro hac vice in connection with the matter.

Estate and Trust Administration

Stacie assists clients with contentious trust and estate administrations, helping fiduciaries fulfill their duties while protecting the interests of beneficiaries, including charitable organizations. When disputes arise or court guidance is needed, she helps clients seek judicial approval of fiduciary actions and obtain court instructions to facilitate effective administration.

She also counsels corporate fiduciaries and private professional fiduciaries, which often face heightened scrutiny in their fiduciary roles. By advising on administration practices and dispute prevention, Stacie helps clients reduce litigation risk while addressing challenges that may arise with beneficiaries.

In addition to her client work, Stacie maintains an active commitment to pro bono service and supports community and charitable organizations. Clients have recognized her responsiveness, relationship-building skills and legal judgment, with Chambers High Net Worth 2024 noting that she is "super responsive and really knowledgeable" and "does great legal work as well."

Reported Decisions

• Colvis v. Binswanger, 96 Cal. App. 5th 393 (2023)
• Estate of Dehgani-Fard, 141 Cal.App.4th 797 (2006)

Stacie is super responsive and really knowledgeable. She is such a great relationship manager and does great legal work as well.

– Chambers High Net Worth 2024 guide