From Big Law to Legacy Planning: Why Proactive Estate Planning Matters
In this episode of While You Can: Adventures in Life and Legacy Planning, Amanda Reagan shares her inspiring journey from high-stakes litigation to building a law firm dedicated to proactive estate and succession planning. With years of experience at one of the world’s largest law firms, Amanda brings a fresh perspective on why planning ahead is one of the most powerful things people can do for their loved ones.
How did Amanda Reagan’s journey lead from global litigation to personal legacy work?
Amanda Reagan began her legal career during the 2008 Great Recession, a time when opportunities were scarce and competition in the legal field was intense. After gaining valuable experience with the U.S. Attorney’s Office, she joined DLA Piper’s disputes and litigation group, handling high-stakes matters such as government enforcement actions and IRS disputes. She worked closely with international companies and high-net-worth individuals, helping them resolve complex tax and compliance issues.
While Amanda values the experience she gained in litigation, she realized her true passion lay elsewhere. Litigation, she explains, is reactive—dealing with problems after they occur. Estate planning, on the other hand, allows her to be proactive—helping clients prepare for life’s “what ifs” before they become crises.
In 2023, she left her position as a senior attorney in a global firm’s tax group and launched her own practice, A.E. Reagan Life and Legacy Planning. Her mission is to help families, professionals, and business owners protect what matters most while keeping the courts and government out of their personal affairs.
Why do so few Americans have an estate plan?
During her transition into proactive planning, Amanda discovered a startling truth: nearly 70% of adults in the United States don’t have even a basic estate plan. She explains that many people avoid estate planning because they assume it’s only for the elderly or the wealthy. Others find it uncomfortable to confront their own mortality or mistakenly believe it’s too time-consuming or expensive.
Amanda emphasizes that estate planning is for everyone—not just those with large estates. It’s about creating peace of mind, ensuring that your wishes are clearly documented, and protecting loved ones from unnecessary stress during difficult times. She notes that even the most advanced plans typically take only a few months to complete, with most of the heavy lifting done by advisors, not clients.
How does estate planning change with different life stages?
Amanda’s firm works with a wide range of clients—from young professionals and new parents to seasoned business owners and retirees. She stresses that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, each plan should reflect a client’s unique goals, assets, and family dynamics.
For example, a young family with small children might focus on naming guardians and establishing basic financial protections, while older clients might need more complex strategies involving trusts, succession planning, and tax considerations. Amanda recommends reviewing estate plans every five years—or at least once a year on your birthday—as a personal reminder to keep everything current.
She compares estate planning to building a sturdy house: “Your legal documents are the foundation. Once that foundation is strong, you can add new structures or adjust what’s needed as your life changes.”
What are the five essential estate planning documents every Florida adult should have?
Amanda outlines five key legal documents that form the foundation of any solid estate plan in Florida:
- Last Will and Testament – Defines how your assets are distributed after your passing. However, Amanda notes that having a will does not avoid probate in Florida.
- Living Will – Outlines your medical wishes if you’re incapacitated and can’t communicate.
- Health Care Surrogate Designation – Appoints someone you trust to make healthcare decisions on your behalf.
- Durable Power of Attorney – Authorizes a trusted individual to act on your behalf in financial and legal matters.
- Pre-Need Guardian Declaration – Names who you would want the court to appoint as your guardian if you ever require one.
Amanda explains that these documents are not just for seniors—they’re vital tools for any adult who wants control over their future. Having them in place ensures that decisions about your health, finances, and family are made according to your wishes, not by default government statutes.
Why does Amanda see estate planning as empowerment?
For Amanda, estate planning isn’t about paperwork—it’s about empowerment. By guiding clients through these decisions before emergencies arise, she helps them gain clarity, security, and confidence. Her work allows individuals and families to focus on what truly matters, knowing their affairs are in order.
She believes the greatest gift you can leave your loved ones is the peace of mind that comes from planning ahead. “You should be taking action in proactive planning while you can,” Amanda says. “If you don’t, you’re rolling the dice for another day that may never come.”
Where can people learn more about starting their estate plan?
If you’re ready to start your own estate planning journey in Florida, visit aereagan.com to schedule a consultation or get connected with a professional in your state.