Overview
Lou Nostro focuses his practice on estate planning, with an emphasis on implementing effective and efficient tax reduction strategies. He is board certified by The Florida Bar as a specialist in both Taxation and Wills, Trusts & Estates, and is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).
Lou serves on the board of trustees for the University of Florida's Levin College of Law and is a founding board member and past chair of the Florida Tax Institute. He has been named as one of the “Top 100” estate planning attorneys in the nation by Worth magazine; and was named as a 2018 "Estate Planning Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers; and has been recognized by Florida Trend magazine, the South Florida Legal Guide and numerous other publications.
Lou is a frequent speaker on estate and philanthropic planning topics. He was an adjunct professor at the University of Miami College of Law for several years.
Honors
- Chambers High Net Worth Guide, Private Wealth Law: Florida, 2019-24
- The Best Lawyers in America®
- Estate Planning "Lawyer of the Year" in Miami, 2018
- Tax Law, 2008-25
- Trusts & Estates, 2006-25
- Florida Super Lawyers, 2007-24
- "Top 100 Estate Planning Attorneys," Worth Magazine, 2006
News & Insights
- "20 Things You Should Know Regarding the Funding & Administration of Charitable Trusts," Florida Tax Institute, April 6, 2023
- "Federal Estate & Gift Taxes," Florida Bar Wills, Trusts & Estates Certification Review Course, March 31, 2023
- "Advanced Charitable Planning," Florida Tax Institute, February 23, 2023
Speaking Engagements
Publications
Blog Posts
Involvement
Professional Associations & Memberships
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
- Fellow
- Florida Fellows Institute, Program Chair, 2015-present
- Florida Bar
- Real Property
- Probate & Trust Law Section
- Florida Tax Institute
- Founding Board Member
- Past Chair
- University of Florida, Law Center Association, Trustee, 2014-present
Civic & Community Service
- Camillus House, Board Member, 2019
- Little Kids Rock, Florida Advisory Board, 2015-present
- Miami Lighthouse for the Blind
- Board Member, 2015-present
- Chair, 2017-18
- Perez Art Museum of Miami, Planned Giving Leadership Committee, 2013-present
- Plymouth Congregational Church, Pro Bono Attorney, 2005-present
Practices
Education
- University of Florida, LL.M. in Taxation, 1987
- University of Florida, J.D., with honors, 1982
- University of Florida, B.S. with honors, 1978
Admissions
- Florida, 1982
- Certified Specialist in Wills, Trusts & Estates
- Certified Specialist in Taxation
- U.S. Tax Court