Philip S. Kaufmann is a partner and group chair in Stark & Knoll’s Estate Planning & Probate Group. Phil’s focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning, probate, guardianships, Medicaid planning, disability trusts and special needs planning.
“The best part of estate planning and estate administration is assisting people in setting their future goals in a way to make sure these goals are carried out as a legacy to the life they have lived.” – Philip S. Kaufmann
Experience
Phil is a leader in the area of estate planning and trust issues for those with special needs. Prior to joining Stark & Knoll, Phil was the managing partner of Kaufmann & Kaufmann, a successful law firm in the Akron area.
Court Admissions
- United States Supreme Court
- United States Tax Court
- United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit
- United States District Court for the Northern District of Ohio
- State of Ohio
Bar Associations
- Akron Bar Association, Probate Section, Past Foundation President
- Ohio State Bar Association, Probate Section
- American Bar Association
Education
- The University of Akron School of Law, Juris Doctor, 1971
- Loyola University, Bachelor of Arts, 1968
Professional & Community Leadership
- American College of Trust and Estate Council - Fellow
- Blossom Music Center – Past Member, Board of Overseers
- BVU: Center for Non-Profit Excellence – Board of Trustees
- Catholic Diocese of Cleveland Foundation - Trustee
- Community Fund Management Foundation in Cleveland – Board of Trustees
- North Coast Community Homes – Past Secretary and Treasurer
- Ohio Association of County Board of MRDD – Past Member and Chairman
- Salvation Army of Summit County – Advisory Board
- Summa Foundation - Trustee
- Summit County Board of MRDD – Past Member and Chairman
- Summit County Historical Society – Trust Advisory Committee
- The University of Akron – Past Chairman of the Board of Trustees
- Village at St. Edward – Board of Trustees
- Village at St. Edward Foundation – Chairman of Board of Trustees
Honors & Awards
- Akron Bar Association and Catholic Diocese, Sir Thomas More Award, 2002
- Arc of Summit and Portage Counties' - Hall of Honor, 2009
- Best Lawyers in America® - Trusts and Estates, 1995-present
- Fairlawn Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year - 2002
- Inside Business Leading Lawyer, Trusts and Estates
- Ohio Super Lawyers® - Estate Planning and Probate, 2004-present
- Summit County Board of MRDD - Life Membership Award, 2007
- The University of Akron - Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree, 2010
- The University of Akron Board of Trustees - Chairman Emeritus, 2010