In planning, he seeks to provide a stable structure to support the goals and legacy of clients when they are no longer available to manage things capably.  He pays particular attention to guiding proper communication between clients and their chosen fiduciaries so that confusion does not take hold in a crisis.

When assisting fiduciaries, Stephan focuses on  gameplanning so that clients can understand the parameters of their role and provide clear direction and communication on how they are completing their task.

In addition to the above areas, Stephan enjoys assisting families dealing with the growing spectrum of elder issues and the legal complications that arise from them.  As a twin, one of four siblings, and father of three, Stephan has experience and keen interest in the many complicated aspects of family and intergenerational dynamics that relate to his work.  

Unique to his experience in charitable gift planning, Stephan has served both as a planned giving officer and as a planning attorney and greatly enjoys integrating charitable giving into estate plans. Clients who choose to include a charitable legacy in their plans represent a forward-thinking group of individuals dedicated to the future growth and development of their community and the world. By assisting in these efforts, Stephan enjoys playing a small role in the great philanthropic efforts of individuals. He takes seriously the responsibility of advising clients on how to best structure charitable plans so that the clients intentions for the charity are most likely to be achieved and the proper structure and benefitting organizations are chosen.

While planning and administration are the bulk of Mr. Lipskis practice, he also maintains proficiency in business and taxation issues. On the business front, he focuses on business succession, transition, exit planning, and structuring. Stephan’s tax law proficiency is focused in trust, gift, estate, and transfer taxation, but he also has significant experience in tax structuring, payroll tax disputes, offshore account disclosures, and income and business tax planning.

Stephan has been repeatedly recognized for various accolades including: SuperLawyers; Virginia Business’ Legal Elite; InsideBiz’ Top Lawyers of Coastal Virginia; Best Lawyers; and others. He is a member of Downtown Norfolk Rotary, the Norfolk Academy Alumni Board, a past president of the Hampton Roads Gift Planning Council, and a member of the Hampton Roads Estate Planning Council.  He also serves on the Foundation and Home boards for Saint Mary’s Home in Norfolk.