Robert Vigoda, a member of Rubin and Rudman’s Executive Committee, focuses his own practice on high-net-worth families in areas such as estate planning, administration, and business succession for family-owned businesses. Rob has been recognized for his experience, imagination, and strong sense of service. Rob represents some of the most financially successful entrepreneurs and families in the country. His proactive approach to identifying and implementing practical strategies has preserved after-tax wealth and ensured business continuation for many entrepreneurs and their families.
Rob practices estate planning, estate administration, and business succession law. Much of the planning Rob designs for high-net-worth families is with an eye towards future generations so that the planning complements the family’s vision of the legacy it wishes to leave behind. In this role, Rob becomes a family confidant, for both the generation of wealth creators as well as multiple generations to follow.
A Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) source commented that Rob’s “experience is impressive,” adding: “I appreciate his results-oriented, but personable approach.” Another commented that “he handles sensitive issues with grace and tact.” And a market commentator adds that “Rob’s precision and application of trust and estates law is unmatched.”
Rob is an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®), a prestigious designation awarded by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. Rob’s deep experience is further informed by a Master’s degree in Estate Planning. Also, because he is a member of the bar in Florida as well as Massachusetts, Rob routinely meets the ongoing needs of area “snowbirds” who become Florida residents while maintaining second homes on the Cape.
Rob was selected by the editors of Worth magazine as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys” in the country for three consecutive years.
Rob’s practice includes:
- Limited partnerships and limited liability companies for asset protection, investment, and wealth preservation purposes
- Strategic use of grantor-retained annuity trusts (GRATs).
- Installment sale of appreciating assets to intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs)
- Creation of Dynasty Trusts that avoid the rule against perpetuities and exempt trust assets from the generation-skipping transfer tax and estate tax in the estates of future generations of beneficiaries
- Sales of closely-held business interests in consideration for self-canceling installment notes (SCINs) or private annuities
- Life insurance planning, including employer and private split-dollar arrangements, irrevocable life insurance trusts (ILITs), and funding techniques that avoid gift taxes
- Charitable planning using retained interest trusts (charitable remainder unitrust and annuity trusts), charitable lead annuity trusts (CLATs), and private foundations
Recognition and Awards
- Listed, The Best Lawyers in America®,
- Tax Law, 2008-2025
- Trusts and Estates, 2008-2025
- Named, Boston Magazine’s Top Lawyers List, Trusts and Estates, 2022-2024
- Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) guide, Private Wealth Law: Massachusetts, 2019-2022
- Selected, Massachusetts Super Lawyers List, 2005-2020
- Worth Magazine – Recognized as one of the “Top 100 Attorneys in the U.S.”, 2005-2007
Professional and Community Involvement
- Honored, Foundation for MetroWest Foundation’s inaugural 2022 “Distinguished Advisor Society Inductee” for Rob’s strong commitment to community and inspirational charitable giving while also working to advance philanthropy in MetroWest.
- Current member and former trustee, Boston Estate Planning Council
- Member, American Bar Association
- Member, Florida Bar Association
- Member, Massachusetts Bar Association
- Member, Former Board of Trustees, Foundation for Metrowest
- Adjunct Professor, Law, Taxation and Financial Planning Department, Bentley College (2005–2007)
- Former Member, Board of Trustees and Chair, Development Committee, Temple Isaiah, Lexington, Mass.
Publications and Speaking Engagements
- Faculty Member, “22nd Annual Estate Planning Conference,” MCLE (April 2021)
- Faculty member, 3rd Annual Family & Closely Held Business Law Conference, MCLE (April 2010)
- Speaker, “Creative Estate Planning and Charitable Planning Techniques,” National Tax Institute (2007–2009)
- Speaker, “How Do You Like Your GRATs: Rolling, Immunized, Graduated, or Deferred?,” Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum (September 2007)
- “Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts: An Effective Estate Planning Technique in Good and Bad Economic Times,” Estate Planning Fundamentals, Boston Bar Association (May 2007)
- Panel moderator, “Estate Tax Legislation: Past Years, the New Year, and the Future,” Boston Estate Planning Council (January 2007)
- Co-author, “Proposed §2704 Treasury Regulations Jeopardize Valuation Discounts for Transfers of Family-Owned Entities” (September 16, 2016)
- Author, “Estate Planning Today: ATRAcadabra and the Magic of a Flexible Design,” Ballentine Bulletin (May 2014)
- Author, “Powers to Replace Trustees: A Key Element of (And Risk To) Dynasty Trusts,” Estate Planning (June 2008)
- Author, “Quick Action Can Beat Hikes in Estate Taxes,” Boston Business Journal, Vol. 12, No. 51 (February 8, 1993)