About Cassandra
Cassandra Nelson: Leading Trusts and Estates Attorney in North Miami Beach
Cassandra S. Nelson is a respected shareholder at Nelson & Nelson, P.A., a distinguished trusts and estates law firm located in North Miami Beach, Florida. She is a dedicated legal professional specializing in safeguarding assets, meticulously planning estates, and providing comprehensive guidance across a wide range of complex legal matters. Ms. Nelson’s expertise encompasses estate planning, asset protection strategies, sophisticated tax law, specialized services for individuals with special needs, guardianship proceedings, and the efficient administration of probate estates.
With a deep understanding of Florida’s legal landscape, Cassandra’s approach is rooted in proactive planning and a commitment to protecting her clients’ futures and the legacies they wish to leave behind. She consistently strives to provide tailored solutions that meet each client’s unique circumstances and goals.
Education & Credentials
Cassandra’s academic background and ongoing professional development underscore her dedication to the legal profession. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Miami and a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Emory University School of Law. Currently, she is pursuing an Executive LL.M. in Taxation at New York University, demonstrating her unwavering commitment to staying at the forefront of legal advancements, particularly in areas related to estate and tax planning. Her pursuit of advanced knowledge reflects her dedication to providing clients with the most up-to-date and effective legal strategies.
Recognized Expertise & Awards
Ms. Nelson's exceptional skills and contributions have been widely acknowledged by her peers and industry organizations. She has been consistently recognized as a **future leader in the legal profession**, receiving prestigious accolades including:
- **Recognition in Best Attorney USA** since 2026
- **Ones to Watch® in America** (since 2022) through Best Lawyers
- **“Associates to Watch”** by Chambers USA High Net Worth Guide 2024 in Private Wealth Law Florida
- A **Class IV graduate of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)**, a testament to her significant contributions and expertise within the field.
Legal Scholarship & Publications
Cassandra's commitment to advancing legal knowledge extends beyond her practice. She is an active contributor to legal scholarship, co-authoring numerous articles and chapters in respected publications. These include contributions to *Trust & Estates*, *ActionLine* (Florida Bar), and *Leimberg Information Services*. Notably, she co-authored *Chapter 5: Homestead: Creditor Issues, Asset Protection in Florida* (The Florida Bar, 7th Edition, 2022), a highly regarded resource for Florida attorneys, and has been a co-contributor on several chapters of Barry A. Nelson’s treatise, *Estate Planning and Asset Protection in Florida: A Plan to Survive Unexpected Financial Threats*. Her involvement in these influential publications demonstrates her thorough understanding of and dedication to best practices in trusts and estates law.
Dedicated to Special Needs Advocacy
Beyond her legal expertise, Cassandra’s passion for special needs advocacy is deeply personal. Driven by her experience as the sister of an adult brother with severe autism, she is profoundly committed to supporting families navigating the complexities of special needs planning. She is an active contributor to The Victory Center for Autism and Behavioral Challenges (a not-for-profit corporation), providing counsel on creating special needs trusts – crucial instruments for safeguarding the futures of individuals with disabilities – and establishing appropriate guardianships to ensure their well-being and protection. Her dedication to this vital area of law reflects her genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and their families. Cassandra’s expertise in this area is particularly valuable for families seeking to maximize resources and protect their loved ones' futures.
Practice Areas
- Tax Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Asset Protection
- Special Needs Trusts
- Guardianships
- Probate Administration
City & State Cassandra S. Nelson is a shareholder at Nelson & Nelson, P.A., a trusts and estates law firm in North Miami Beach, Florida.
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized: Tax Law
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates - 2025
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates - 2024
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates - 2023
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates - 2022
- The Best Lawyers in America, Ones to Watch (Since 2022)
- Chambers USA: High Net Worth "Associates to Watch" in Private Wealth Law Florida