About Dulaney
Dulaney G. "Dee" Steer: Comprehensive Estate Planning and Nonprofit Legal Expertise in Fort Worth
Dulaney G. "Dee" Steer is a highly respected senior partner at the firm, specializing in Estate Planning, Probate, and Nonprofit Organizations. With decades of experience, Mr. Steer provides comprehensive legal counsel to individuals, families, and organizations navigating complex legal matters related to wealth management, charitable giving, and organizational governance. He’s known for his meticulous approach, dedication to client needs, and deep understanding of both legal strategy and the nuances of family and business dynamics. Mr. Steer's expertise spans a wide range of services, from the initial creation of estate plans to ongoing administration and strategic guidance.
Mr. Steer’s practice encompasses a broad spectrum of legal services, including the preparation of sophisticated estate planning documents such as complex wills, irrevocable trusts, revocable trusts, prenuptial agreements, limited partnership documents, and limited liability company documents. He excels at tailoring solutions to address unique family situations and business challenges, working closely with clients to develop strategies that align with their goals and values.
On behalf of numerous individual and corporate trustees and executors, grantors, beneficiaries, and heirs, Mr. Steer handles intricate trust and estate administration matters, providing expert guidance through challenging circumstances. He possesses significant experience in resolving trust and will interpretation/modification lawsuits, ensuring the accurate and equitable distribution of assets according to legal requirements. Furthermore, Mr. Steer is a recognized authority on tax-related issues within estate planning, preparing and representing clients in examinations of estate and gift tax returns, both in audits and on appeals, and in Tax Court litigation. His proactive approach minimizes potential tax liabilities and protects his clients’ financial interests.
Beyond traditional estate planning, Mr. Steer offers specialized expertise in nonprofit corporations and charitable trusts. He advises clients on the formation, operation, and financing of nonprofit organizations, navigating the complexities of charitable law and ensuring compliance with IRS regulations. He works in close collaboration with numerous public charities and private foundations, providing crucial support on corporate governance, tax matters, structuring charitable gifts and grants, and compliance strategies. This work reflects his commitment to supporting philanthropic endeavors and fostering impactful communities.
Mr. Steer’s contributions extend beyond his legal practice. He has demonstrated a longstanding commitment to community engagement, serving on the boards of local charities and currently holding officer positions with prominent organizations, including the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, the Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc., The Philecology Foundation, and Event Facilities Fort Worth, Inc. These affiliations underscore his dedication to civic leadership and his belief in the power of organizations to make a positive difference.
His expertise has been widely recognized through numerous accolades, including being recognized by the Fort Worth Business Press and Fort Worth Magazine as one of the city’s top attorneys in the estate planning area, as voted on by local attorneys. He was also selected to be included in the 2007-2014 editions of The Best Attorney USA®, for his work in the Trusts and Estates area and in the 2007-2014 editions of The Best Attorney USA®, for his work in the Nonprofits and Charities area. This recognition reflects his consistent dedication to excellence and his impact on the legal community.
Practice Areas:
- Nonprofit | Charities Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Estate and Probate Law
- Tax-Exempt Organizations
- Private Foundations
- Charitable Gift Planning
Awards & Recognition:
- Recognized in Best Attorney USA since 2007
- Top Attorney – Fort Worth Magazine (2012, 2014, 2021, 2023, 2024)
- Attorney of Excellence – Fort Worth Business Press (2003, 2004)
- Texas Super Lawyers (2008-2024)
- Thomson Reuters (2008-2024)
- Featured in 360 West magazine (2017-2025)
- Elite 100 – Fort Worth Business Press
- Recognized: Nonprofit | Charities Law, Recognized: Trusts and Estates
Education & Credentials:
- Bar Admissions: Texas State Bar
- Special Focus Areas: Charitable Gift Planning, Private Foundations, Tax-Exempt Organizations
- Best Lawyers Recognition: Included in Best Attorney USA (2007-2014) and Best Attorney USA (2007-2014) for Trusts and Estates work
- Affiliations: Sid W. Richardson Foundation, Lee and Ramona Bass Foundation, Performing Arts Fort Worth, Inc., The Philecology Foundation, Event Facilities Fort Worth, Inc.
Location: Fort Worth, Texas
Mr. Steer is dedicated to providing personalized, strategic legal guidance to clients seeking to protect their assets, support their philanthropic goals, and ensure the long-term success of their organizations. His experience, coupled with his commitment to client service, makes him a trusted legal partner for individuals and organizations across a wide range of needs.
Practice Areas
Professional Affiliations
Awards & Recognition
- Recognized: Nonprofit / Charities Law
- Recognized: Trusts and Estates
- Special Focus: Charitable Gift Planning
- Special Focus: Private Foundations
- Special Focus: Tax-Exempt Organizations
- Best Lawyers in America®, 2007-2026Nonprofit | Charities LawTrusts and Estates
- Nonprofit | Charities Law
- Trusts and Estates
- Texas Super Lawyers, Thomson Reuters, 2008-2024Nonprofit Organizations
- Nonprofit Organizations
- Top Attorney, Fort Worth Magazine, 2012, 2014, 2021, 2023, 2024Nonprofit Law
- Nonprofit Law
- Top Attorney, 360 West magazine, 2017-2025Attorneys for NonprofitWills, Trusts, Estates, and Probates
- Attorneys for Nonprofit
- Wills, Trusts, Estates, and Probates
- Attorney of Excellence, Elite 100, Fort Worth Business Press, 2004
- Attorney of Excellence, Fort Worth Business Press, 2003Estate and Probate Law
- Estate and Probate Law