Sarah Cotton Patterson

Sarah Cotton Patterson: Trust and Estate Planning Expert in Little Rock

For eighteen years, Sarah Cotton Patterson has been a dedicated advocate for individuals and organizations seeking expert guidance in trust and estate planning. As a valued member of the Trust and Estate Planning Practice Group, Sarah’s deep understanding of complex legal issues, coupled with her exceptional reputation within the legal community, makes her an invaluable asset for clients navigating intricate matters of wealth preservation, estate administration, and tax optimization. Sarah’s commitment to providing strategic legal counsel and delivering exceptional results has solidified her position as a leading attorney in her field.

Sarah’s practice focuses on providing comprehensive legal solutions across a broad spectrum of estate planning needs, including estate, trust, and tax matters for individuals, as well as entity formation and business planning. She skillfully assists both individuals and non-profit and tax-exempt organizations with formation, meticulous planning, and crucial tax issues, ensuring their long-term financial stability and compliance. Her experience extends from assisting executors and trustees in the efficient distribution of estate assets, adhering strictly to the terms of Last Wills and Trusts, to implementing proactive long-term planning strategies designed for lasting impact.

A key element of Sarah’s expertise lies in her thorough understanding of fiduciary income tax returns for estates and trusts. She meticulously reviews these returns and provides insightful advice to preparers, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Furthermore, Sarah has a proven track record of representing clients involved in challenging estate and trust controversies, providing robust defense and strategic counsel to both individual and corporate fiduciary clients. She has successfully navigated numerous disputes, protecting her clients’ interests and safeguarding their assets.

Sarah’s commitment to her clients extends beyond routine matters; she has consistently represented beneficiaries in estate and trust controversies, skillfully advocating for their rights and seeking equitable resolutions. Her recognition as a Fellow by the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) underscores her deep knowledge of trust and estate planning law and her respected standing within the legal community. This prestigious appointment demonstrates her dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal expertise and ethical conduct.

Throughout her distinguished career, Sarah has been consistently recognized for her outstanding legal achievements. She has been named “Lawyer of the Year” by *The Best Attorney USA* in 2020 for her work in trust and estates, in 2018 and 2012 for her litigation work in trust and estates, and in 2017 for her nonprofit/charities law. These accolades reflect her unwavering commitment to excellence and her profound impact on the legal landscape.

Sarah's extensive experience includes representing a diverse range of estates and trusts, providing comprehensive support throughout probate proceedings and trust administration. She is adept at managing complex legal processes and ensuring the smooth and efficient handling of estate assets. Her litigation experience in trust and estates matters reflects her strong courtroom skills and ability to achieve favorable outcomes for her clients.

Practice Areas:

• Litigation – Trusts and Estates: Sarah possesses extensive litigation experience in trust and estate matters, skillfully defending clients’ rights and advocating for their best interests.
• Nonprofit / Charities Law: She offers specialized legal counsel to non-profit and tax-exempt organizations, focusing on formation, ongoing compliance, and strategic planning.
• Trusts and Estates: Sarah provides a full range of trusts and estates services, encompassing estate planning, trust administration, and probate administration.
• Tax Law: She provides expert legal counsel on fiduciary income tax returns for estates and trusts, ensuring compliance and minimizing tax liabilities.

Awards & Recognition:

• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Little Rock) - 2026, 2024, 2018, 2012
• Lawyer of the Year: Nonprofit / Charities Law (Little Rock) – 2021, 2017
• Lawyer of the Year: Trusts and Estates (Little Rock) – 2020
• Lawyer of the Year: Litigation - Trusts and Estates (Little Rock) – 2017
• Recognized: Litigation - Trusts and Estates, Recognized: Nonprofit / Charities Law, Recognized: Trusts and Estates
• Listed in Best Attorney USA: Trusts and Estates, Litigation - Trust and Estates, Nonprofit/Charities Law, since 2009
• Listed in Arkansas Business 40 Under 40
• Named by The Best Attorney USA: Lawyer of the Year 2012, Litigation - Trust and Estates
• Selected by attorney peers for inclusion in Mid-South Super Lawyers since 2009

Education & Credentials:

Sarah Cotton Patterson’s dedication to the legal profession is underscored by her credentials and affiliations. She has been named a Fellow by the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a prestigious recognition that reflects her profound expertise in trust and estate planning law. Her legal career has been marked by numerous accolades, including being named “Lawyer of the Year” by *The Best Attorney USA* for various categories, demonstrating her outstanding achievements and leadership within the legal community.

Bar Admissions: Arkansas Bar

Affiliations: American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), The Best Attorney USA, Arkansas Business 40 Under 40, Mid-South Super Lawyers