Stephanie Seiffert

Partner, Nixon Peabody LLP

Years in current role: 10

What changes in the legal industry do you believe will have the biggest impact on clients over the next few years?

Technology will continue to revolutionize the way law is practiced. There are all kinds of efficiencies that we can rely on to help with things like timekeeping and file management. This frees up more time to concentrate on clients’ needs and help ensure they have a plan in place to secure their legacy. However, because personal connection is so crucial in a trusts and estates practice, it is hard to imagine that AI will ever completely replace human interaction.

How do you balance legal expertise with client service and relationship-building?

Balance is a tricky concept! As I started out in my career, the focus was assuredly on honing my skills and developing my expertise. That is still a daily activity. Now, relationship building is the foundation of my practice. Providing excellent client service is the most important skill an attorney can have. I cannot provide that high level of service on my own. Strong internal relationships with colleagues facilitate the production of efficient, top notch work product. Becoming a trusted advisor to my clients and their families is of the utmost importance to me and has resulted in many decades-long client relationships. And finally, building relationships with referral networks of other professionals is key to an ever-growing, successful practice.

How important is community involvement or pro bono work within your organization?

Community involvement is part of the very fabric of our culture at Nixon Peabody. We believe attorneys have the ability and the obligation to advocate for those often overlooked by our justice system. Our pro bono work focuses on racial justice, LGBT+ equality, sustainability, and more — serving vulnerable individuals and families in our communities and advancing important causes nationwide. Community service has been an important part of my legal career as well. Presently, I am on the Board of Directors of the YWCA Rochester and Monroe County. I also serve on the Foundation Board for Heritage Christian Services and as the Chair of their Planned Giving Committee.

What is one accomplishment — professional or personal — that you are especially proud of?

First and foremost, I am incredibly proud of the accomplishments of my children Joseph (23), Sophia (21), and Lillian (15). I could write chapters about them! For me, my proudest professional accomplishment was being named a partner at Nixon Peabody. When I graduated from law school at the University of Miami (Go Canes!), I knew I wanted to return to Rochester to practice. Working for a top 100 law firm at the time was only a dream. I am incredibly proud to be a not only a partner at NP, but that I am entrusted to lead our Private Clients group in New York. I am grateful for our wonderful clients and my top-notch team of professionals that make coming to work enjoyable every day.

This profile is part of our Trusts & Estates Power List for 2026. Information used in this profile was sourced from the honoree. View the full list at rbj.net.