Gary Altman is the Founder and Principal Attorney of Altman & Associates, a premier estate planning law firm serving the Washington metropolitan area, Maryland, and DC since 1980. With over four decades of experience, Gary has dedicated his career to helping families protect their legacies through thoughtful, expert legal guidance.
As a nationally recognized authority on legacy and business planning, Gary is frequently sought for his "outstanding experience and trustworthiness." His commitment to client needs has earned him consistent recognition as one of the "Best Estate Planners" by Washingtonian and Bethesda magazines. He is also a multi-year recipient of Worth magazine's "Top 100 Attorney" honor and a Super Lawyer in both Maryland and Washington, D.C. Gary is licensed in Maryland, Virginia, Washington, DC, and New York.
A prolific writer and analyst, Gary’s knowledge has been featured in The Washington Post, The New York Times, and The Wall Street Journal. Through his long-running blog, “Altman Speaks, he breaks down complex legal topics into actionable advice for his clients and the community.
Gary’s practice is focused exclusively on estate planning, including:
- Generational Wealth Transfer: Counseling high-net-worth families on complex transitions.
- Contested Estates & Trusts: Resolving sensitive disputes and probate matters.
- Fiduciary Representation: Representing corporate fiduciaries and businesses in trust controversies.
- Expert Testimony: Serving as a leading witness in cases involving fiduciary breach of duty and trust reformation.
Beyond the courtroom, Gary is a dedicated educator and community leader. He has taught advanced estate planning to attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners across the region. His leadership extends to several non-profits; he is the Past President and Chairman of Hope Connections for Cancer Support and has chaired the National Capital Area Chapter of the Financial Planning Association. Gary’s commitment to public service is further evidenced by his past appointments as Chair of the DC Taxicab Commission and the DC Traffic Adjudication Appeals Board.
When he isn't in the office, Gary is likely outdoors. He resides in Potomac, Maryland, with his wife Elizabeth and their three Labrador retrievers. He is a passionate reader and history buff, constantly working on restoring a pre-Civil War historic home. A true wine aficionado and BBQ enthusiast, Gary enjoys hosting friends and colleagues for homemade brick-oven pizza.
