Jerry Focas joined the firm in 1988 and concentrates his practice in estate planning and administration, tax-exempt organizations, business succession planning, and corporate and commercial law.  He and other members of the firm regularly advise individuals, families, and business to design and implement estate plans that protect, manage, and efficiently transfer wealth, with a focus on minimizing estate, gift, generation-skipping transfer, and income taxes.

Jerry’s practice includes the preparation of wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney, advanced medical directives, charitable giving vehicles, generation-skipping transfer planning, life insurance trusts, asset protection structures, and family business succession plans.  He, with other members of the firm, regularly advises personal fiduciaries and beneficiaries relating to all aspects of estate and trust administration, including probate, trust management, fiduciary responsibilities, the preparation of estate, gift and fiduciary income tax returns, and the resolution of complex family and business issues arising during administration.

Jerry brings a practical, problem-solving approach to his work, informed by his broad experience advising business owners and his background in litigation. This perspective allows him to anticipate potential issues and design estate plans that proactively address them.  His clients value his ability to explain complex legal and tax concepts in a clear and practical manner while developing customized solutions designed to meet both immediate and long-term planning goals.

Jerry and other members of the firm regularly serve as independent fiduciaries in clients’ estate plans.  Jerry and his partners oversee the proper management, administration and distribution of estates, trusts, and non-profit foundations in accordance with their governing instruments and governing law.  They provide clients with professional trustee services defined by integrity, accountability, and careful attention to fiduciary responsibilities.

Prior to joining the firm, Jerry served as a Judicial Clerk to the Honorable James S. Sfekas, the Honorable Frank E. Cicone, and the Honorable Alfred L. Brennan, Sr. of the Circuit Court for Baltimore County (1987–1989).  He also worked as a Contracts Management Representative for Westinghouse Electric Corporation from (1984 – 1987).

In addition to his client work, Jerry has a long-standing commitment to the Maryland nonprofit health care and educational community, serving in leadership and advisory roles with organizations including Greater Baltimore Medical Center and Central Scholarship.  Through his board and committee service, he has advised on governance, fiduciary responsibilities, finance, philanthropy, and strategic planning, while helping nonprofit organizations address legal and operational issues in support of their missions and the communities they serve.

A Maryland native, Jerry grew up in the Annapolis area. He currently resides in the Lutherville-Timonium area with his wife.  They have two adult children.