Joshua Rubenstein, Chair of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Practice, was quoted in an article in Private Asset Management on the future of the federal estate tax. He notes that Congress can either patch the system at 2009 rates, fix the estate tax, or do nothing. In this climate, many families are wondering how they ought to prepare. “This is the first time I can think of that we not only do not know what the law will be next year, but we don't even know what it is today,” Mr. Rubenstein says. “Because of this families should map out their options with their advisors, and try to retain maximum flexibility. They should also be prepared at year-end this year, more than any other prior year-end, to take actions based upon the knowledge that they should have at that point that Congress has or has not acted.” (“The Future of the Federal Estate Tax,” September 29, 2010)