Experience
JENNIFER A. CIVITELLA HILARIO, ESQ.
​
617.329.9616 ext. 2
​
During law school at Boston College, I spent most of my extracurricular time as a volunteer with Shelter Legal Services, representing veterans and women who were homeless or in imminent risk of homelessness on legal matters. After law school, I started my legal career as an elder law attorney. I counseled families on long-term care planning and guardianship matters. I also worked with parents to implement trusts for children with special needs. My practice evolved after I attained my Masters (LL.M.) in Taxation at Boston University and focused on sophisticated estate and business tax planning. I practiced as an estate and tax law attorney at a Boston-based business law firm for ten years. In 2017, I started my own estate and tax planning law firm in North Cambridge. The focus of my practice is to assist families and individuals with estate planning for their unique circumstances. My approach is to understand each client’s unique goals and objectives and to develop an appropriate estate plan, often through tax-sensitive strategies. My clients' profiles have dramatically changed since I began my legal career, but their preference to work with an attorney who takes the time to listen and understand their families' needs remains the same.
Education & Bar Admissions
I am a 2003 graduate of Boston College Law School and received my undergraduate degree magna cum laude from Rosemont College in 2000. After receiving my J.D., I attained my LL.M. from Boston University’s Graduate Tax Program in 2006, graduating with my class’s highest cumulative GPA. I am licensed in both Massachusetts and Florida.
​
Professional & Community Involvement / Professional Recognitions
I am an active member of the Boston Estate Planning Counsel, currently serving on its Board of Directors. Previously, I served as a chair, vice chair, and member of several BEPC committees since 2009. I am an active member of the Boston Bar Association and Massachusetts Bar Association. I served on The Boston Foundation’s Professional Advisor Network from 2009 until 2011. I was a volunteer attorney with Shelter Legal Services Foundation Inc. from 2003 until 2011 and served as a Board Member from 2009 through 2011. I also served as the chair of the Pro Bono Committee of the Boston Trusts & Estates Consortium from 2017 through 2019. I have been a member of the Boston Probate & Estate Planning Forum since 2018. I was a middle and high school catechist with Sts. Louis & Zelie Martin Parish in Somerville, Massachusetts from 2018 through 2020.
I received the Accredited Estate Planner® designation from the National Association of Estate Planning Councils in April 2023. I have been recognized by Super Lawyers® since 2019 and Best Lawyers® for Trusts & Estates since 2020.
Publications & Presentations
​
-
Estate Administration Client Checklist, MCLE, March 2024 (Presenter)
-
Ethical Issues Estate Planners Encounter, MCLE, June 2022 (Presenter)
-
Ethics of Managing Family Dynamics in Estate Planning, MCLE, June 2019, June 2020 (Presenter)
-
Estate Planning Symposium 2015, MCLE, June 2015 (Presenter)
-
Estate Planning: Client Hypotheticals, MCLE, June 2015 (Presenter)
-
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts: An Overview of Drafting, Funding and Administering an ILIT, BBA, April 2015 (Presenter)
-
Gifting Basics: Year-End Planning for the Estate Planner, BBA, December 2014 (Presenter)
-
Death Bed Planning, MCLE, October 2012 (Presenter)
-
Lessons from Turner to Protect Against IRS Challenges to FLPs, Estate Planning Magazine, Summer 2012 (Co-Author)
-
Gifting Strategies, MCLE, May 2010 (Presenter)
-
When is an Irrevocable Trust Not Really Irrevocable, Women’s Business Boston, May 2009
-
Pass Along your Family’s Business through Gifting, Women’s Business Boston, June 2008
-
The State Matters, Private Wealth Magazine, April/May 2008 (Co-Author)
SAMANTHA B. OWENS, ESQ.
​
617.329.9616 ext. 3
​
Before joining JC Hilario, PC, I practiced as an estate and trust administration attorney in an Boston-based international law firm for five years. With a strong foundation in estate administration law, I work closely with individuals and families to ensure a smooth process when settling estates, offering compassionate and precise guidance during an emotional time. I draw inspiration from my personal experiences to connect with my clients. I always strive to provide clear, practical solutions tailored to each client’s unique needs, making sure they feel supported every step of the way.
​
​
Education & Bar Admissions
​
I am a 2014 graduate of Washington & Lee University School of Law and received my undergraduate degree from Tufts University in 2011. I am licensed in Massachusetts.
​
Professional & Civic Community Involvement
I am a member of the Boston Bar Association and the Massachusetts Black Women Attorneys.
Interests & Skills
When not practicing law, I enjoy being outdoors, gardening, and am an avid follower of Formula One. Most of the time outside of work, I can be found spending time with my husband and my children, Ellis and Margot.