Elena Hoffstein

M. Elena Hoffstein, distinguished by her FEA accreditation, specializes in a comprehensive range of estate planning services, including the intricacies of family business succession and corporate restructuring. Her expertise also extends to addressing the unique challenges of cross-border and international estate planning, creating wills, establishing trusts, and drafting marriage contracts. Elena stands out as a pivotal figure in charity law, where she offers invaluable advice to both charitable organizations and donors, focusing on legislative, tax, and regulatory frameworks as well as strategies for tax-efficient charitable donations.

Elena's approach to family business succession planning and corporate reorganizations is particularly noteworthy. She navigates the complexities of varying legal and tax landscapes to safeguard multi-jurisdictional assets and business interests, ensuring seamless transitions and enduring legacies.

In the realm of estate litigation, whether it involves contesting wills, addressing mental capacity issues, or seeking the court's guidance and approval for fiduciary accounts, Elena's representation spans the spectrum from contentious to non-contentious matters, always with a keen eye on her clients' best interests.

Acknowledged as a leading authority in charity and not-for-profit law, Elena's counsel helps organizations navigate the maze of regulations and maximize philanthropic impact through strategic gift planning. Her contributions to the field have not gone unnoticed, earning her the Ontario Bar Association's Award of Excellence in Trusts and Estates, among other accolades such as Lexpert’s Zenith Award and the prestigious “AV” ranking from Martindale-Hubbell.

Elena's commitment to sharing her knowledge is evident in her active participation in conferences and seminars for esteemed institutions like the Canadian Tax Foundation and the Law Society of Ontario. Moreover, her written work, including co-authoring "Charity Law in Canada" and serving as co-editor of key legal publications, underscores her role as a thought leader.

Admitted to the Ontario bar in 1980, Elena's academic background is as impressive as her professional journey, holding a J.D. from the University of Toronto and an M.A. from Columbia University, which complement her B.A. from the University of Toronto. This solid educational foundation has equipped her with the tools to navigate the complexities of her field and make significant contributions to estate and charity law.