Meister Seelig Acquires Avelino Law in New Jersey

The New York City firm adds Avelino Law LLP's attorneys and staff, expanding its trusts, estates and private client wealth planning practices.

Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Financial Planning

Meister Seelig Acquires Avelino Law in New Jersey

Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC has acquired Avelino Law LLP, a New Jersey boutique law firm headquartered in Florham Park. A. Jude Avelino and Stacey Valentine joined Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC along with 10 attorneys and seven support staff members.

Why it matters

The acquisition strengthens Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC's trusts, estates and private client wealth planning practices and brings its attorney count to more than 100. For New Jersey residents, Avelino Law will maintain its presence in Morris County.

Avelino Law LLP added 10 attorneys and seven support staff members to Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC, bringing the combined firm to more than 100 attorneys. The stub does not disclose the terms of the deal.

The players

Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC

A New York City law firm founded in 1994 that is expanding its trusts, estates and private client wealth planning practices through this acquisition.

Avelino Law LLP

A New Jersey boutique law firm founded in 1999 and headquartered in Florham Park, recognized as a 2026 NJBIZ Best Place to Work.

A. Jude Avelino

The founder of Avelino Law LLP, named a 2026 NJBIZ Leader in Law, who joins Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC through the acquisition.

The details

Avelino Law LLP, founded in 1999, practices estate planning, tax, real estate, business law and litigation from its Florham Park headquarters. Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC, founded in 1994 and based in New York City, already operates an office in East Brunswick, New Jersey.

1994: Meister Seelig & Schuster PLLC is founded.
1999: Avelino Law LLP is founded.
2026: Avelino Law is named a NJBIZ Best Place to Work and A. Jude Avelino is named a NJBIZ Leader in Law.
November 5, 2026: The acquisition is announced.

Market Dynamics

The deal follows NJBIZ's 2026 recognition of Avelino Law as a Best Place to Work and of A. Jude Avelino as a Leader in Law, which marks the firm as a regional talent draw. It reflects a broader pattern of larger firms absorbing established boutique practices to deepen specialized wealth planning capabilities.

Clients of Avelino Law LLP's estate planning and tax practices will now be served by a larger firm with more than 100 attorneys. Residents in Morris County who relied on Avelino Law can continue to work with the firm at its existing presence there.

The takeaway

Consolidation among law firms can expand the range of trusts, estates and wealth planning services available to clients without changing where they work. Clients considering estate planning should confirm which attorneys will handle their matters after an acquisition.