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Attorneys Erica K. Smith Roodhouse and Clare McQueen Join Legacy Protection Lawyers

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 2024

For more information contact: William “Bill” McQueen, bill@legacyprotectionlawyers.com, 727.471.5868


St. Petersburg, FL — Legacy Protection Lawyers, a leading law firm specializing in estate planning and litigation services, is pleased to announce the addition of two accomplished attorneys to their team: Erica K. Smith Roodhouse and Clare McQueen, growing the boutique firm’s attorneys to six.

Formerly Senior Counsel at Trenam Law, Smith Roodhouse concentrates her practice in estate planning, tax planning, probate and trust administration, and guardianships. She is a member of The Florida Bar (Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law Section), the St. Petersburg Bar Association, and the Suncoast Estate Planning Council. Roodhouse holds a JD from Stetson University of Law and a BA in International Relations from The College of William and Mary. 

“Erica brings a wealth of expertise and leadership to our growing firm,” said William Battle McQueen, Founding Partner. “She has a demonstrated history of exceptional client service, helping clients build legacy plans that will honor their wishes and protect their estate.”

Smith Roodhouse’s community leadership roles have included Past President of the St. Petersburg Bar Association and the Suncoast Estate Planning Council, and she chaired the Sixth Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. Smith Roodhouse graduated from the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel Florida Fellows Institute and has been recognized for her work earning the Florida Bar President’s Pro Bono Award. Smith Roodhouse is also actively involved in community initiatives outside of the legal field, serving on the boards of the Pinellas Community Foundation and the St. Petersburg Free Clinic. She was honored as a finalist for the Iconic Women of Vision Awards by the St. Petersburg Area Chamber of Commerce.

Clare McQueen joins her father, William Battle McQueen, and sister, Morgan McQueen, after beginning her legal career with the insurance group at Phelps Dunbar, LLP, where she focused on complex coverage litigation and counseling, skilled in contract interpretation, legal research and writing, and oral advocacy. McQueen’s practice areas include trusts and estates litigation, as well as estate planning and probate administration. McQueen holds a J.D. magna cum laude from Stetson University College of Law and a B.A. summa cum laude from the University of Florida. She is admitted to the Florida Bar, as well as in the U.S. District Courts for the Southern and Middle Districts of Florida.

 

“Clare’s prior litigation experience and her enthusiasm and willingness to develop the skill set needed to master probate and trust litigation issues will greatly enhance her and the firm’s ability to address contested matters that arise in the estate planning world. We are all excited that she is now part of the LPL team!” said Joseph “Jay” Fleece, III, Partner.

 

“The addition of Erica and Clare to our firm strengthens our ability to continue providing quality representation for our clients,” added William Battle McQueen. “We are excited to welcome Erica and Clare to the Legacy Protection Lawyers team.”

 

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Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP is a boutique Florida law firm specialized in trust and estate law. Founded in St. Petersburg, FL, in 2013 by two seasoned estate attorneys, William Battle McQueen and Joseph W. “Jay” Fleece, III, Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP takes a holistic approach to the idea of a legacy through careful planning, meticulous probate and trust administration, and honest estate and trust litigation services. 

To learn more about Legacy Protection Lawyers, LLP visit www.legacyprotectionlawyers.com or follow their social media channels:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/legacyprotectionlawyers
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/legacy-protection-lawyers/  

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