Let’s face it, estate planning doesn’t exactly sound like the most exciting topic, but Emily R. Taylor has a way of making it approachable, helpful, and dare we say… kind of fun? Emily is an estate and special needs planning attorney in Arizona who’s spent the past decade helping families feel more secure about their future—and she’s done it with a smile (and probably a coffee in hand).
Emily’s story begins in the picturesque little town of Galena, Illinois, where she grew up surrounded by history and rolling hills. Somehow, she traded all that charm for the desert heat of Arizona, but she quickly made it her home. After earning her undergraduate degree from Arizona State University in 2003 (Go Sun Devils!) and her law degree from the University of Arizona in 2007 (Bear Down!), Emily combined her education with a passion for helping others, launching her own law firm in 2014.
Her first office was just Emily – but it wasn’t long until team member Jessica, joined her. Fast forward a few years, and now Emily leads a team of seven professionals, all dedicated to making estate and special needs planning less intimidating and more accessible. Her firm, based in Phoenix since 2016, helps families with everything from setting up wills to creating special needs trusts, all while building meaningful connections in the community.
Emily is deeply involved with organizations like SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center), Empowered Theater and Arts, and Down Syndrome Network of Arizona. She’s passionate about supporting families with loved ones who have disabilities and creating plans that protect and empower them.
When she’s not in lawyer mode, Emily lives life to the fullest. She’s a bit of a wanderer at heart, always looking for her next international travel adventure. Recently, she’s been learning to golf, which she describes as “character building” (translation: she’s still figuring out how to hit the ball straight). At home, Emily is happiest curled up with a great book or spending time with her loyal dog, Athena, who probably deserves her own office title like “Chief Tail-Wagger.” Of course, Emily also loves being with friends and family, whether that means a cozy dinner or just sitting around, laughing at each other’s stories.
Emily’s office is a reflection of her personality. Her team knows she values precision and hard work, but she’s just as quick to celebrate small wins, surprise everyone with lunch, or throw an impromptu office celebration. Emily’s a firm believer in “power hours,” where the mornings are reserved for quiet focus—because nothing says productivity like tackling emails before the coffee kicks in.
As her firm heads into its 10th year, Emily is planning a year-long celebration to honor this milestone. While she’s excited about the anniversary, she’s most proud of the connections she’s built along the way—with her clients, her team, and her community.
So, whether you need an estate plan, a special needs trust, or just someone to explain all the legal mumbo jumbo in plain English, Emily is your go-to. Just don’t ask her for golf advice—she’s still working on that part!
