Elizabeth Luckenbach is a member in the firm’s Troy office, where she specializes in probate and fiduciary litigation, trust and estate administration, estate planning, and special needs planning. With more than 20 years of experience representing fiduciaries and individuals in all aspects of litigation, administration, and planning, Liz works tirelessly to advocate for her clients, treating each of them with the individual attention they deserve. Rated by Martindale-Hubbell® as an “AV/Preeminent Attorney®” because of her professionalism, preparedness, diligence, and skills as an advocate, Liz is respected by both her peers and the judiciary for the common sense and empathy she brings to the courtroom along with her ability to relate to her clients and help them stay focused on achieving their goals.

Liz is a Past President of the Wayne County Probate Bar Association, a Director of the Oakland County Bar Association and a Trustee of the Oakland County Bar Foundation. In 2019 she was ranked by Michigan Super Lawyers® among the top 50 Women Lawyers in Michigan and the top 100 Lawyers in Michigan in the area of Estate and Trust Litigation.

Q: When did you know you would pursue a career as an Attorney?
EL: I didn’t fully make the decision to pursue a legal career until after college, however, I knew at a very young age that I was comfortable with an audience and had no trouble arguing (mostly with my parents).

Q: Can you share with our audience, the types of law you specialize in?
EL: Probate litigation (trust and estate disputes, contested guardianships and conservatorships) and estate planning.

Q: What aspects of the daily job of being a lawyer interest you the most?
EL: I love being able to do something that makes a difference in the lives of my clients and their families. Most of the work I do involves issues of tremendous emotional significance to my clients, as the matters involve family, grief, and loss.

Q: Why did you decide to attend law school?
EL: I planned to have a career in journalism, but quickly learned that I could take my writing skills and combined with my love of talking, pursue a legal career that I envisioned would center around a courtroom.

Q: What is your approach or philosophy to winning or representing a case?
EL: Winning isn’t necessarily having a judge or a jury rule in your client’s favor. More often than not, a “win” is reaching a resolution of a dispute through settlement. This is particularly true given the area in which I practice. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue a career as an Attorney?
EL: That it is absolutely possible to have “it all” – a successful and rewarding career and a family with whom you can spend quality time. It takes patience, organization, and ability to laugh when you think you want to cry.

Q: Were there moments in your career that were pivotal to getting where you are today?
EL: Yes, most definitely. Those moments continue through today and they include listening and learning from the lawyers who’ve gone before you. Even nearly 25 years into practice, if I’m open, I’m learning how to be a better lawyer every day.

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments your career?
EL: There are many, but what always means the most is a “thank you” from a client.

Q: What’s one lesson you’ve learned in your career that you can share with our audience?
EL: There is always something new to learn.

Q: What are some of the challenges you feel women face today?
EL: I think today’s challenges include many of the same challenges women have always faced, most notably, striking the right balance between career and family.  

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
EL: When my kids were young, it revolved around a color-coded calendar. Now, I make sure the electronic calendar reflects time with my family, as a wife, a mom and most recently, a grandmother. 

10 Things About Attorney Elizabeth L. Luckenbach

1. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 
Ruth Bader Ginsburg, Rosa Parks, Princess Diana, and my dad

2. What was the last book you really got into?
Rise and Fall the Story of 9/11

3. Best and worst flavor ice cream? 
Coffee/Blue Moon

4. Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Morning person

5. Favorite Dessert? 
Swedish fish

6. Favorite City? 
Charleston

7. What’s your big passion? 
Life

8. Would you rather cook or order in? 
Cook

9. What was your favorite subject in school?
English

10. Cake or pie? 
Pie