About Us

McManus & Associates, a trusts and estates law firm, was founded in 1991 by John O. McManus following his professional association with Jones, Day, Reavis & Pogue and Dewey Ballantine – two of the largest law firms in the United States. The mission of the newly-formed practice was, and still is, to deliver first-rate estate planning services in the context of a more intimate, personalized relationship.

Today, McManus & Associates represents individuals and families who maintain residences and assets around the world. Through sophisticated, multi-generational asset transfer and trust planning, the firm aims to preserve family wealth and values for years to come. McManus & Associates offers a sanctuary of guidance and asset protection, averting depletion due to estate tax, litigation, and actions inconsistent with family aspirations.

The firm created the 10-Step Wealth and Family Values Protection Plan to build enduring relationships and to ensure a lifetime of protection. McManus & Associates assists clients in developing their own unique family mission statements that provide color to the individually-crafted, comprehensive estate plans presented by the firm. These lifetime family missions guide the strategic transfer of affluence to loved ones and to charitable organizations.

McManus & Associates is a member of the elite National Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. It was selected for inclusion in the guide based on consistent achievement of the highest rating awarded by Martindale Hubbell, an authority on legal merit since 1868. Additionally, top-tier publications, such as the New York Times, Wall Street Journal and Forbes, regularly feature John O. McManus’ insights, strategies and expertise in estate planning. Please see our News page for our recent media coverage.

Each day, McManus & Associates seeks to earn its reputation for professional excellence. Recognized as among the best of the best, the firm receives accolades from The American Lawyer, The National Law Journal, The New Jersey Law Journal, AVENUE Magazine, Star-Ledger Magazine, SmartCEO and Corporate Intl Magazine.

See all of our firm’s Honors & Recognitions.

Learn more about the firm’s team members.

Find out more about what we do in Services.