W. Rod Stern

Rod Stern is a senior partner at Murtaugh LLP whose practice focuses on sophisticated tax, business, estate planning, probate, and fiduciary matters. Holding an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law, Rod brings decades of experience advising business owners, fiduciaries, and high-net-worth individuals on complex legal and tax issues involving wealth preservation, business succession, estate administration, and closely held business operations.

Rod is particularly known for the strategic perspective he brings to client matters, shaped by the depth of his experience across corporate and business law, taxation, and trusts and estates. His multidisciplinary background allows him to see issues from multiple angles and develop creative, practical solutions tailored to the unique objectives of each client. Whether navigating a sophisticated business transition, addressing complex tax considerations, or guiding families and fiduciaries through sensitive estate matters, Rod is known for delivering thoughtful counsel that balances technical sophistication with sound judgment and long-term planning.

His practice spans tax planning, business and corporate counseling, estate planning, probate and conservatorship proceedings, and fiduciary advisory matters. Clients regularly turn to him for forward-looking guidance in matters where business strategy, tax efficiency, and estate planning objectives intersect.

In addition to his private practice, Rod has long served the Orange County legal community as a Guardian ad Litem, Court-Appointed Counsel, and Temporary Judge for the Orange County Superior Court. He is also a recognized author and educator in the areas of tax, business, and estate planning, including as the author of Tax Planning for Business and Estate Planning, Wills and Trusts for Business Owners, and as a contributing author to Continuing Education of the Bar’s Selecting and Forming Business Entities.