Overview
Emma K. Pletenycky advises high net worth individuals and families in all aspects of trusts and estates matters. Her practice includes the preparation of wills and trusts, drafting Surrogate's Court documents, representing individual and corporate fiduciaries in contested proceedings and advising clients on estate and trust administrations.
Prior to entering private practice, Emma served as a law clerk to the Honorable Rita Mella, Surrogate of New York County, where she drafted decisions and conferred on complex and novel issues before the court in contested probate, miscellaneous and administration proceedings. This experience gave her valuable insight into Surrogate's Court practice, which she draws upon when advocating for her clients. Emma also served as Administrator of the Civil Appeals Mediation Program at the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. Emma was a 2018 recipient of the New York Bar Foundation's Trusts and Estates Law Section Fellowship and served as a fellow in the chambers of the Honorable Peter J. Kelly, Surrogate of Queens County.
In addition to her practice, Emma serves as a panel member and pro bono attorney for the Planning and Estate Law Project of the City Bar Justice Center, where she provides estate planning services to New York City individuals in need. In recognition of her dedication and commitment to the project, Emma was honored as a 2024 recipient of the Outstanding Pro Bono Service Award from the City Bar Justice Center.
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Education and Credentials
Education
- New York Law School, J.D., 2019
- St. John's University, B.A., 2014
Admissions
- State of New York
Affiliations
- New York State Bar Association, Trusts and Estates Mediation Committee, Vice-Chair, 2024-present
- New York City Bar Justice Center Planning and Estates Law Project (PELP), Attorney Panel Member
- City Bar Justice Center's Pro Bono Leadership Council, Member, 2025-2026
Recognition and Community
No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the highest court of any state. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See Awards Methodology.
Recognitions
Recipient of 2025 New York State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Law Section Rising Star Fellowship, 2025
Recipient of Pro Bono Award from the City Bar Justice Center, 2024
Recipient of Professor Joseph T. Arenson Award for Excellence in Wills and Decedent's Estates, New York Law School, 2019
Recipient of Alexander D. Forger Award for Distinguished Service to the Profession, New York Law School, 2019
News & Insights
Thought Leadership
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Proving an Inter Vivos Gift in New York: Lessons from 'Matter of Ingberman', October 14, 2025 -
Class Gifts and NY's ‘Adoption Out' Statute: Guidance for NY Fiduciaries on Minimizing Litigation Risks, December 13, 2024 -
Highlights of Mediation Programs in the New York Surrogate's Courts, December 13, 2024
News
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Emma Pletenycky Honored as 2025 Rising Star Fellow at NYSBA Trusts and Estates Section Spring Meeting, May 13, 2025 -
Emma K. Pletenycky Receives 2025 New York State Bar Association Trusts and Estates Law Section Rising Star Fellowship, January 16, 2025 -
Emma K. Pletenycky Receives Pro Bono Award from the City Bar Justice Center, September 23, 2024
In The Media
Speaking Engagements
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"Modern Family Feuds: Insights from the Surrogates," New York State Bar Association – Trusts and Estates Law Section, September 27, 2025 -
New York Private Client Department Attorneys Michael S. Schwartz and Emma Pletenycky speak at Estate Planners Day on May 22 with Estate Planning Council of New York City, May 22, 2024 -
"Trusts and Estates Law Section 2023 Fall Meeting," NYSBA, September 29, 2023 -
"20th Annual Tax Lawyering Workshop," New York Law School, April 21, 2023