Changing Lives, Livelihoods and Legacies

Lauren Wolven is a wife, a mom and a runner. She's been a trust and estate attorney for two decades and has received more honors and accolades than we can count. She is also living with arthritis.

We recently chatted with Lauren — a partner in the Trusts & Estates Group at Levenfeld Pearlstein — to hear more about her story, how she's navigating the evolving tax landscape, and even what's on her playlist these days.

Arthritis Foundation: What drew you to this profession, and what did you initially want to be when you grew up?
Lauren: I originally wanted to go to medical school but decided to go to law school. I worked at a big law firm for a summer and took some required tax courses. I thought I was going to hate them, but I ended up loving them. During my work at the firm, I rotated through different practice groups. After trying estate planning, everything clicked. I wanted to work with people, not just corporations, and that brought me to the field I'm in today.

Arthritis Foundation: What issues are most impacting your practice today?
Lauren: The current political environment and the uncertainty around taxes are the top issues we face.

Arthritis Foundation: What are you doing to ensure your practice remains vibrant and continues to thrive amidst the uncertainty and tax changes?
Lauren: We're talking about the soft side of planning: What are your goals? What do you want to do with your money? Where do you want it to end up? What's important to you? What's keeping you awake at night? These are the conversations we're having with clients.

Arthritis Foundation: What's the best professional advice you've ever received during your career?
Lauren: Find what you love to do, and you'll find a way to make a living.

Arthritis Foundation: What's something interesting about you that most people don't know?
Lauren: I speak Spanish fluently.

Arthritis Foundation: What motivated you to get involved with the Arthritis Foundation?
Lauren: I have rheumatoid arthritis. My disease went undiagnosed for 25 years. No one took my complaints about pain seriously as a child. I got involved with the Arthritis Foundation because I didn't want other kids to be in pain and go undiagnosed. Today, I participate in the Foundation's Jingle Bell Run event and raise money to help find treatments and cures.

Arthritis Foundation: What are you currently watching on Netflix or Amazon Prime?
Lauren: Man in the High Castle.

Arthritis Foundation: Have you read any good books lately?
Lauren: My favorite professional book is "Never Eat Alone." My favorite leisure books are the Game of Thrones series. I couldn't put them down.

Arthritis Foundation: What's on your playlist right now?
Lauren: Probably what my colleagues would define as angry chick music. Lots of Pink, Katy Perry, Dixie Chicks and Adele.

Arthritis Foundation: How can people connect with you?
Lauren: You can email me at [email protected] or find me on the Levenfeld Pearlstein website at www.lplegal.com/our-talent/lauren-j-wolven.