Calfee congratulates Zachary J. Stackhouse, an associate in the Estate and Succession Planning and Administration practice group, on being named the 2026 recipient of the Exceptional Service Award by the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland(EPC).
The EPC is an interdisciplinary organization of estate planning professionals. Its Exceptional Service Award is a discretionary, rather than annual, award and was presented to Zach for his outstanding commitment and leadership in the field.
During its Special Awards Celebration on June 4, 2026, the EPC formally recognized Zach for his exceptional contributions and service.
This recognition reflects Zach’s dedication to clients, innovative leadership, and active role in advancing the estate planning profession. As a member of the Ohio State Bar Association’s Estate Planning, Trust, and Probate Law Section Council and member of the OSBA’s Council of Delegates, he stands out for his engagement in the legislative process, contributing to the development and evaluation of laws that impact estate planning and beyond in Ohio. As a frequent speaker and author on perennial and emerging legal issues and as immediate past chair of the Marvin R. Pliskin Advanced Probate and Estate Planning Institute, Zach has established a reputation as a go-to resource on a variety of probate, trust, and tax issues. His selection by EPC places him among a distinguished group of recipients and underscores his achievements at an early stage in his career.
Calfee’s Collaborative Approach to Client Service
The Exceptional Service Award highlights not only Zach’s commitment to clients but also the strength of Calfee’s collaborative estate planning approach. Through active engagement with a wide range of advisors, he helps ensure clients receive comprehensive, coordinated, and tailored solutions that reflect the EPC’s interdisciplinary mission.
At Calfee, this approach is amplified by the firm’s integrated platform and culture of cross-functional collaboration. Zach works closely across practice areas to help clients address complex issues such as:
- Business succession planning
- Tax-efficient wealth transfer strategies
- Probate litigation and fiduciary counsel
- Charitable giving and philanthropic structuring
- Corporate and real estate considerations tied to estate plans
This cross-functional model allows Calfee attorneys to provide comprehensive counsel and develop talent within the firm. Zach’s recognition highlights his contributions and Calfee’s dedication to advancing the estate planning profession through collaboration and service.