Member Spotlight: Stella King
Q: Where are you from?
A: I grew up in Westchester County, went to college in Boston, and then moved to New York City after graduation. I continued on to law school in Long Island, and I’m now back in Westchester – everything comes full circle!
Q: Where is your favorite place you have traveled to?
A: I loved my honeymoon in Greece. More recent family travels brought us to Bermuda and Key Largo, which were both special places. In the past, I also took trips to Ecuador and Costa Rica, which were wonderful.
Q: What led you to work in the field of elder law and special needs estate planning?
A: I like that the issues in this area of law are challenging and thought-provoking, but there’s also a caretaking aspect to this field that appeals to me. There is a common goal to have a client’s needs met, and we work through creative solutions to attain those goals.
Q: Did you have a turning point in your career?
A: I began my career at a Long Island firm that focused on IP and copyright law, and then, when I moved back to Westchester, I worked at a general practice firm that was half transactional and half litigation, but litigation never really fit my personality. While I did some estate planning at the general practice firm, joining my current firm was definitely a turning point in my career. I am thrilled to be working alongside colleagues who are so enthusiastic, hardworking, and inspiring.
Q: What is your favorite part about your job?
A: Helping clients and their families in times of crisis, for sure. Even when people are at their most vulnerable, they are more resilient than they realize, but it’s nice to work with clients who are so grateful for the legal services and guidance received.
Q: Tell me about an accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career thus far.
A: Every happy client and/or problem solved is an accomplishment. Also, being able to help clients and their families within my local community is something that I am proud of.
Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?
A: I hope to have grown as an attorney, both within the firm and within the field. My dad (who is also a lawyer) always says, “I am twice the attorney as I was yesterday, and I am half the attorney that I will be tomorrow.” I think about that all the time.
Q: What did you want to be when you were younger?
A: Everything! I wanted to be a veterinarian, a marine biologist, a rockstar, a writer, a storm chaser, an artist; there are so many things that interest me, I’ve always had a little trouble narrowing it down.
Q: Tell me a little about your family.
A: My husband is truly my better half, my inspiration, and my biggest cheerleader. He comes from a large Irish/Scottish family. Everyone lives in different places, but when we all get together it’s so much fun. We are also very close with my dad and my stepmom, who fortunately live nearby.
Q: Are there hobbies you look forward to outside of work?
A: I love hiking, live music, crafts, and painting. I’ve done murals and other artwork for friends and restaurants in my neighborhood, and I hope to do more of that someday when I retire. I am also a huge beach bum.
Q: Do you have any advice to give?
A: I would encourage other young attorneys to find mentors, especially within their firm. Having someone to look up to and bounce ideas off of is invaluable. Also, tackle every issue and explore all possibilities from the outset – a stitch in time saves nine (it’s a pun because it’s true).
Q: Is there anything else you want people to know about you?
A: Just that I really enjoy what I do. I enjoy my clients and my colleagues; each day brings with it interesting issues and situations. So much of our lives are spent at work that I think it is important and meaningful to enjoy what you’re doing. I feel lucky to have discovered this area of law.
Stella King is an associate attorney at Enea, Scanlan & Sirignano, LLP, a White Plains-based law firm that concentrates its practice in elder law; wills, trusts, and estates; Medicaid planning and applications; guardianship proceedings for the disabled; and special needs planning for the disabled. She is a member of Trust and Estates section and the Elder Law and Special Needs section of the New York State Bar Association and a member of the Westchester County Bar Association. Mrs. King received a J.D. from Hofstra University School of Law. She is admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey.
