The Maryland Daily Record has announced their 2024 Estate & Trust Law Power List and WCS is thrilled to celebrate managing partner Michael A. Stanley.

The 25 women and men you’ll meet in this Power List are among the most influential and respected practitioners in the estate & trust law sector in Maryland. This list was chosen by our editorial leadership team. We reached out to readers and others in the legal community for input and perspective. In this list, we explore how these attorneys view their profession, what they would change if they could and what they might be doing if they hadn’t chosen this career. We’re hoping to offer a glimpse into the kind of people they are and how they see their accomplishments. – Thomas Baden Jr., Maryland Daily Record  (You can find the full 2025 Estate & Trust Law Power List here)

Full Interview with Michael Stanley:

What’s the most important thing you do in your job?
As the youngest of 9 children in a blended family, I learned quickly how to communicate with others about complex issues and unique family dynamics.  I brought those interpersonal skills to my Estates & Trusts practice and my role as the Managing Partner of WCS.  As an attorney, I help my clients navigate difficult life decisions with empathy and compassion.  As Managing Partner, I rely on those well-honed communication skills to build consensus and chart an inclusive path forward for our firm.

What is the one aspect of your profession you would like to change?
I understand that the practice of law has a business component to it, but, more than that, it is a profession.  During my career, I have seen escalating hourly rates and runaway costs for services.  I want less focus on the bottom line.  At WCS, we pride ourselves on the delivery of exceptional legal service at an affordable cost.  All clients deserve that, particularly when grappling with the complex issues involved in estate planning.

If you weren’t in this industry, what would you be doing?
This is easy – I would be a history teacher!  I love history; you will often find me watching PBS or The History Channel or reading a biography on one of our Founding Fathers.  I am fascinated by the personal stories of these brilliant, but flawed, men, who, through great compromise and teamwork, created this great experiment in self-governance.  I am also passionate about working with kids, having coached youth baseball for over 30 years.  I would teach history at a middle or high school and help coach the baseball team.