Stephen C. Minana, J.D., LL.M

Senior Vice President,
Legal Counsel
Stephen C. Minana, J.D., LL.M

Steve brings 40 plus years of experience in administering estates and complex trusts to his current role as Legal Counsel.

Currently, Steve is responsible for managing the Client Services Team, which oversees all administrative trusts and estates for First American Trust. Steve handles traditional trust relationships as well as administering estates and managing complex trusts. He also sits on First American Trust's Officer's Trust and Investment Committee and the New Business and Risk Assessment Committee.

Prior to joining First American Trust in 2004, Steve was affiliated with several banks including Waypoint Bank and BNY Mellon in Pennsylvania, and Northern Trust and SunTrust in Miami, where he administered estates and managed complex trusts. His career has focused on providing advice on income, gift and estate tax matters to assist families in minimizing taxes and preserving wealth for future generations. He has been involved in the implementation of family gifting programs and the use of various charitable giving alternatives.

Steve received a Master's degree in Taxation from the University of Miami School of Law, his J.D. from Washington & Lee University School of Law, and a Bachelor's degree in General Arts and Sciences from Pennsylvania State University. A former member of the Florida bar and a member of the Pennsylvania bar association, Steve is a frequent lecturer on numerous estate planning and tax topics. He served as President of the Newport Beach Public Library Foundation; and he is a former president of the Orange Coast Estate Planning Council and former member of the Orange County Bar Association Trusts & Estates Section.