
Patti S. Spencer, Estate Planning Attorney in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMetzger and Spencer LLP
Lancaster, PA
Practicing estate planning in Lancaster since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Are you Patti S. Spencer?
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Quick answer
Patti S. Spencer is a partner based in Lancaster, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Patti has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Metzger and Spencer LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Lancaster, PA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Estate Planning · Estate Tax · General
- Handles Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General matters from Lancaster, PA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Patti S. Spencer: Patti S. Spencer is a partner based in Lancaster, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Patti has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Metzger and Spencer LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Patti's practice areas in Lancaster
Patti concentrates on estate planning, estate tax, general, litigation, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Patti handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Estate Planning
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Estate Tax
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General
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Litigation
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Wills
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Estate Planning cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Patti takes estate planning matters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.
Estate Tax cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Patti takes estate tax matters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.
General cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Patti takes general matters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Patti takes litigation matters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
Patti takes probate matters in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Patti agrees to represent you.
Biography
Patti S. Spencer, estate planning attorney serving Lancaster
Patti S. Spencer is a partner based in Lancaster, PA. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, Estate Tax, and General. Patti has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Metzger and Spencer LLP. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. Patti works from Lancaster, Pennsylvania and takes on estate planning matters across the region.
Patti S. Spencer is a lawyer practicing trust administration, estate planning, probate and 7 other areas of law. Patti S. received a B.A. degree from Dickinson College in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Patti S. practices at Metzger and Spencer LLP in Lancaster, PA.
How Patti handles estate planning matters
Patti S. Spencer is a lawyer practicing trust administration, estate planning, probate and 7 other areas of law. Patti S. received a B.A. degree from Dickinson College in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Patti S. practices at Metzger and Spencer LLP in Lancaster, PA.
Who Patti represents
Patti reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, estate tax, and general matters in Lancaster and the surrounding Pennsylvania area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Patti studied and practices
Boston University School of Law
LL.M. Taxation · 1984
Dickinson College
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Patti's state bar admissions
Pennsylvania
1979 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1979 · ACTIVE
Massachusetts
1978 · ACTIVE
Patti studied at LL.M. Taxation in Boston University School of Law and B.A. in Dickinson College.
Law school and academic background
Patti completed LL.M. Taxation in Boston University School of Law and B.A. in Dickinson College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Patti runs in Pennsylvania is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Patti's legal honors and published work
Patti has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Patti's professional memberships and bar associations
Lancaster and Pennsylvania Bar Associations Estate Planning Study Group Harrisburg Estate Planning Council Philadelphia Estate Planning Council Lancaster Estate Planning Council
membership
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC)
bar_fellowship
Locations
Patti S. Spencer's office in Lancaster
Patti's primary office is at 901 Rohrerstown Road, Lancaster, PA, 17601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Patti S. Spencer — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Patti. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Lancaster.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Patti S. Spencer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Patti S. Spencer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Patti usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Patti charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patti's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Patti will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Lancaster, Pennsylvania
A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Patti
Patti discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Patti confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Patti's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Patti S. Spencer
How much does it cost to hire Patti for a estate planning case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Patti walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Patti offer a free consultation?
Patti charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Patti's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Patti's current terms during booking.
How long do estate planning cases in Pennsylvania typically take?
Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Patti gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Patti take my case if I'm outside Lancaster?
Patti is licensed in Pennsylvania. Matters governed by Pennsylvania law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Patti will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Patti?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Patti will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Patti accepting new estate planning clients right now?
Patti's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Estate Planning attorneys serving Lancaster, Philadelphia and Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania
Patti handles estate planning matters throughout Pennsylvania. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.
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