Brendan McGrory is an attorney in the Private Client Services practice, specializing in estate planning, business succession and wealth transfer. While many attorneys are drawn to the logic of the law, Brendan’s path was guided by a love for writing and a desire to help families navigate their most complex dynamics. He views a well-crafted estate plan as a way to set up the next generation for success, blending sophisticated tax strategy with the personal stories of the clients he serves.
Brendan did not initially set out to practice law. Growing up in Needham, Massachusetts, his first passion was music. He spent his younger years as a jazz and rock guitarist, eventually moving to Burlington to attend the University of Vermont. During his time at UVM, he toured locally and played in several bands. When he graduated, he returned home to Massachusetts to earn his J.D. at Boston College Law School.
It was during law school that Brendan discovered a genuine interest in property law. He recognized a growing need for attorneys who could service an aging population with empathy and technical precision. He began his legal career as an associate attorney in Waltham, drafting trusts and foundational documents. In the midst of the pandemic, he joined Wilchins Cosentino & Novins, drawn to the firm’s steady growth and reputation for excellence.
Now, with years of experience in estate law and gift and estate tax planning, Brendan finds fulfillment in the “evolving puzzle” of his practice. He enjoys the challenge of finding new ways to help clients save on estate and income taxes while building lasting legacies for their families.
Outside of the office, Brendan has fully re-embraced his musical roots. He recently picked up a new Stratocaster and spends much of his free time practicing jazz standards and classic rock. When he isn’t playing guitar, he can be found tackling a crossword, playing chess with friends or following the latest New England sports dynasty.
An avid reader, Brendan’s current interests range from Benjamin Labatut’s The Maniac to the behavioral economics of Thinking, Fast and Slow. His playlist is equally diverse, featuring everything from the “blue era” of Miles Davis and John Coltrane to the alt-rock sounds of XTC, the Pixies and Nirvana. Brendan is also a passionate traveler; he is currently planning a bucket-list expedition deep into the Amazon, departing from Manaus to explore the furthest reaches of the river.