Craig R. Hersch is a nationally recognized estate planning attorney, author, and practice development expert. He is the Senior Partner at the Sheppard Law Firm in Fort Myers, Florida. A Florida Bar Board Certified Wills, Trusts & Estates attorney and CPA, he has pioneered several trademarked processes within his estate planning and administration practice, including The Family Estate & Legacy Program™ and The Estate Settlement Program™.
As the creator of The Freedom Practice™, Hersch coaches estate planning attorneys from around the country, helping them enhance client service and distinguish themselves in an increasingly competitive legal marketplace. His expertise is regularly featured in Trusts & Estates Magazine, the nation’s leading trade journal for estate attorneys, CPAs, and financial planners, where he serves on the editorial advisory board.
Hersch is a prolific author with numerous books designed to educate clients and legal professionals. His published books include:
- Common Cents Estate Planning (2014)
- Legal Matters When a Loved One Dies (2015)
- The Florida Estate Planning Guide (2016)
- Selecting Your Trustee (2017)
- The Estate Planner’s Guide to Practice Development (2018)
- Asset Alignment and Your Estate Plan (2019)
- Perpetual Wealth™ (Upcoming)
He’s published professional articles in The Practical Tax Lawyer, The Florida Bar Journal, and Trusts & Estates Magazine. He also writes numerous whitepapers providing valuable estate planning insights for clients and attorneys. Beyond his legal practice, Hersch has an entrepreneurial background as a founding shareholder and director of a Florida private state-chartered trust company that, after 18 years, was sold to a regional bank.
Speaking Engagements & Industry Leadership
Hersch is a sought-after speaker and educator, delivering high-energy, insightful presentations to attorneys, CPAs, and financial professionals. His ability to break down complex estate planning, tax, and business succession strategies into practical, real-world solutions makes him a standout presenter at continuing education programs sponsored by The Florida Bar, The Florida Institute of Certified Public Accountants, WealthCounsel, Strategic Coach, and other programs.
His dynamic speaking style blends deep technical expertise with real-world business insights, engaging audiences with actionable strategies they can apply in their practices. Whether speaking to attorneys looking to modernize their firms, CPAs, or financial professionals navigating the evolving estate planning landscape, Hersch delivers high-impact sessions that inspire professionals to elevate their approach.
Personal Life
Craig enjoys cycling, swimming, boating, and hiking, dividing his time between Fort Myers and Asheville. He is married to Patti, and together they have three daughters—Gabrielle, Courtney, and Madison—as well as two sons-in-law, Benji and Philip.
