Donna Phillips Wood, Founder

My goal is to get my clients through the probate court system as painlessly as possible, and to explore all options when addressing estate planning, so that probate court is avoided, if possible.

My Story: The summer after I graduated law school, family circumstances led me to the other side of the probate process, having lost three close family members within just a few weeks. Going through this process personally several times- trying to balance “getting things done” with the emotions that accompany deep loss- has really informed how I approach estate planning and probate. 

More About Me: Originally from East Texas, I came to Dallas to attend SMU, where I met my husband who lived across the hall from me freshman year.  After receiving undergraduate degrees in French, Philosophy, and Foreign Languages (Spanish & German), I continued on at SMU Dedman School of Law for my J.D.  During law school, I interned at the Dallas County Probate Court as well as an estate planning firm in DFW.

 Outside of work, I can usually be found playing Nintendo with my kids, a chihuahua or two in my lap or at my heels at (almost) all times. I am actively involved in assisting with my daughter’s softball team, and my son and I enjoy taking special afternoon trips to art museums.  With what little remaining free time I can find, I am typically engaged in reading, taking classes, or participating in discussion groups related to my interests in socionics and personality typology, with particular emphasis on the Enneagram.

Professional Affiliation

• State Bar of Texas: Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law (REPTL) Section Member
• Texas Bar College
• Dallas Women Lawyers Association, Board Member: VP Awards Ceremony, 2024
• Collin County Bar Association: Attorney Moms Events Chair, 2023-2024
• North Dallas Bar Association
• National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), Texas Chapter, Trust and Special Needs Trusts Section Member
• Volunteer, Dallas Volunteer Attorney Program