Jessica Mering Hardin

Jessica Hardin advises clients on a wide variety of matters related to wealth transfer, asset protection, tax planning and charitable giving.

She develops wealth transfer plans that minimize transfer and income taxes while meeting clients' non-tax goals. Jessica assists individuals and families with sophisticated strategies that include gifts and sales to irrevocable dynasty trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts and irrevocable life insurance trusts. She also assists closely held businesses with tax-efficient ownership succession plans.

Jessica serves as counsel to fiduciaries throughout the probate or trust administration process. She prepares gift, estate and fiduciary income tax returns and represents clients before the IRS. Jessica has significant experience with the administration and modification of irrevocable trusts.

Jessica is a frequent speaker on topics related to estate planning, trust and estate administration, and taxation. She is a contributing author to the BB&T Estate Planning Forms Manual, a popular resource for North Carolina attorneys. Her pro bono practice includes preparation of wills and powers of attorney for first responders and Habitat for Humanity homeowners.

• American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow
• The Best Lawyers in America, litigation - trusts and estates, trusts and estates, 2018-26; Charlotte Litigation - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year, 2023
• North Carolina Super Lawyers, Rising Star, estate planning and probate, 2013-21
• Business North Carolina, Legal Elite Hall of Fame, tax and estate planning
• Martindale-Hubbell, AV® Preeminent™ Peer Review Rated

• North Carolina State Bar Board Certified Specialist, Estate Planning and Probate Law
• Charlotte Estate Planning Council, Member, 2008-present
• North Carolina Bar Association, Estate Planning and Fiduciary Law Section Council, Chair, 2020-21
• North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Estate Administration Manual, Co-Editor, 2014-18; Chapter Author
• North Carolina Bar Association, Tax Section

• Atrium Health Foundation, Professional Advisory Council
• North Carolina Humanities Council, Board of Trustees
• Foundation for the Carolinas, Professional Advisors Cabinet, 2014-16
• Humane Society of Charlotte, Young Affiliated Professionals, Past Chair
• Wills for Heroes, Volunteer
• Mecklenburg County Teen Court, Volunteer Judge
• Women's Impact Fund, Grants Committee, 2011-13, 2015-18; Grants Team Co-Chair, 2012-13, 2016-18