Who We Are

At Fides Law, we share a commitment to exceptional client service and innovative legal counsel.

Our team of attorneys and legal professionals values collaboration, empathy, and excellence in trusts and estates practice.

Meet the Fides Law Team

A photo of Kristin Wildman Shirahama, a founding partner at Fides Law. She has long gray hair, is smiling, and wears a blue blazer and black top, with a necklace and earrings, standing outdoors against a blurred green background.

Kristin Wildman Shirahama

I am a Massachusetts trusts and estates lawyer with more than 20 years of experience advising individuals and families on complex estate and gift planning.  I counsel trustees, guardians, and other fiduciaries on all aspects of trust and estate administration and frequently serve as trustee, executor, and personal representative.  My practice focuses on clients who are approaching or entering retirement and confronting long-term care decisions while seeking to reduce estate taxes. 

My clients live throughout Massachusetts and include business owners and professionals, blended and second marriage families, same-sex couples, and families with elders or individuals with special needs. I guide clients through every stage of the planning and administration process, including developing wills, trusts, and other strategies to preserve and transfer wealth in a tax efficient manner; advising business owners and entrepreneurs on succession planning; counseling personal representatives and family members through probate and post death issues; assisting with charitable planning, including family foundations and charitable remainder trusts; and preparing special needs trusts and advising on government benefits for individuals with disabilities. 

While minimizing taxes is an important objective, I view estate planning more broadly, taking time to understand each client’s perspective and to design a comprehensive, 360-degree plan tailored to their unique needs. This approach helps me identify potential issues in advance, protect clients’ lifetime interests, and ease estate administration after death. Clients value my ability to explain complex financial and legal concepts in clear, accessible terms and to map out customized plans in face-to-face meetings so they feel heard and prepared for the future. 

Founding Partner

  • I am passionate about advancing women in the legal profession and enjoy mentoring attorneys.  I also enjoy kayaking and canoeing with my husband and son on the Charles River and Quonochontaug Pond, as well as hiking with our golden retriever, Finn.

  • Community Foundation for MetroWest, Professional Advisor Leadership Council  

    Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts  

    • Emeritus Board, Member  

    • Awards and Recognition Committee, Co-Chair  

    • Women’s Leadership Initiative, Member

    Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum, Member  

    Massachusetts Chapter of the National Association of Elder Law Attorneys (MA NAELA), Member  

    Boston Bar Association, Trusts & Estates Section Member 

  • Women’s Bar Association of Massachusetts 

    • President 

    • Women’s Leadership Initiative

    Women’s Bar Foundation, Trustee

    The Commonwealth Institute, Member of the Corporate Advisory Board

    The Boston Foundation, Member of Professional Advisors Network

  • Best Lawyers in America, Trusts & Estates (2025 and 2026) 

    Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, Massachusetts Go-To Lawyers for Trusts & Estates (2021)  

    Top Women of Law, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2017)  

    Women’s Bar Association, Pro Bono Award for volunteer work with the Foundation’s Elder Law Project (2015)  

  • Discussing The Issue Of Aging Parents, Financial Advisor Magazine, 2018 

    Year End Special Needs Planning, Massachusetts Society of CPAs, 2018 

    How To Address Multigenerational Estate Planning Issues, Private Wealth Magazine, 2018

  • Asset Transfers & Reduction of Assets, Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc., 2023  

    Taking Control of Your Financial Future, Women’s Bar Association, 2022  

    Trusts and Estates – What to Expect from the New Administration, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2021  

    Estate Planning for Business Owners, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, 2019  

    Beyond Wills: Using Trusts to Reduce Taxes and Protect Assets, MetroWest Chamber of Commerce, 2019  

  • Massachusetts

  • J.D., University of Connecticut School of Law

    B.A., magna cum laude, Colby College

A photo of Rebecca MacGregor, a founding partner at Fides Law. She has shoulder-length light brown hair, is wearing a dark blazer, and is standing outdoors against a background of green foliage.

Rebecca MacGregor

I am an estate planning attorney with more than 20 years of experience helping individuals, families, and small business owners design thoughtful plans that minimize tax, avoid probate, and reduce stress for loved ones. My practice focuses on estate and gift tax planning, business succession, wealth preservation, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, and related business and real estate issues.

When I work with clients, I start by getting to know their stories, values, and concerns, as well as their financial picture. From there, I design a customized plan—often in collaboration with their other advisors—to help minimize estate taxes, protect assets from creditors, and carry out their wishes for caring for family members and supporting favorite causes. That plan may include tools such as durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, special needs and minor’s trusts, and other strategies tailored to their unique circumstances.

A number of my clients are business owners who turn to me for guidance on how and when to transition a business to the next generation. I help them explore options such as family LLCs, dynasty trusts, and tax-efficient gifting approaches, always with an eye toward preserving both the business and family relationships. I also assist clients with wealth preservation strategies, including freezing asset values, structuring intrafamily loans, and, when appropriate, using techniques like like-kind exchanges to manage income tax exposure.

In addition to planning, I work with trustees and personal representatives who are administering complex estates and trusts with multiple beneficiaries and varied assets. I am often asked to serve as an independent trustee, a role that allows me to balance legal responsibilities with the practical needs and dynamics of families. 

Founding Partner

  • I enjoy yoga, golf, traveling, and waterskiing with my family—my daughter is a fourth-generation water-skier, while our dog is happiest supervising from the boat.

    • Accredited Estate Planner®, National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC) 

    • The Boston Foundation, Member of the Professional Advisors Committee

    • Women’s Bar Association, Member 

    • Boston Bar Association, Trusts & Estates Section Member

    • Massachusetts Bar Association, Member

  • Boston Estate Planning Council

    • Board of Directors 

    • Gala Committee, Co-Chair 

    • Summer Invitational Committee, Co-Chair

    • Governance Committee, Chair  

    • Council Outreach Committee, Chair

    • Legislative Committee, Member

    Senior Tax Relief Committee of Wayland, MA, Chair

  • Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates (2023-2025)

    Top Women of Law, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly (2022)

  • Legal Considerations Of Living In A Multi-Generational Home, Private Wealth Magazine, 2020

    Need A Loan? Tax Rules Now Let You Borrow From Family At Ultra Low Interest Rates, Forbes, 2020

    As I See It: Remote notarization would solve dilemma of signing a will during coronavirus crisis, Worcester Telegram, 2020

  • Essential Estate Planning Documents in Divorce, Jane Does Well, 2025

    Gifting Strategies to Reduce Massachusetts Estate Tax, Massachusetts Association of Accountants, 2022 

    Gifting Strategies to Reduce Massachusetts Estate Tax, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2021 

    Trust & Estate Planning in a Unique Year, Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, 2020 

    Estate & Trust Administration Paralegal Course, NAELA, 2014

  • Massachusetts

  • LL.M. in Taxation, Boston University

    J.D. Roger Williams University School of Law

    B.A. in Psychology, Gordon College

Pattern of turtle doves on a light brown background, evenly spaced and facing forward.

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Erika A. Alley

With over two decades of practice in trusts and estates law, I have helped countless individuals and families navigate the complexities of estate planning. My role at Fides Law allows me to focus on what I most enjoy about the practice of law: drafting a wide array of estate planning documents tailored to clients’ unique family and financial circumstances.

Whether drafting a simple will or a complex irrevocable trust, my approach is defined by an unwavering attention to detail and a genuine commitment to crafting precise documents tailored to the diverse needs and goals of the families and individuals I serve.

Originally from the Midwest, I hold a B.A., summa cum laude, from Wittenberg University and a J.D. from Chicago-Kent College of Law, Illinois Institute of Technology.

Outside of work, I am a former competitive swimmer who remains active by lap swimming and running. I enjoy watching my daughters compete at their own swim meets and spending time with my family huddled around a good board or card game. As an English major in college, I still love to read and have become an avid audiobook listener.

Attorney

Vinitha Krishnan

I am a paralegal with over 15 years of experience in trusts and estates. I support attorneys with probate and trust administration, including court filings, accountings, insurance trust administration, and the preparation of trust funding and real estate documents. I also assist with fiduciary, individual, estate, and gift tax returns.

I hold a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree from the University of Mumbai, India, and a Certificate in Paralegal Studies from Boston University. I'm known for helping clients navigate sensitive matters with care, efficiency, and accuracy.

Originally from India, I'm fluent in five languages—English, Hindi, Malayalam, Marathi, and Tamil. I'm actively involved in organizing cultural events in my community and enjoy sharing Indian culture with my children and the younger generation. Outside of work, I enjoy cooking vegetarian food, exploring a variety of cuisines, and spending time with my husband and two children, whose love, curiosity, and energy bring purpose and joy to my life.

Paralegal

Meg Prach

I’m a paralegal with 35 years of experience in trusts & estates law. I oversee the administration of estates and trusts, organize asset information and valuations, and prepare inventories and fiduciary accountings. I’m highly experienced in drafting estate planning documents, including wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies, and medical directives. I’m also a tax nerd who enjoys preparing estate, gift, and fiduciary income tax returns.

I hold bachelor’s degrees in history and computer information systems from Fitchburg State College (now known as Fitchburg State University).

Outside of work, I enjoy walking on the new rail trails in my neighborhood, drawing, and watercolor painting. I’m also an avid reader and audiobook enthusiast.

Paralegal

Julie Dorley

I joined Fides Law with over ten years of office management experience, supporting the daily office operations of a busy medical practice and most recently with a financial advisory firm. I enjoy keeping offices organized and running smoothly.  

Clients find me warm, approachable, and always ready to help. I thrive on professionalism, organization, teamwork and continuous improvement. I enjoy creating structure, staying on top of details, and supporting my team. I am the one to ask if you need general assistance.

I am a commissioned Notary Public, and I hold a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from The University of Arizona. Outside of work, I enjoy spending quality time with my family and my two black cats. I also like building LEGO sets, which allows me to expand my creativity, patience, and appreciation for structure and problem-solving. Ask me about my latest build!

Administrative Assistant

Join Our Team

We're building a team that shares our commitment to exceptional client service and innovative legal counsel.

If you're a talented attorney or legal professional who values collaboration, empathy, and excellence in trusts and estates practice, we invite you to explore opportunities with us. Please email info@fideslaw.com to inquire.