Stanley R. Smiley, Esq., J.D.

Stan Smiley is the senior vice president of Cetera Financial Group’s Advanced Planning Group. With more than 35 years of legal and estate business planning experience, he provides consultative services for Pacific Capital Investments and their clients. He focuses on tax planning for affluent individuals, and estate planning and wealth preservation strategies for high-net worth clients and family wealth transfers. He enjoys the opportunity he has to help financial advisors and their clients pursue their financial goals.

Prior to working within the financial services industry, Stan was a partner at a Los Angeles-based law firm, serving as counsel for small and multibillion qualified pension and welfare benefit plans, private trusts, and foundations. He has also worked within the Office of Chief Counsel of the IRS. He has been a featured lecturer and commentator for various legal subjects on the Armed Forces Radio, and a platform speaker at multiple events.

Stan holds FINRA Series 7, 24, and 64 securities registrations. He earned his bachelor’s degree at the State University of New York at Buffalo, and earned his law degree from St. John’s University School of Law. Furthermore, he is a member of the Real Property, Probate and Trusts Section and the Taxation Section of the American Bar Association, and serves on its committee of Tax Standards and Exempt Organizations. He is licensed to practice law in New York and California and is admitted to the United States Tax Court. He also maintains memberships in the Los Angeles and San Francisco Bar Associations. He currently serves on the CFP Board’s Business Model Council.

Outside of the office, Stan is an avid professional baseball and football enthusiast, and is actively involved in the League of Women’s Voters Association.