Daniel Cooper

Daniel Cooper is a partner and Head of Sterlington’s Private Wealth practice. He advises founders, entrepreneurs and ultra-high-net-worth families on the critical decisions that shape how wealth is protected, transferred and governed across generations.

Daniel works with clients through major wealth transition events, including business sales, liquidity events, succession planning, family governance, estate and gift tax planning, and philanthropy. He helps clients make important decisions before changing circumstances, tax regimes or family dynamics reduce their flexibility, developing strategies that preserve wealth and support long-term family stewardship.

His practice includes the design and implementation of sophisticated wealth transfer structures, including family trusts, family limited partnerships, private trust companies, and corporate and family governance vehicles. He regularly advises clients on the establishment and administration of trusts in South Dakota and other leading trust jurisdictions, helping families take advantage of favorable trust laws while addressing complex cross-jurisdictional planning considerations.

Daniel also advises on the administration of complex estates and trusts, guiding fiduciaries through probate, accounting proceedings and high-value estate administration. In addition, he represents clients in fiduciary litigation and family disputes.