Stephen Bonfa.

Stephen A. Bonfa is a native New Yorker and Brooklynite. He currently is a Partner at IX Legal, where he leads the firm’s Estate & Tax Division. Once upon a time, Stephen was a championship high school wrestler. Stephen continues to wrestle, however, now his opponent is the Tax Code, and he does it on behalf of his clients, families, friends, and fellow attorneys.

A third-generation American, Stephen grew up in a hardworking family rooted in the garment and food industries. He was the first professional in his family and built his career helping families preserve what they have earned and pass it on to the next generation. Stephen likes to say, “My success was built standing on the shoulders of my parents and grandparents, and I strive to help others do the same.”

Stephen’s path to law was unexpected. While studying history in college, a public-service assignment brought him to the Queens District Attorney’s Office. He later enrolled at New York Law School, passed the New York Bar, and began a legal career that has now spanned more than 25 years.

His public-service experience includes serving as an Assistant District Attorney, New York City Administrative Law Judge, NYPD attorney, and Managing Attorney for the NYC Department of Buildings.

Stephen later earned a Master in Laws in Taxation (LLM), giving him a unique perspective when designing estate, asset-protection, Medicaid, and tax strategies. His practice focuses on preserving wealth, protecting legacies, and minimizing unnecessary tax exposure.

He has taught thousands of attorneys and members of the public through CLE programs and seminars on estate planning, probate, taxation, Medicaid asset protection, trusts, business planning, 1031 exchanges, and tax resolution.