Amplifying Impact Through Connection: How Lauren Doughty Provides True Counseling for Her Clients
For nearly two decades, Lauren Doughty has built a career founded on trust, empathy, and a profound understanding of what matters most to her clients. Her journey into estate planning began with a leap of faith—after college, law school felt like a good next step, but it quickly became a calling. With no lawyers in her family, Lauren found herself navigating unfamiliar territory, at times battling imposter syndrome, and ultimately discovering a practice area that allowed her to blend technical expertise with heartfelt advising and relationship building.
Rooted in Connection
Lauren is a Partner at Troutman Pepper Locke’s Houston office, with extensive experience ranging from estate planning, probate, trust and estate law to philanthropic planning. Estate planning, for Lauren, is far more than legal documents and tax codes. It’s about helping families articulate their values, plan for their futures, and find peace of mind. “I get to nerd out with the tax code,” she says, “but more importantly, I get to truly know families and help them plan better for themselves and their futures.”
Lauren works with high-net-worth individuals, families, executors and trustees, beneficiaries, and business owners to implement sophisticated estate planning and asset protection planning techniques. Her practice includes advising clients on developing strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes, as well as implementing legal structures to safeguard their assets.
Philanthropy is often woven into Lauren’s work with clients. Whether they come in with philanthropic intentions or discover them along the way, Lauren is ready to guide them in meeting their charitable goals. She’s seen firsthand how donor advised funds (DAFs) can transform giving—especially when clients are unsure about the future of their private foundations or want to make an impact without a significant administrative burden. “DAFs are so easy,” she explains. “Most people just want to make a difference without a lot of hassle.”
Partnering for Purpose
Lauren’s relationship with Greater Houston Community Foundation began early in her career, thanks to a mentor, Stephanie Donaho, who introduced her to its unique approach. “The Community Foundation isn’t just a DAF provider,” she remarks. “It offers flexibility, creative options, and the ability to work with different types of assets, including noncash. That stuck with me.”
Over the years, Lauren has referred numerous clients to the Community Foundation, recognizing its ability to meet clients where they are. Lauren recounts how it helped one of her clients pivot from a private foundation to a DAF. Additionally, she shared how she’s worked with the Community Foundation to support one of her corporate clients, who wanted to establish ways to support the next generation of leaders in its field. “The Community Foundation has been a nimble, responsive partner. They answered questions I couldn’t,” Lauren says. “They help my clients move quickly and with confidence.”
When advising clients to partner with the Community Foundation, Lauren looks for those who want more than transactional experiences. Whether the client is looking to establish or manage a private foundation, contribute to a DAF, legacy giving, or donate complex assets for charitable purposes, her belief in a team approach to estate planning is steadfast. “If they want white-glove service, someone local who can pick up the phone, and the ability to collaborate with other donors, the Community Foundation is the right fit,” she explains. “They’re not just a DAF provider—they’re a true partner and a true value-add—for me and my clients. They team up with you to bring real expertise and multiple giving vehicles, options, and services.”
Lauren has also participated in Community Foundation programming, including the Women, Wealth, & Wisdom advisor breakfast, which reminded her of the importance of slowing down and meeting clients where they are. “We can’t assume people understand everything even those who have grown up in, or adjacent to, the gift and estate planning space,” she says. “Sometimes we need to break things down step by step and learn from each other along the way.”
Guiding Through Service
Lauren’s involvement with the Community Foundation goes beyond client referrals. As a member of its Advisor Outreach Committee, she helps educate fellow advisors about its offerings and serves as a thought partner. “It’s about being a voice in the professional community,” she says. “And it’s also a great way to connect with other professionals and grow together.” Additionally, Lauren provides incredible insights and expertise, being a sounding board and subject-matter expert who offers guidance or feedback when the Community Foundation develops new initiatives or programs.
Her personal philosophy on giving is just as thoughtful. With three boys at home, Blake (9th Grade), Josh (7th Grade), and Luke (4th Grade), Lauren and her husband, Mark, aim to model generosity in everyday moments, often focusing their giving on local efforts. Lauren regularly volunteers at various school events, but more importantly, she has open dialogue about supporting her sons in their own volunteerism and community impact. She often shares, “Just because you can’t give a lot doesn’t mean it’s not something,” she says. “Time, talent, treasure—it all matters.”
Collaborating for Client Success
Lauren embraces a collaborative approach to estate planning, partnering closely with her clients’ trusted advisors—from accountants to philanthropic advisors at the Community Foundation—to design thoughtful, comprehensive plans tailored to each client or family’s goals and circumstances. Lauren brings a practical element to planning, focusing on minimizing transfer taxes while staying mindful of each client’s financial security, tolerance for complexity, and desire for flexibility. She teams up with purpose, learns with intention, and recognizes the power of a trustworthy partner when she sees one.
As an advisor guiding your clients to optimize their charitable efforts, we are committed to bringing their philanthropic vision and goals to life. Contact Andrea Mayes, Senior Director of Charitable Solutions, to learn how we can partner with you to help you achieve your client’s philanthropic goals.
More Helpful Articles by Greater Houston Community Foundation:
- Easy Giving: Transferring Donor Advised Funds to Greater Houston Community Foundation
- Understanding the New Tax Law: Impacts on Philanthropy
- Giving Strategies for Your Business Owner Clients
- Retaining Clients Through Generational Connections
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