Justin Lacey is a Senior Resident Director and Wealth Management Advisor at Merrill, working with a select group of successful, time-constrained executives, business owners, physicians, and attorneys. He specializes in helping clients organize, protect, and align their financial lives with their most important priorities. His approach focuses on anticipating risk, preparing for uncertainty, and building resilient financial foundations to reduce exposure to unexpected financial events while implementing thoughtful strategies to grow and preserve wealth with clarity and purpose.
Originally beginning his career in accounting, Justin holds a Certified Public Accountant (CPA®) license and is a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER® professional, along with several advanced financial planning designations including Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (AWMA), Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA), Certified Private Wealth Advisor (CPWA), Personal Investment Advisor (PIA), and Sports & Entertainment Accredited Wealth Management Advisor (SE-AWMA). He graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Southern California with a double major in Business Administration and Accounting. Justin is affiliated with the University of Southern California Black Alumni Association and the Leventhal School of Accounting.
Justin's personal experience with his father's health challenges influencing his family’s financial stability motivates his commitment to helping clients manage complexity across investments, taxes, risk exposure, and competing priorities. He delivers comprehensive planning and investment strategies designed to simplify financial management and provide proactive guidance to help clients focus on their careers and families. His client base often includes individuals and families dealing with concentrated positions, business ownership, multiple income streams, or situations requiring coordination across various financial decisions.