Lane Powell’s Private Client Services and Fiduciary Litigation Teams, and team members Gary Kirk, Sarah MacLeod, Gail Mautner, Mary Lee Moseley, Heidi Orr, Chuck Riley and Dawn Spratley, were ranked in Chambers High Net Worth 2020 in the area of Private Wealth Law for Washington.
This widely acclaimed team counsels clients on the full range of estate and gift planning, estate administration, family business governance and transition planning, family office services and dispute resolution matters. They have extensive experience working with high net worth individuals and multi-generational families, including founders, owners and leaders of businesses, and charitable organizations of all sizes.
During the research process, Chambers & Partners received comments regarding the team, including the following:
- “They have a very wide breadth of services and capabilities, and you can cover everything you need to cover with the one firm.”
- “All of the attorneys have an excellent bedside manner. They are clear communicators, very relatable and make clients feel at ease.”
- “Despite their technical sophistication, they explain things in a clear and understandable way for clients.”
Chambers & Partners’ sources also shared the following commentary regarding the ranked attorneys:
- One source noted that Kirk “is always very up to speed with the law and makes very considered suggestions. I have a ton of trust in him and couldn't recommend him highly enough.” Another enthused: "He is a team player who understands how complex the issues are and how confusing they could be. He presents information in a very clear way and is good at handling many moving parts and coming to the right answer."
- MacLeod was described by sources as “an all-around very high-quality attorney” who is regularly sought after for charitable and philanthropic matters. Another source commented, “She is very proactive and always identifies the key issues for clients before they arise and ensures such issues are dealt with within the broader estate plan.”
- Sources highlighted that Mautner “has won some of the biggest estate cases and is really excellent. Her words carry the weight of her expertise and wisdom. She is well established in fiduciary ligation matters and often acts in trust, probate and guardianship disputes.” A peer shared: “Often litigators are tough in court and she does that side of things well, but she is also collaborative and you can brainstorm with her.”
- Described as a “big name in the market,” Moseley was noted for her tax and accounting background, “so she knows how to come at things from different angles.” One source shared: “She adds a lot of value when working with clients, and her experience comes through when working with complex family planning issues.” Another enthused, “for any matters relating to the West Coast, she is my go-to person.”
- Orr was described by a source stating: “She does a really good job and clients are very happy with her service. She is personable and hands-on.” Another added: “She has a great bedside manner and is hugely efficient when dealing with complex matters which require a lot of attention and understanding.”
- Riley, who was among a select group to receive the highest ranking in Chambers High Net Worth, was recognized as “a leading figure in the market who is very much involved in the private client business.” One source shared: “He really gains the trust of his clients and is very adept at managing relationships and helping clients move forward with their goals and plans.”
- Spratley, newly ranked this year, was described by a wealth adviser as “a top name [who] has been great over the years. We refer work to her due to her level of expertise being second to none.” Another source noted that she is “well respected in the community” and a “lovely person who is smart, thorough and accommodating.”