portrait of Steven J. Schindler

Steven J. Schindler

Principal

Steven J. Schindler counsels estate planning clients in navigating an increasingly complex legal and tax environment.

Steven provides clients with comprehensive strategies to achieve successful family, business, and charitable objectives. He advises clients on estate and tax planning, planned charitable giving, estate and trust administration, nonjudicial dispute resolution, and the preparation of gift and estate tax returns.

In his estate planning work, Steven creates solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances and goals, assisting clients in sensitive matters including wealth transfer, asset protection, and legacy preservation. Actively practicing since 2007, he is adept at managing the nuances of tax law, helping clients minimize tax liabilities while maximizing benefits. He applies his knowledge of tax codes to structure trusts, implement gifting strategies, and manage tax compliance.

Steven also assists in developing charitable giving plans that reflect clients’ values and aspirations, while also optimizing tax advantages.

An active community member, Steven serves as treasurer of the King County Cultural Development Authority (4Culture) and formerly served as president of the Estate Planning Council of Seattle and president of the Real Property, Probate and Trust Section of the King County Bar Association.

Education

  • Duke University School of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2007
  • Duke University, M.P.P., Public Policy, 2007
  • Southern Methodist University, B.A., History; B.S., Engineering Management Science and Mathematics, summa cum laude, 2003

Bar & Court Admissions

  • Washington
  • Arizona
  • Texas
  • Named “Lawyer of the Year,” for Trusts and Estates by Best Lawyers in America, 2020
  • Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Trusts and Estates, 2018-2025
  • Ranked in Private Wealth Law, Washington by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016-2018, 2022-2024
  • Selected as a “Notable Practitioner” in Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016-2021
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow, 2018
  • Listed in Super Lawyers Magazine, “Washington Rising Stars,” 2014-2020; Listed as Super Lawyer, 2021-2024
  • Estate Planning Council of Seattle, Past President
  • Washington State Bar Association
    • Real Property, Probate & Trust Section, Probate & Trust Council, Past Member
    • Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Newsletter, Editorial Board, Past Member
  • King County Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, Past Chair
  • King County Cultural Development Authority (4Culture), Director
  • Seattle Leadership Tomorrow, Class of 2018
  • Atlantic Street Center, Former Board Member
  • End of Life Washington, Former Board Member
  • Powerful Schools Inc., Board of Directors (Former Treasurer and Member)
  • Perkins Coie, LLP 2007-2025
  • Office of the Attorney General, Charities Bureau, New York, NY, Summer Legal Intern, 2005
  • Duke University, Duke Foundation Research Program (now the Center for Strategic Philanthropy and Civil Society), Durham, NC, Research Assistant, 2003-2007