Colonel Betz is a partner in the firm and was the firmwide chair of the Trust & Estate Planning Practice from 2016 through 2021. He focuses his practice on personal, tax and estate planning for individuals and families as well as the representation of fiduciaries in estate and trust administration. He advises clients on a broad range of basic and sophisticated estate planning strategies, estate and trust administration issues, probate, estate and trust dispute resolution matters, and the preparation of gift and estate tax returns. His practice includes planning for executives, business owners and multigenerational families, as well as philanthropic planning.
Professional Recognition
- Perkins Coie Washington practice ranked Band 1, in Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016 – 2023
- Selected as a “Notable Practitioner” in Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016 – 2020
- Received the Five Star Professional Award – Overall Satisfaction, 2007 – 2012
- Listed in Washington Law & Politics, “Rising Stars of Washington Law,” 2002 – 2012
- Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Trusts and Estates, 2009 – 2024
Professional Leadership
- University of Washington Estate and Gift Planning Council
- Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
- Estate Planning Council of Seattle
Related Employment
- Whatcom County Public Defenders Office, Bellingham, WA, Legal Intern, Summer 1998
- Price Waterhouse LLP, Seattle, WA, Tax Consultant, Summer 1997
- Price Waterhouse LLP, Seattle, WA, Staff Accountant, 1995 - 1996