Kathleen M. Johnson

Member

Denver, Colorado

Phone: 303.299.8316

Fax:

[email protected]

Education

  • LL.M. in Taxation, New York University School of Law (2006)
  • J.D., Brooklyn Law School (2001)
    • Cum laude
  • B.A., Loyola College Maryland (1997)
    • Summa cum laude

Kate Johnson knew from an early age she wanted to be a lawyer to help people, and the trusts and estates practice area was a natural fit for her.

Kate assists high-net-worth clients with the development and implementation of tax-efficient strategies for the management and transfer of private wealth. She prepares wills and establishes structures utilizing trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, and insurance. Kate works with accountants, investment managers, and other advisors to provide coordinated advice to her clients. She also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries with respect to all aspects of probate, estate, and trust administration and counsels philanthropic donors on charitable giving through private foundations, donor-advised funds, and charitable split-interest trusts.

When working with Kate, clients can expect to gain a trusted confidante. Her ability to put her clients at ease and seamlessly delve into their unique situations and family dynamics enables her to provide simple and effective solutions for their planning needs. Kate knows trusts and estates clients need to feel comfortable from their first meeting with her.

A respected leader in the firm, she serves as a member of the firm’s Executive Committee and its DEI Task Force.

Experience

  • Regularly counsels clients with high net worth on estate planning matters and the strategic minimization of the federal estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes.
  • Assists clients with the structuring of charitable gifts and bequests, including the creation and administration of private foundations, public charities, charitable lead trusts and charitable remainder trusts.
  • Handles estate and trust administrations, including original and ancillary probate proceedings.

Professional Activities

  • Sherman & Howard Executive Committee
  • Sherman & Howard DEI Task Force
  • American Bar Association
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • New York State Bar Association
  • Colorado Symphony
    • Past member
    • Board of Trustees
  • RedLine Art
    • Past member
    • Board of Directors

 

Highlights

  • Best Lawyers in America, Denver
    • Tax Law (2021 – 2024)
    • Trusts and Estates (2021 – 2024)
  • Band 2, Colorado, Private Wealth Law, Chambers HNW (2019 – 2023)