Daniel C. Vermillion

Daniel C. Vermillion is known for guiding clients through the complexities of tax, trusts, and estate matters. He develops strategies that limit tax exposure while ensuring assets move smoothly between generations. His experience covers estate planning, probate, trust administration, and structuring succession plans for closely held businesses.

Daniel earned his B.A. with High Honors from the University of California, Santa Barbara in 2003. He went on to complete his J.D., cum laude, with a concentration in tax at the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco, in 2009. In 2012, he achieved his LL.M. in Taxation from New York University, building advanced knowledge in both domestic and international tax planning.

Dan focuses on designing modern, tax-efficient estate plans, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts (IDGTs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), life insurance trusts (ILITs), and grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs). He also guides fiduciaries and beneficiaries through every stage of probate and trust administration, helping safeguard beneficiary rights while streamlining the process. In addition, Dan provides strategic counsel on charitable giving, business succession planning, and entity formation to help clients protect, grow, and transfer their wealth.

Dan holds leadership roles within the profession, serving as President of the Hawai‘i Estate Planning Council. He has taught estate drafting as an adjunct professor and lectured on estate and gift taxation at UC Hastings and Golden Gate University. His career began as an associate at Farella Braun + Martel LLP, where he advised clients in both Saint Helena and San Francisco.

Daniel C. Vermillion continues to apply his technical skills and dedication to service, helping families and businesses secure legacies while managing complex tax and estate challenges.

Recognition of Dan’s contributions is reflected in multiple honors. In 2024, he received acknowledgment from the Hawai‘i Access to Justice Commission for more than 430 pro bono hours devoted to estate planning. His work has earned listings in Chambers & Partners High Net Worth Guide, Best Lawyers in America®, and Super Lawyers®. Past honors also include Forty Under 40 by the North Bay Business Journal and the Outstanding Volunteer Award from the Bar Association of San Francisco.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Cades Schutte LLP
• Member, Hawaii State Bar Association (Probate and Estate Section)
• Member, California State Bar Association (Taxation Section, Trusts and Estates Section)
• President, Hawaii Estate Planning Council (2025 to Present)
• Member, Board of Directors, Hawaii Estate Planning Council (2019 to Present)

Licensed State

• Hawaii
• California

Education

• New York University
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• University of California College of the Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of California
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges