Kathleen M. Johnson

Kathleen M. Johnson is a Denver partner who helps clients with private client matters, estate planning, probate and trust administration, and tax-exempt organization guidance. She assists ultra-high-net-worth clients with tax-efficient plans to manage and transfer private wealth, while creating clear solutions for personal and family needs and concerns.

Kate earned an LL.M. in Taxation from New York University School of Law in 2006. She earned her J.D., cum laude, from Brooklyn Law School in 2001. She also earned her B.A., summa cum laude, from Loyola College of Maryland in 1997, laying the foundation for legal and tax planning for clients.

Kate prepares wills and creates planning structures that may include trusts, partnerships, limited liability companies, and insurance. She works closely with accountants, investment managers, and other advisors so clients receive coordinated advice. Her work focuses on practical plans that effectively support wealth transfer, tax planning, and long-term family goals.

Kate’s awards include recognition by Best Lawyers in America for Trusts and Estates and Tax Law from 2021 to the present. She has also been recognized by Chambers High Net Worth, Band 2, Colorado, Private Wealth Law, from 2019 to the present, reflecting her respected work in the legal services field.

Kate also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries on probate and trust administration proceedings. She counsels philanthropic donors on charitable giving through private foundations, donor-advised funds, and charitable split-interest trusts. Clients can expect a trusted confidante who listens closely and helps them feel comfortable from the first planning meeting together.

Kathleen M. Johnson is admitted in Colorado and New York. Her notable matters include counseling ultra-high-net-worth clients on estate planning and on reducing federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. She also assists with charitable gifts, bequests, private foundations, public charities, charitable trusts, and original and ancillary probate proceedings.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Colorado Bar Association
• Member, New York State Bar Association

Licensed State

• Colorado
• New York

Education

• New York University School of Law
  LL.M. in Taxation
• Brooklyn Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Loyola College Maryland
  BA with Summa Cum Laude

Awards & Badges