Ramón E. Ortiz-Vélez

Ramón E. Ortiz-Vélez is of counsel to Ortiz & Gosalia, PLLC, a Washington law firm serving clients with estate planning, tax, and business matters. A founding member of the firm, he has experience in complex estate planning, tax disputes, and immigration law. He also teaches law as Director of Experiential Learning and Senior Lecturer at the University of South Dakota School of Law. His work spans private legal advice, legal education, and public service.

Ramón earned an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Washington School of Law and a J.D., cum laude, from Seattle University School of Law. He also received an M.P.A., summa cum laude, from Troy State University and a B.S. in Biology, magna cum laude, from Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. His combined legal, public administration, and tax education supports work involving regulatory compliance, taxation, and planning across complex personal and business situations.

Before his current teaching position, Ramón taught tax law at the University of Washington School of Law and taught bankruptcy, tax, and immigration law to legal technicians. He previously served as a labor contracts negotiator and director of port security and spent more than 23 years working for federal agencies and departments in the United States and abroad. These positions add practical experience in government processes, negotiation, and cross-border legal questions.

Ramón E. Ortiz-Vélez is admitted to the bars of Washington and South Dakota and to several federal courts, including the United States Tax Court. He provides pro bono assistance to low-income families, veterans, first responders, and others on tax, immigration, and estate planning matters. His professional activities combine teaching with counsel in areas that can be technically demanding. He helps clients assess legal responsibilities and plan responses to tax and estate issues.

Law Office Affiliations

• Of Counsel, Ortiz & Gosalia, PLLC
• Member, State Bar of South Dakota
• Member, Washington State Bar Association
• Member, United States Tax Court
• Member, United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
• Member, United States Bankruptcy Court for the Western District of Washington
• Member, Wealthcounsel

Licensed State

• South Dakota
• Washington

Education

• University of Washington School of Law
  Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation
• Seattle University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD) (Cum Laude)
• Troy State University
  Master of Public Administration (MPA) (Summa Cum Laude)
• Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
  Bachelor of Science (BS) in Biology (Magna Cum Laude)

Awards & Badges