Ryan K. Crayne

Ryan K. Crayne focuses his practice on estate planning, trusts, taxation, and family law, helping individuals and families prepare for the future with clarity and confidence. He works to understand each client’s unique circumstances and then designs practical strategies that protect assets, preserve wealth, and support smooth transitions for future generations.

Ryan’s academic background includes a Juris Doctor from the University of Notre Dame Law School, earned in 1993, and a Bachelor of Science from the University of South Dakota, earned in 1990. He is admitted in multiple states, including South Dakota, Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, reflecting broad credentials. As both an attorney and Certified Public Accountant, he brings a valuable financial perspective to estate and tax planning matters. His work includes will-based and trust-based plans, estate and gift planning, life insurance planning, premium-financed transactions, charitable giving, retirement benefits, and income tax planning for varied client needs across a range of situations.

Ryan also guides clients through estate and trust administration, asset protection, business succession planning, elder law, disability planning, special needs planning, education planning, and family limited partnerships. In each matter, he seeks solutions that carefully address immediate legal concerns while anticipating future risks, responsibilities, and opportunities for families and businesses. His litigation experience includes contested trust, estate, and tax matters, providing clients with support when disputes arise regarding administration, interpretation, fiduciary duties, or tax obligations. He represents clients in transactional and litigation settings, helping them make informed decisions during emotionally difficult and financially significant moments with steady, practical, focused sound counsel.

Ryan K. Crayne has built a career serving clients who need thoughtful planning and careful advocacy in complex wealth, tax, and family-related matters. His admission to the U.S. Tax Court further supports his ability to address tax controversies and planning issues with both legal insight and detailed accounting knowledge. His professional recognition includes honors in tax law, an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and prior selections by Minnesota Super Lawyers and Rising Stars. Through detailed planning, careful administration, and responsive representation, he helps clients protect legacies, reduce uncertainty, and create durable structures.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner, Spencer Fane LLP
• Member, American Bar Association
• Member, Minnesota State Bar Association
• Member, Wisconsin State Bar Association
• Member, Iowa State Bar Association
• Member, Nebraska State Bar Association
• Member, South Dakota Bar Association
• Member, Hennepin County Bar Association
• Past Co-Chair, Ramsey County Bar Association, Tax Section
• Member, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
• Member, American Association of Attorney-CPAs
• Member, South Dakota CPA Society
• Member, Minnesota CPA Society

Licensed State

• North Dakota
• Minnesota
• Wisconsin
• South Dakota
• Iowa

Education

• University of Notre Dame Law School
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of South Dakota
  Bachelor of Science

Awards & Badges