Business Details
26 Years
experience
Your Trusted Legal Partner in Vancouver for Tax and Estate Planning
Legacy Tax & Trust Lawyers + Trust Lawyers is a dynamic boutique law firm established in 2000, located in downtown Vancouver. Our practice focuses exclusively on estate and tax planning, cross-border legal advice, and estate and tax litigation. With a team of experienced lawyers, many of whom hold the prestigious AV Rating from Martindale Hubbell and are recognized by LEXPERT, we provide high-quality legal services tailored to both individual and corporate clients. Our lawyers actively contribute to the legal community through teaching roles at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law, publications in leading journals, and presentations at continuing legal education conferences.We serve a diverse clientele, including corporations, owner-managed businesses, charities, and individuals with complex tax and estate needs. Our commitment to staying current on legal developments ensures clients receive innovative solutions grounded in deep expertise. Supported by dedicated staff, we prioritize effective, pragmatic results while maintaining leadership roles in international, national, and local legal associations.
Services
Tax Services
Charities and Not-for-Profits
Estate and Trust Litigation
Tax Litigation
Trusts, Estates & Estate Planning
Details
- Year established: 2000
Highlights and features
- We have over 20 years of experience in tax and estate law.
- Our exclusive focus on niche legal areas ensures deep expertise.
- Lawyers teach at UBC's Peter A. Allard School of Law.
- Recognized with AV Ratings from Martindale Hubbell.
- Active involvement in international legal associations.
Associations and certifications
- Martindale Hubbell
- LEXPERT
Services
Tax Services
Our Tax Services provide strategic solutions for corporations, individuals, and charities to minimize tax liabilities and optimize financial goals. We specialize in cross-border transactions, corporate reorganizations, and tax litigation before Canadian courts. Clients benefit from our team's deep expertise in domestic and international tax law.
Trusts, Estates & Estate Planning
We design comprehensive estate plans to ensure seamless wealth transfer while minimizing taxes and legal disputes. Services include wills, trusts, probate, and succession planning for families and business owners. Our innovative strategies address blended families, charitable giving, and international asset holdings.
Charities and Not-for-Profits
Our team advises charities and nonprofits on governance, tax compliance, and planned giving. We assist with charitable registration, cross-border donations, and complex tax-advantaged gift structures. Clients include foundations, educational institutions, and healthcare organizations seeking to maximize their social impact.
Estate and Trust Litigation
We represent clients in estate and trust disputes, including will challenges, fiduciary accountability, and court applications. Our litigators handle cases at all BC court levels while prioritizing alternative dispute resolution to reduce costs and stress for clients.
Tax Litigation
Our Tax Litigation practice resolves disputes with tax authorities through negotiation or court representation. We handle reassessments, collection issues, and complex cases involving the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) in federal and provincial courts.
People
Cheyenne Reese
Lawyer
Cheyenne assists clients with estate planning and tax matters, focusing on trusts and cross-border solutions. Recognized as Lawyer of the Year for Trusts and Estates Law by Best Lawyers in Canada.
Ian Worland
Lawyer
Ian advises on tax planning, estate freezes, and international tax strategies. He has extensive experience in corporate reorganizations and charitable gift planning for high-net-worth individuals.
James Zaitsoff
Principal, Estate Litigation
James leads the Estate and Trust Litigation Group, representing clients in complex disputes involving will validity, fiduciary duties, and trust administration across British Columbia courts.
Areet Kaila
Principal
Areet specializes in corporate tax planning, business succession, and estate freezes. She assists clients with cross-border tax issues and restructuring for family-owned enterprises.
Nicholas P. Smith
Lawyer
With over 25 years of experience, Nick focuses on federal, provincial, and international tax planning. He advises on estate transitions, trust administration, and tax dispute resolution for businesses and individuals.
Questions
What areas of law does Legacy Tax & Trust Lawyers + Trust Lawyers + Trust Lawyers specialize in?
We specialize in tax planning, estate and trust law, cross-border legal advice, and litigation for individuals and businesses.
Do you work with international clients?
Yes, we handle U.S./Canada cross-border tax matters and international business transactions for corporations and individuals.
Can you assist with charitable giving strategies?
Our team provides tax-optimized charitable gift planning, including cross-border donations and foundation establishment.
What estate planning services do you offer?
We create customized estate plans using wills, trusts, and probate strategies to minimize taxes and prevent disputes.
How do you handle tax disputes?
We represent clients in negotiations and litigation with tax authorities, including cases involving the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR).
Are your lawyers recognized in the legal community?
Yes, many of our lawyers hold AV Ratings from Martindale Hubbell and are recognized by LEXPERT and Best Lawyers in Canada.
