PLANNING TODAY FOR TOMORROW'S SUCCESS
A Boutique Law FIrm SERVING INDIVIDUALS, FAmilies and Businesses
WHAT's IN A NAME?
"Eidos" is a Greek term that can be translated as "form," "essence," or "idea."
The concept of "eidos" is often used in philosophical and metaphysical contexts to refer to the fundamental nature or underlying concept of something. It was prominently used by Plato in his theory of Forms or Ideas, where he posited that the material world is a reflection or imperfect copy of these ideal forms.
"LEGACY" represents the lasting impression one leaves behind and its impact on the people around them.
For individuals, a "legacy" can include tangible elements such as wealth, property, or possessions, but it extends beyond material possessions to encompass intangible aspects such as values, beliefs, wisdom, and character. For organizations, a "legacy" is created by a culmination of the values, actions, and contributions of a company over time. It encompasses the positive and lasting impact that the business has on its stakeholders, industry, and the broader community.
Whether it is an estate plan, a business transaction, OR a charitable gift, our goal is to bring your "ideal" into being.
We believe that every client expects a lawyer with credentials, a learned background and relevant expertise. We also believe that to best serve clients, it also takes a collaborative approach that emphasizes listening to clients and their other advisors, and taking time to build strong relationships with our clients, fostering trust and open communication. With this combination, we can help translate your "ideal" of any situation into legal documents.
The Eidos Legacy Advantage
experience WITH A BOUTIQUE FEEL
We offer the best of both worlds – the expertise and knowledge of a larger firm, coupled with the personalized attention and tailored solutions typically associated with boutique practices. We strive to deliver exceptional legal services that address your unique needs, while providing a client experience that is characterized by attentiveness, accessibility, and a genuine commitment to your success.
RECOGNIZED FOR OUR SUCCESS
We are proud to have been named a "Best Law Firm in America" for Estate Planning in Seattle for 2023 and 2024 and for Business Succession Planning in Seattle for 2024. Our attorneys have been consistently recognized by their peers as not only leaders, but people who are a joy to work with. Our attorneys pride themselves on being involved in top quality professional organizations and institutions and are committed to being the tops of their field.
Our
services
Estate planning
We provide clients with the necessary tools and legal documents to control the disposition of their assets, protect their loved ones, and preserve their legacy. This includes preparation of Wills, Revocable and Irrevocable Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Health Care- related documents and assistance with beneficiary designations. We regularly handle all types of planning from the simple to the very complex, including ultra high-net-worth planning and multi-generational plans.
Trust and estate administration
We provide assistance to the executor or personal representative of the deceased's estate or to the trustee of the deceased's revocable trust. We help guide the executor or trustee through the complex probate or trust administration process, to ensure that the deceased's debts and taxes are paid and their assets are distributed according to their wishes and state law.
fiduciary advisory
We help ensure that fiduciaries (meaning, executors or trustees) fulfill their responsibilities effectively and in compliance with the law. These services include: risk management and compliance, documentation and recordkeeping, conflict resolution, document interpretation, distribution plans and communicating with beneficiaries. We work with fiduciaries to settle conflicts or problems before they become litigation.
BENEFIciary adviCE
We help beneficiaries understand their rights in estate and trust administrations. We regularly answer questions about the meaning of a trust or of a Will's terms, how to make proper requests of fiduciaries, and how to interpret administration information delivered by fiduciaries. We work collaboratively with beneficiaries to ensure that they understand the unique language and complicated rules of trust and estate administration.
business succession planning
We work with family businesses to help develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for transitioning the ownership and management of the company to the next generation of leaders or external parties. These services often include assistance with goal-setting, business valuation and tax planning, corporate governance and coordination with the family's estate plans.
Business Transactions
We provide services to companies, entrepreneurs, family businesses, and corporations on a wide range of issues related to business operations, transactions, and compliance. These services include business formation, contracts and agreements, company governance issues, merger and acquisitions and tax planning assistance.
REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS
We support clients in diverse real estate matters, including acquisitions and dispositions, leasing, design and construction contracts, boundary line adjustments, and easements. Throughout our transactions, we guide clients towards equitable solutions in various aspects of real estate agreements, and passionately represent them to safeguard crucial contractual and property rights. Our straightforward approach is appreciated by parties involved in our transactions, fostering efficiency and effectiveness in negotiations right from the beginning.
Our
attorneys
Our firm has a group of talented attorneys who are at the top of their field. Beyond our individual accolades, we understand that true excellence resides in collaboration. Our firm is focused on internal and external teamwork. We synergize our talents and insights as well as those of our clients' other advisors to empower one another to think beyond conventional boundaries to assist our clients in a practical and effective manner.
KATIE@EIDOSLEGACY.COM
KATIE S. GROBLEWSKI
(she/her/hers)
Katie has spent her career working with individuals, families and business owners on their estate planning, trust and estate administration and business succession planning. Katie’s approach is a personal one - she wants to understand each client’s goals and concerns before preparing their estate planning documents. Her approach is also educational - she wants her clients to receive all of the information and support that they need to make thoughtful decisions about their planning.
Katie’s clients range from those with straightforward issues to those with highly complex ones. Her work covers all types of issues, including basic core planning, complex trusts, intrafamily gifts and wealth transfers, income tax mitigation and trust modifications. Regardless of the complexity, Katie works to create a prioritized approach to address each client's needs.
Katie also assists individual and corporate fiduciaries with a wide range of issues, including valuation, distribution and management of assets, fiduciary income taxes, passing family businesses through estates, and defending high-net worth estates through IRS audit.
Honors and Recognitions
- Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Washington Super Lawyers (2014 - 2024)
- The Best Lawyers in America in Trusts and Estates (2018 - 2024)
- Chambers High Net Worth Guide for High Net Worth Planning (2017 - 2024)
- Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (2012 - 2013)
Admissions
- Washington, 2003
- Oregon, 2006
Education
- University of Washington School of Law, LL.M., taxation (2004)
- Seattle University School of Law, J.D. (2003)
- University of Washington, B.A. (2000)
MAGGIE@EIDOSLEGACY.COM
MAGGIE M. LASSEN
(she/her/hers)
Maggie provides comprehensive guidance to individuals and families, offering counsel in both the intricate tax and nontax facets of estate planning. She skillfully navigates clients through the ever-evolving landscape of tax regulations, strategically evaluating risks and devising effective strategies to address them. Employing a range of practical estate planning techniques, Maggie works to minimize tax liabilities while preserving her clients' nontax objectives. Understanding the significance of empowering her clients, Maggie goes the extra mile to educate them about available options, equipping them with the knowledge and resources to feel assured in their estate plans.
In addition, Maggie represents personal representatives (executors and administrators), trustees, and beneficiaries in estate and trust administrations. With the right blend of clarity and genuine compassion, she advises her clients throughout these intricate processes, fully understanding the emotional weight that frequently accompanies such circumstances.
Honors and Recognitions
- Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (2017 - Present)
- Best Lawyers in America "Ones to Watch" for Trusts & Estates (2024)
- WSBA RPPT Executive Committee Member (2020 - 2022)
- Washington Women in Tax, Vice President (2024)
Admissions
- Washington, 2011
Education
- University of Washington School of Law, LL.M., taxation (2011)
- University of Washington School of Law, J.D. (2010)
- University of Washington, B.S., cum laude (2008)
MATTHEW E. NEWELL
(he/him/his)
Matt’s practice is focused on advising closely held businesses and their owners on real estate transactions, business transactions, and corporate governance. Matt leverages his varied experience—in the corporate group at Oregon’s largest law firm, as a real estate executive at a retail automotive group, and as general counsel at global automotive services company—to provide more than legal advice to his clients; he acts as a strategic business partner.
Matt possesses a deep understanding of corporate law and is committed to helping clients achieve their goals while safeguarding their interests. He assists companies in all stages of development with a variety of matters, including entity formation, contract negotiation, mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, and business succession planning.
For more than a decade, a significant part of Matt’s practice has been focused on real estate acquisition and development. Matt utilizes his experience, both as a manager of a corporate real estate portfolio and as lead real estate counsel for a global automotive services company, to help his clients purchase, sell, lease, finance, and design/construct commercial real estate in a variety of industries.
While Matt's expertise and professional experience apply to a myriad of industries, he specializes in the retail automotive industry. Leveraging his prior experience as General Counsel for two automotive companies, Matt provides informed and practical advice to franchised automobile dealers on a number of issues, including manufacturer relations, franchise agreements, mergers and acquisitions, and regulatory compliance.
Professional and Community Activities
- Board of Directors, Kuni Foundation (2023 – present)
- Revised Uniform Limited Liability Company Taskforce, Oregon State Bar Business Law Section (2009-2011)
- Member-at-large, Executive Committee of the Business Law Section of the Oregon State Bar (2010-2011)
- Board of Directors, Bosco-Milligan Foundation (Architectural Heritage Center of Portland) (2010-2011)
Admissions
- Oregon, 2006
- Washington, 2019
Education
- University of Minnesota School of Law, J.D. (2006)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champagne, B.A. (2000)
elizabeth@eidoslegacy.com
ELIZABETH STEPHAN
(she/her/hers)
Drawing upon over 20 years of experience in the field, Elizabeth is a seasoned trusts & estates professional. Her vast knowledge extends from core estate planning to complex estate tax and business succession planning. Elizabeth also prepares Washington state and federal estate tax returns, federal gift tax returns and handles trust and estate income tax issues.
Elizabeth takes a client-centric approach in her drafting of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and an array of other estate planning documents, aligning her clients' personal and tax objectives. Recognizing the dynamics that underpin familial relationships, she advises clients on planning strategies that preserve the financial and emotional well-being of both themselves and their loved ones.
Furthermore, Elizabeth's practice also includes family entity formation and business succession planning. Armed with an understanding of the unique challenges faced by family-owned businesses, she offers guidance that empowers clients to make informed decisions for the future.
Honors and Recognitions
- Rising Star, Washington Super Lawyers (2009-2011)
- Member, Washington Women in Tax
- WSBA RPPT Executive Committee (2019 - 2021)
Admissions
- Washington, 2000
Education
- University of Michigan School of Law, J.D. (2000)
- The Ohio State University, B.A. (1996), summa cum laude
Contact Us
The Best way to reach us is via our INDIVIDUAL email addresses above.
