Critchfield, Robert E.

“I like to think of myself as wanting to really understand a client’s needs, and then being able to cater a plan to those needs,” says attorney Rob Critchfield. “I like to be able to teach complex ideas in a way that my clients can understand.”

Most people would agree that Rob’s specialty of tax law is indeed complex, but under his care clients are definitely in good hands. Rob’s expertise ranges from federal income taxes and estate planning to probate, excise and gift taxes, and trust administration – and although many of his clients are from the business community, he also serves individuals with simple estates to high net-worth individuals and charitable organizations.

Rob also has plenty of experience leading businesses in planning and structuring LLCs and S-corporations, as well as in transfers and limited partnerships. Helping start-up business is another niche he’s accustomed to advising regarding venture capital and other issues.

About his career, he says, “What's rewarding is that I get to help individuals and small businesses find solutions to their problems.”   He prides himself on being able to find creative, custom solutions for his client’s needs.  One client came to see him and said he had been to a number of law firms that told him they could do nothing for him giving his complex estate planning issue.  Rob was able to find a creative solutions that saved the family a significant amount of estate taxes they would have otherwise paid.  

Charity work is another priority. For several area non-profits, Rob has obtained tax-exempt status, and he often advises established charities regarding their operations and annual planning. He also speaks frequently to the Puget Sound business communities on such topics as starting or partnering a business, and wills, trusts, and taxation.

Rob’s blending of business and tax law goes back a long way, to when he earned his degree in business management from Brigham Young University. His J.D. is from the University of Iowa, and he has an LLM in Taxation from the University of Florida – yet he continues to pursue continuing education for additional qualifications. In addition to his work at Morton McGoldrick, Rob is also a published author who has co-written tax journals. His unwavering job dedication and commitment to public service even led him to be named Washington Law and Politics’ “Rising Star” in 2005.

When he’s not immersed in law or social service, what does he enjoy?

“I have six kids, so that's pretty much my hobby,” he laughs. He also pursues road cycling, and is a Boy Scout leader and avid family camper, hiker, and coach of his son’s sports teams.

In the end, though, Rob says, “Working with MMG, this firm truly does have a team approach – more so than others I've worked for. We are good lawyers, with good ethics. And I think we do a good job for our clients.”

Admission, Memberships & Honors:     

• Idaho (1997)
• Washington (1998)
• Presenter - Advanced Partnerships, LLCs, and LLPs in Washington (Seattle 2006, 2005, and 2004)
• Presenter - Advanced Issues in LLC Formation & Operating in Washington (Seattle 2004 and 2005)
• Presenter - Recognizing the Blind Spots in the world of Partnerships, LLPs & LLCs in Washington (Seattle 2004 and 2005)
• Presenter - How to Draft Effective Wills and Trusts? (Olympia, Washington 2005)
• Presenter - Make a Will & Make a Difference: Simple Will Draftin? (Seattle 2000)
• Co-Author - Passthroughs, Tax Treaties, and Treaty Overrides, 82 Tax Notes 873 (1999) (co-authored with Nathan Honson and Myron Mendelowitz)
• Co-Author - Serps, Swaps, and a Player to be Named Later -  Journal of Deferred Compensation Vol. 7, No. 4, (2002) (co-authored with Bruce J. McNeil)
• Named "Rising Star" by Washington Law and Politics (2005)

Relevant Experience

• Represented web-based start-up company regarding venture capital and prepared private placement memorandum and related documents
• Advised numerous families on structuring their closely held businesses to avoid taxes and enhance succession.
• Represented families in creating and implementing estate plans to avoid unnecessary taxation and preserve assets.
• Represented numerous buyers and sellers in purchase of closely held business
• Represented numerous clients in the formation and operation of limited liability companies.

Education:    

•     University of Florida College of Law, L.L.M (Taxation), 1998
•     University of Iowa College of Law, J.D.,1997, with distinction
•     Brigham Young University, B.S. Business Management, 1994

Civic & Community Activities:     

• Boy Scouts of America - Charter Organization Representative (Troop 565)

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