Purposeful Estate Planning
Serving High Net Worth Individuals Since 2006
Get in TouchLora L. Brown — Attorney at Law
Biography
An Experienced Trust and Estate Lawyer
Lora has been practicing exclusively in the trusts and estates area since 1991. She began her law career at the former Seattle firm Bogle & Gates, and then at Stokes Lawrence in Seattle (1993–2006), where she was a partner in the estate planning group. In 2006, she opened her solo law firm.
Lora advises individuals and families in estate planning matters, assists in the drafting and negotiation of cohabitation, premarital and postmarital agreements, and represents fiduciaries in the administration of trusts and estates.
In her work with estate planning clients, Lora focuses on purposeful planning, with a close eye on tax advantageous options for wealth transfers, and works closely with clients to develop succession plans for closely held businesses.
Lora studied law at the University of Puget Sound (now Seattle University School of Law), graduating in 1991, and earned her Bachelor's degree from the University of Washington in 1985 (Communications/Editorial Journalism major).
Recognized as a leader in the estate planning community, Lora was elected to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel ("ACTEC") in 2002. She has served in many leadership roles in ACTEC: Washington State Chair (2012–2017), Western Region Chair (2016–2018), Board of Regents (2018–2024), Chair of the Practice Committee (2018–2021), and Co-Chair of ACTEC's Artificial Intelligence Task Force (2019–2021).
Lora is a former Chair of the Washington State Bar Association's Real Property, Probate & Trust Section, and served as Emeritus Chair. She is a Past Chair of the Estate and Gift Tax Committee of the WSBA Taxation Section.
Lora has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" (Washington Law and Politics) every year since 2002 (including through 2026), as a Top 10 Washington Lawyers (2022–2026), a "Top 100 Washington Lawyer" in years 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2024, 2025 and 2026, and as a "Top 50 Washington Women Lawyer" in over a dozen years (2006–2017, 2021–2026).
Lora has been chosen by her peers as a "Best Lawyers in America in Trusts and Estates Law" by American Lawyer Magazine annually since 2007.
Lora is a Seattle native but spent her childhood on the sunny side of the state in north-central Washington. She returned to Seattle to finish college at the University of Washington and attend law school. Lora and her family live in the Ballard area of Seattle.
Professional Background
Experience & Qualifications
Practice+
- Estate Planning for individuals and families, including tax reduction techniques through lifetime gifting
- Probate and Trust Administration, representing fiduciaries (corporate and individual) in administering trusts and estates and in resolving ambiguities in administration
- Cohabitation and Premarital Agreements
- Representing beneficiaries in understanding their rights in a trust or estate matter
Bar Memberships+
- Washington, 1991–current
- King County, 1991–current
Education+
- University of Washington, B.A., Communications (Editorial Journalism)
- Seattle University, J.D.
Professional Activities and Memberships+
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (elected to the College 2002)
- Board of Regents (2018–2024)
- Nominating Committee (2022–2024)
- Chair, Practice Committee (2018–2021)
- Co-Chair, Artificial Intelligence Task Force (2019–2021)
- Washington State Chair (2012–2017)
- Western Region Chair (2016–2018)
- Vice-Chair, Practice Committee (2016–17)
- Chair, Special Projects Subcommittee/Practice Committee (2015–2017)
- Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate & Trust Section — Executive Committee, 1996–2007, including Section Chair (2005–06) and Emeritus Chair (2012–13)
- Washington State Bar Association, Taxation Section — Estate and Gift Tax Committee (Chair 2010–2012)
- Estate Planning Council of Seattle (Executive Committee 2008–2010)
- Washington Women in Tax
- King County Bar Association, Real Property, Probate & Trust Section
Speaking Engagements and Publications+
- Alaska Fellows Seminar (ACTEC), Premarital Agreements and Estate Planning (May 20, 2025)
- Idaho State Bar Annual Estate Planning Conference, "Ethics and the Future of Practicing Law Remotely" (Boise, Idaho, September 2024)
- ACTEC Podcast co-presenter, "Ethics and the Future of Practicing Law Remotely" (August 2023)
- ACTEC Summer meeting, panelist/presenter, "Ethics and the Future of Practicing Law Remotely" (June 2023, Washington D.C.)
- ACTEC Virtual Fall Meeting, co-presenter, "Managing Your Law Practice in the New Normal and Beyond." (October 2020)
- ACTEC virtual special seminar, co-presenter, "Practical Guide for WFH (Working From Home) for Fellows with Solo and Small Firms" (April 2020)
- The 64th Annual Estate Planning Seminar, co-presenter, "The 4-D Experience — Drafting, Defending and Dividing Trusts in Contemplation of Divorce" (Seattle, November 2019)
- ACTEC Western Region Meeting, moderator of State Chairs Panel (Lake Tahoe, September 2017)
- ALI-CLE Presentation on 'Legal and Practical Issues for Estate Planners (April 2016); and ACTEC Practice Committee Presentation (March 2016)
- ACTEC Western Region Meeting, State Chairs Panel, updates in laws relating to end-of-life issues in the Western Region (Portland, September 2015)
- "Moving On: A Pragmatic Approach to Succession Planning for Owners of Closely Held Businesses," WSBA RPPT Section (December 2013)
- "ACTEC Fellows present: Lessons learned, a law practice in retrospect" — panelist and moderator (WSBA RPPT Midyear meeting, June 2013)
- "Starting and Managing Your Own Law Practice," panelist (WSBA, July 2010)
- "Updates on Tax Laws and Regulations Impacting Trusts and Estates," Program Co-Chair (WSBA, August 2009)
- "Retirement Planning, When Death and Divorce Collide" (WSBA, November 2006)
- "Ethics Update" panelist, 50th Annual Estate Planning Seminar (WSBA, November 2005)
- "Factors in Choosing a Corporate Trustee" panelist, 2005 Northwest Trust Conference (Washington Bankers Association, April 2005)
- "Premarital and Postmarital Agreements: The Estate Planner's Perspective" (Seminar Group, October 2004 and October 2005)
- "Keeping Probate and Nonprobate Property Straight," Basic Washington Estate Planning Skills Course (University of Washington, April 2004)
- "The State of the Estate Tax – The Conundrum Continues," Washington Planned Giving Council (April 2004)
- "Enron, Ethics and Lessons for Lawyers" panelist, RPPT Section Midyear Meeting (WSBA, June 2003)
- "Estate Planning with a Conservation Purpose," Land Trust Alliance NW Conference (LTA, April 2001)
Awards & Recognition+
- Super Lawyers (2002–2026)
- Top 10 Washington Super Lawyers (2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)
- Top 50 Women Super Lawyers (2006–2017, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)
- Top 100 Washington Super Lawyers (2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026)
- Best Lawyers in America (2007–2026)
- Martindale Hubbell (AV)
Office Location
600 University Street, Suite 2310, Seattle WA 98101
Downtown location for scheduled meetings or downtown deliveries has CHANGED to:
Mailing Address
Law Offices of Lora L. Brown
2400 NW 80th Street, PMB 189
Seattle, WA 98117