Chuck Riley advises high net worth clients on estate and tax planning, philanthropic planning, business succession, and trust administration. His ability to build and maintain client relationships has earned him the distinction of being a market leader and serving as a trusted advisor to multiple generations of high net worth families.
As a Band One member of the Chambers High Net Worth top-ranked Private Client Services Team at the firm, Chuck is recognized in the area of private wealth law as "a leading figure in the market," "a go-to adviser for wealth transfers," and "a long-standing practitioner who is truly committed to this area of law as well as the wider industry." A Fellow in the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Chuck has extensive experience with tax-sensitive estate planning and complex trust administration.
Chuck joined Ballard Spahr as part of its merger with Lane Powell, a leading Pacific Northwest law firm known for its deep regional roots and innovative legal solutions. While at Lane Powell, Chuck served as its President from 2015 to 2019, and its Vice President from 2007 to 2015.
Professional Highlights
Professional Activities
King County Bar Foundation, Trustee, 2016-2019
Estate Planning Council of Seattle
U.S. Law Firm Group, Trustee, 2008-2019; President, 2016-2017
Washington State Bar Association, Real Property, Probate and Trust Section, Executive Committee, 2001-2004; Real Property, Probate and Trust Section Midyear Meeting, Co-Chair, 2005
Recognition & Accomplishments
Chambers High Net Worth, Private Wealth Law, Band One, 2016-2026
Best Lawyers, "Seattle Lawyer of the Year," Trust and Estates, 2013
The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2003-2027
AV Preeminent in Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow
Board Memberships & Community Service
Downtown Seattle Association, Board of Directors, 2012-2026; Governance Committee, 2017-2019; General Counsel, 2013-2017
Seattle Children's Foundation, Treasurer, 2024-2026; Board of Trustees, 2016-2026
Plymouth Housing, Treasurer, 2022-2023; Board of Trustees, 2020-2025
Related Insights
Credentials
Education
University of Missouri, (J.D.)
Missouri Law Review
University of Missouri, (B.S.)
Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
Admissions
Washington
Missouri (Inactive)