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 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 is passionate about the Seattle community, and he demonstrates this commitment through many prominent leadership roles within the region. He currently serves as a Board Member of Plymouth Housing, the Downtown Seattle Association, and the Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Foundation.
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, 2016-2024
Best Lawyers, "Seattle Lawyer of the Year," Trust and Estates, 2013
The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2003-2025
Thomson Reuters, "Washington Super Lawyer," Estate Planning and Probate, 2006-2024
AV Preeminent in Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
Board Memberships & Community Service
Plymouth Housing, Board of Trustees, 2020-present
Downtown Seattle Association, Board of Directors, 2012-present
Seattle Children's Hospital and Research Foundation, Board of Directors, 2016-present
National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Greater Washington Chapter, Board of Directors, 2005-2007
Plymouth Housing, Treasurer, 2022-2023; Board of Trustees, 2020-present
University of Washington Law School, Advancement Committee, 2016-2019
Downtown Seattle Association, Board of Directors, 2012-present; Governance Committee, 2017-2019; General Counsel, 2013-2017
United Way, Fundraising Cabinet Member, 2011-2016
Seattle Police Foundation, Board of Directors, 2007-2016; Treasurer, 2011-2014
Seattle University, Planned Giving Committee, 2007-2013
Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Planned Giving Advisory Committee, 2004-2007
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow
Legal Lean Sigma and Project Management
Yellow Belt Certification
Credentials
Education
University of Missouri, (J.D.)
Missouri Law Review
University of Missouri, (B.S.)
Sophia University, Tokyo, Japan
Admissions
Washington
Missouri (Inactive)