Overview
Debbie advises high net-worth families, family offices, and owners of closely held businesses. She drafts sophisticated estate plans, often centered around complex trust structures, represents clients in complex estate and gift tax audits, and advises executors in will contests and disputes with beneficiaries. She also counsels trustees on trust and estate administration, as well as beneficiaries on rights and claims.
Throughout her career, Debbie has honed distinctive techniques to manage life insurance, grantor-retained annuity trusts, remainder purchase marital trusts, and charitable lead annuity trusts.
Education & Admissions
Brigham Young University, J. Reuben Clark Law School (J.D., 1995), summa cum laude; Order of the Coif; Notes and Comments Editor, Brigham Young University Law Review
Brigham Young University (M.A., International Relations & Asian Studies, 1991)
University of Utah (B.A., Political Science & Japanese, 1988), magna cum laude
Admissions
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Hawaii
- U.S. Tax Court
Professional & Civic
Professional Achievements
- Idaho State Bar, Taxation, Probate and Trust Law Section, 2013-present
- LDS Philanthropies Gift Planning Leadership Council, 2015–2021
- Idaho State Bar Association, Sun Valley Estate Planning Conference, Planning Committee, 2015
- American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust and Estate Law Section, 2014
- Museum of Science and Industry, Gift Planning Advisory Committee, 2011–2012
- Chicago Estate Planning Council, 2011-2012
- Foresight Design Initiative, Board Member, 2004–2012
Accolades
- Best Lawyers in America®, 2025-2026
- Chambers USA, 2011
- Illinois Super Lawyers, 2007-2008
- *AV Peer Review Rated by Martindale Hubbell (AV®, BV® and CV® are registered certification marks of Reed Elsevier Properties Inc., used in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies.)
*The Supreme Court of Illinois does not recognize certifications of specialties in the practice of law and no certificate, award or recognition is a requirement to practice law in Illinois.
