Perkins Coie Expands Trust & Estate Planning Practice with New Seattle Partner Akane R. Suzuki

SEATTLE (March 4, 2020) – Perkins Coie is pleased to announce that Akane R. Suzuki has joined the firm's Trust & Estate Planning practice as a partner in the Seattle office. In addition to serving the Seattle region, Akane has unique experience in the Japanese market and will help expand the practice's international footprint.

"Akane has a unique insight on how to manage estate planning interests across borders, particularly between the United States and Japan, a key market in which we're continuing to expand," said Colonel Betz, Chair of Perkins Coie's Trust & Estate Planning practice. "She is a seasoned trusts and estates lawyer and has established herself as a trusted counselor on a wide range of legal matters which will create natural synergies with other core practices within the firm."

Akane counsels clients through all stages of their estates life cycle. She represents entrepreneurs, retirees, business executives and owners, family-owned businesses, and trust beneficiaries on matters related to succession planning for business owners, probate and trust administration, complex giving, charitable giving, international estate planning, powers of attorney, and wills. Akane also works on intellectual property and labor and employment matters.

In addition to her estate planning practice, Akane also assists Japanese business clients with a variety of real estate matters including acquisitions, lease reviews, and corporate maintenance.

"Akane has a highly-regarded reputation in the Seattle legal market and we're thrilled that's she joining our Seattle office and team," said James Williams, Seattle office managing partner. "We know that the breadth and depth of Akane's estate planning experience and counsel will significantly benefit our clients both here in Seattle and across the country."

Akane is co-founder of the Seattle branch of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners and is a fellow and Washington State chair-elect for the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. She received her B.A., with honors, from Lewis & Clark College; her J.D., with honors, from the University of Washington School of Law; and her LL.M. from New York University School of Law.

Perkins Coie's Trust & Estate Planning team works with families and high-net-worth individuals, helping them define and meet their estate planning needs. Members of the Trust & Estate Planning practice provide tailored planning for owners of closely held businesses, senior officers of public companies and entrepreneurs. The planning may involve managing financial resources through the strategic use of trusts, gifts, sales and other income- and wealth-transfer devices. The team implements family and philanthropic goals while minimizing income, gift and estate taxes.