Walter Q. Impert

For individuals and families in Washington State, especially those with complex assets, closely held businesses, or international interests, securing their financial future and legacy requires meticulous planning and expert legal guidance. Navigating the intricacies of estate planning, wealth management, and succession can be daunting, but with the right legal partner, it becomes a clear path to peace of mind. In Seattle, Walter Q. Impert stands as a distinguished attorney renowned for his profound expertise in these crucial areas. This article will provide an in-depth look at his practice, highlighting his specialized services, accessibility, and why he is an invaluable resource for locals in Washington seeking to protect and transfer their wealth thoughtfully.

Walter Q. Impert is a highly respected Partner in Dorsey & Whitney LLP's Tax, Trusts and Estates practice group. His practice is singularly focused on all aspects of wealth management, including comprehensive estate planning, strategic business organization and succession planning, charitable giving, and efficient estate and trust administration. What truly sets Walter apart is his ability to provide practical, values-driven advice. He excels at helping individuals and families integrate their personal values and long-term goals into carefully considered estate plans, ensuring that their legacy is preserved and their wishes are honored. His expertise extends to advising high net-worth individuals and families, including those with international assets, particularly Canadian and Pacific Rim clients, on complex estate and income tax planning. He also advises closely held businesses on succession and tax planning, assisting in leadership transition and drafting critical governing documents. Walter Q. Impert’s meticulous approach and deep understanding of both domestic and international wealth transfer techniques make him a trusted advisor for securing multi-generational wealth and navigating complex tax landscapes for clients across Washington.

Walter Q. Impert practices at Dorsey & Whitney LLP, located at 701 5th Ave #6100, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. This prestigious address places his office within the Columbia Center, one of Seattle’s most iconic skyscrapers, ensuring excellent accessibility for clients throughout the Seattle metropolitan area and the wider Washington State region.

The Columbia Center’s prime downtown location offers superb connectivity. For those utilizing public transportation, numerous bus routes and light rail stations are within a short walking distance of the building, providing convenient connections from virtually all Seattle neighborhoods and surrounding communities. If you are driving, a variety of parking garages are available in the immediate vicinity, making visits straightforward and stress-free. This accessible location underscores the firm's commitment to being available to individuals and families across Washington State who require sophisticated estate planning and wealth management assistance. The professional and discreet environment of the office provides a comfortable and confidential setting for discussing sensitive financial and personal matters, ensuring that clients feel secure and supported throughout their planning process.

Walter Q. Impert offers a comprehensive suite of legal services focused on wealth management, estate planning, and related areas. His expertise is invaluable for high net-worth individuals, families, and owners of closely held businesses looking to protect assets, minimize tax liabilities, and ensure smooth intergenerational transfers.

Services Offered:

• Estate Planning: Advising high net-worth families on general estate and income tax planning, including the preparation of wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives.
• Business Organization and Succession Planning: Assisting owners of closely held businesses with strategic succession plans, including leadership transition among key employees and family members, and drafting shareholder agreements and buy-sell agreements.
• Charitable Planning: Helping individuals and families achieve their philanthropic goals through the creation of private foundations, supporting organizations, charitable lead trusts (CLATs), and charitable remainder trusts (CRUTs).
• Estate and Trust Administration: Guiding fiduciaries and beneficiaries through the complexities of estate and trust administration, including probate, asset distribution, and fiduciary duties.
• Estate and Trust Litigation: Representing clients in disputes related to trusts and estates, including contested wills, trust interpretations, and fiduciary litigation.
• International Estate Planning: Advising wealthy international individuals and families on estate planning for assets located both within and outside of the United States, with a particular focus on Canadian and Pacific Rim clients.
• Tax Planning: Counseling on wealth transfer techniques designed to reduce transfer taxes, such as grantor retained annuity trusts (GRATs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), installment sales to defective grantor trusts (IDGTs), and self-canceling installment notes (SCINs).
• Prenuptial Agreements: Preparing prenuptial agreements for high net-worth clients to protect family wealth and establish financial expectations.
• IRS Representation: Participating in estate tax audits and directly representing individuals and estates before the Internal Revenue Service, including preparing estate tax protest letters and negotiating with internal appeals.
• Family Office Advising: Assisting family offices in recommending and implementing estate plans for tax-efficient multi-generational wealth transfers.

Walter Q. Impert’s distinguished career is marked by significant professional achievements, leadership roles, and consistent recognition within the legal community, underscoring his expertise and dedication.

Features / Highlights:

• Recognized Expertise: Walter Q. Impert is consistently recognized for his outstanding work in Private Wealth Law. He has been acknowledged by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide, including being ranked Band 3 for Private Wealth Law in Washington in 2018. He was also selected to Super Lawyers® as a "Rising Star" from 2008-2012, and is listed for Estate Planning & Probate, Business & Corporate, and Nonprofit Organizations.
• Leadership Roles: He has served as the Past Chair of the Seattle Chapter of the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), a global professional body for practitioners in the family inheritance and succession planning field. He is also a member of the Seattle Estate Planning Council.
• Firm Leadership: Walter served as a member of Dorsey & Whitney LLP's Policy Committee (Board of Directors) and holds significant leadership roles as a Senior Vice President and Director of the Dorsey & Whitney Trust Company, indicating his integral role within the firm’s broader wealth management services.
• Academic Background: He earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of Law in 2002, where he served as Managing Editor of the UCLA Law Review, demonstrating a strong academic foundation.
• Admission to Multiple Jurisdictions: Admitted to practice in both California and Washington, providing flexibility for clients with interests in both states. He became licensed in Washington in 2005.
• Commitment to Philanthropy: Walter is actively involved in the community, serving on the Board of Directors for the College Success Foundation and as a Board Member for Friends of the Children - Seattle and Mentoring Works Washington, reflecting his commitment beyond legal practice.
• International Client Focus: His representative experience includes advising wealthy international individuals and families, particularly those from Canada and the Pacific Rim, demonstrating a global perspective in estate planning.
• Published Author: He has contributed to legal discourse through articles such as "Opinion: Global families can overcome challenges of estate planning" and "Look Before You Leap – Pre-Immigration Estate Planning," showcasing his thought leadership.

As a highly specialized attorney practicing within a prestigious international law firm, Walter Q. Impert does not typically advertise generalized "promotions" or "special offers" in a commercial sense. His value proposition is centered on providing bespoke, high-level legal expertise for complex estate planning, wealth management, and business succession needs.

Prospective clients interested in engaging Walter Q. Impert’s services are encouraged to contact Dorsey & Whitney LLP directly. During an initial consultation, the firm will discuss their fee structures, which are typically reflective of the complexity and specialized nature of the legal work involved. Investing in sophisticated estate planning and wealth management from an attorney of Walter Impert’s caliber is an investment in securing your legacy, minimizing tax liabilities, and ensuring your assets are managed and transferred according to your precise wishes. This proactive approach often prevents costly disputes and complex legal issues down the line. It is always advisable to schedule a discussion to understand how his specific expertise can benefit your unique financial and family situation.

For individuals and families in Washington seeking expert legal counsel in estate planning and wealth management, Walter Q. Impert’s office can be reached through Dorsey & Whitney LLP using the following contact information:

• Address: 701 5th Ave #6100, Seattle, WA 98104, USA
• Phone: (206) 903-8800
• Mobile Phone: +1 206-903-8800

Calling the provided phone number is the most direct way to connect with the firm, inquire about Walter Q. Impert’s specific services, and schedule an initial consultation to discuss your estate planning and wealth management needs. The professional staff will be able to provide guidance on the consultation process and any necessary information to prepare for your meeting.

For locals throughout Washington State, Walter Q. Impert is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended choice for sophisticated estate planning and wealth management needs. His deep expertise in trusts and estates, coupled with his specialized knowledge in areas like international estate planning and business succession, makes him an invaluable resource for individuals and families looking to secure their financial futures. Whether you are a high net-worth individual, an owner of a closely held business, or someone looking to establish a robust charitable giving plan, Walter’s ability to provide practical, values-driven advice ensures that your unique goals are met.

His accessible office in the heart of downtown Seattle further enhances his suitability for local Washington users, making it convenient to access top-tier legal counsel. Furthermore, his active involvement in the community and leadership roles within prominent legal and philanthropic organizations demonstrate a commitment beyond just legal practice. Choosing Walter Q. Impert means partnering with an attorney who is not only highly skilled and nationally recognized but also deeply invested in helping you achieve your personal and financial objectives, providing peace of mind for generations to come.