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Keith L Davis

Probate Attorney at Lakewood, CO

4.6   9 reviews
  • Licensed for 27 years
    State CO
    Acquired 1996
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Keith

Learn Keith’s areas of practice.

Mr. Davis is the managing shareholder of Davis Schilken, PC.  Mr. Davis began his estate planning practice in 1998 and joined WealthCounsel® in October 2003.  Since then, the firm has grown internally and through acquisitions to seven attorneys.  The firm practices extensively in the areas of estate and business planning with a strong referral base of CPAs and Financial Advisors.  The firm has prepared estate plans for approximately 3,000 Colorado families and settles the estates and trusts of more than 50 decedents annually.  Additionally, on a national basis, firm attorneys have prepared more than 1,000 offshore asset protection trusts.

Mr. Davis concentrates his practice in the areas of wealth transfer and preservation.  This includes general estate planning, advanced tax planning, charitable estate planning, private foundations, family limited partnerships, asset protection planning, exit planning and business continuation planning.

Prior to practicing law, Mr. Davis served as a Certified Public Accountant with Coopers & Lybrand (now Pricewaterhouse Coopers).  After leaving public accounting, and passing the Bar exam, Mr. Davis served as Vice President of Contracts at three very large engineering/construction firms – each firm had more than one thousand employees.

In these roles, he supervised a staff of as many as thirty and reported to the Firm’s General Counsel and Chief Financial Officers.  While responsible for pricing, negotiations and execution of the Firms’ contracts, he focused upon making profitable business deals at the confluence of law, finance and accounting.  He personally negotiated some of the larges construction contracts in the United States including the Boston Harbor clean up contract that employed several thousand people for several years.

Teacher/Presenter
Mr. Davis is an accomplished teacher and well-known speaker.  He speaks locally and nationally and has taught continuing education courses on estate planning to over 2,000 Colorado CPAs, Certified Financial Planners and Insurance Professionals.

Mr. Davis has also served as an adjunct faculty member at American University in Washington, D.C. and the University of Colorado at Denver.  He has taught six undergraduate accounting courses as well as courses at the MBA level.  He has also presented the Estate and Gift Tax Update portion of the University of Denver Law School’s annual symposium.

 

Education
●  Master of Laws (LLM) in Taxation, University of Denver
● Juris Doctor (JD), George Mason University
● Master of Business Administration (MBA), George Washington University
● Bachelor of Science (Accounting), West Virginia University

 

 Professional Affiliations

  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Wealth Counsel, LLC
  •  Centennial Estate Planning Council
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants

 

 

 

 

 

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Contact Keith

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Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  9 customer reviews
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Posted by Cathy | September 18, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent service
My husband and I have been clients of Keith for 18 years. He is professional, quite knowledgeable, and precise. All our consultation with him have been in a relaxed manner, not at all rushed. We continue to value the service given to us.
Posted by Diane | September 24, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
estate planning and trust specialist
Very organized process. Initial questionnaire not only wanted the facts of our life, but had open ended questions that focused our wishes. Inital meeting comprehensive--did not feel rushed. A few weeks later, received a draft flow diagram for each of our trusts, rather than a draft copy of the trust documents--so, easy to comprehend and change. Final meeting allowed us to make changes if we wished and we left satisfied after making difficult decisions. The fixed fee for services was reasonable Firm offers a yearly plan with a fixed fee which includes calls and an annual meeting to review changes you would like to make. This avoids hesitancy over incurring hourly fees.
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Posted by Kathie | April 20, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
living will
We went to a dinner hosted by Keith Davis as we have been talking about doing a will for some time. We were impressed by keith and the way he explained things so decided to make an appointment to meet with him at his office. Our appointment lasted 2 hours and Keith patiently explained all of our choices and guided us to a plan that worked for us. We then meet a again at Keiths office where he explained the final papers going over everything with us as we signed the necessary papers. This appointment also lasted two hours. At the end we were very satisfied with the work done by Keith and his office assistance they were very organized , friendly and easy to work with.
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Posted by Phil | January 25, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Positive experience
Keith was very thorough and detailed in dealing with updating our Family Trust. He was very focused on ensuring we understood all of the elements of the Trust.
Posted by Peter | January 14, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very Satisfied Clients
My wife and I hired Keith to update our estate planning documents. He and his staff were well prepared for our meetings which resulted in our documents being completed promptly, efficiently and accurately. More importantly, Keith's deep expertise allowed him to bring real clarity to our estate planning goals and the options available to us to achieve those goals.
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Posted by Theresa | March 23, 2016
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Caring, genuine, and knowledgeable.
Keith is a brilliant estate planning attorney with an excellent grasp on the big picture. He will spend the time needed to review your individual situation, and then apply his years of experience to provide you with a customized plan that exactly fits your needs.
Posted by Susan | December 13, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Legal Excellence and Trusted Adviser
Kieth did an outstanding job assisting us in defining an estate plan which met our situation perfectly. His deep knowledge and expertise enabled him to include language that met all of our needs, concerns, and somewhat complex situation clearly, efficiently and rapidly. He was able to build in the flexibility and security our particular situation required through clear legal structures that provide tremendous peace of mind for ourselves and our family's future. Keith will remain a trusted legal adviser and we recommend him highly to all of our family and friends.
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Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney!
Keith Davis helped my family with our Estate Planning a few months ago, and did an EXCELLENT job! He explained everything thoroughly and we felt very comfortable with our decisions. Would recommend to my family and friends.
Posted by anonymous | August 6, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Upon Death
My husband recently past and I got to experience the other side of the process. Keith did the estate plans for my husband and me in 2012. We too were impressed as Keith discussed the documents using a flow chart. Keith quoted a fee to settle the estate that was a percentage of the estate value, and his fee was 3 times higher than the hourly cost I actually ended up paying the lawyer that settled the estate. The trust documents do not reflect the information that Keith explained thru the flowchart, nor do they reflect our wishes. Basic information like being able to stay in our house rent free was omitted from the documents. A major paragraph was omitted in the ILIT making it taxable. Money was distributed to minors. Shalls instead of Mays put into question how to handle demands for distributions by secondary beneficiaries . It took 4 lawyers 6 mo to figure out how to interpret the inconsistencies in the trust documents. It felt like Keith never read the documents and just had a paralegal modify a template. My suggestion like any important decision, get a second opinion.
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Cost

Rates
  • Hourly Rates $ 250-475 per hour
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • President, Attorney
  • Davis Schilken, PC
  • 1998 - Present
  • Vice President - Contracts
  • Rust International Inc
  • 1996 - 1998
  • Vice President - Contracts
  • Harding Lawson Associates
  • 1992 - 1996
  • Vice President - Contracts
  • ICF Incorporated
  • 1986 - 1992
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Denver College of Law
  • LL.M - Master of Laws
  • 2000
  • George Mason University School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1983
  • George Washington University
  • MBA - Master of Business Administration
  • 1977
  • West Virginia University
  • BS - Bachelor of Science
  • 1973
View all education

Legal Cases

  • Estate Planning for High Net-Worth Individuals and Families
  • Business Formation
  • Probate and Trust Administration

Associations

  • WealthCounsel PeerGroup
  • Mentor, Member
  • 2016 - Present
  • American Institute of Certified Public Accountants
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • WealthCounsel
  • Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • Colorado State Board of Accountancy
  • Certified Public Accountant
  • 1999 - Present
  • Colorado Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
  • Centennial Estate Planning Council
  • Member
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • AV Preeminent Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Client Champion Award
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2018
  • Outstanding Client Service for 2017
  • WeathCounsel PeerGroup
  • 2017
  • Strategic Legal Innovator of the Year
  • Davis Shilken Law Office
  • 2017
View all awards

Publications

  • Trusts & Estates Magazine
  • To Gift or Not to Gift
  • 2003
View all publications

Speaking Engagements

  • WealthCounsel PeerGroup May 2018 Meeting
  • Exceeding Client Expectations Through Law Firm Systems
  • 2018
  • Bank of the West
  • Estate Planning - A Team Effort
  • 2017
  • RMAC Annual Conference
  • The Tax Trap in the New Tax Law
  • 2014
  • Wealth Counsel Generations Seminar
  • 34 Practice Management Ideas For Lawyers
  • 2014
  • Sharkey Howes & Javier
  • Planning for IRAs and Qualified Plans
  • 2014
  • Quarterly Update
  • Est. Planning for Child Free Couples
  • 2014
  • Quarterly Update
  • Est. Planning for Blended Families
  • 2014
  • Boulder CPA Chapter Monthly Meeting
  • Estate and Income Tax Planning
  • 2014
  • Edward Jones Investments
  • Estate Planning for Seniors
  • 2014
  • Quarterly Update
  • The 3.8% Surtax
  • 2014
  • Monthly Update for CPAs
  • How to Review Your Clients Estate Plan
  • 2014
  • Continuing Education for CPAs
  • Estate Planning Overview for CPAs
  • 2014
  • Natl Assn of Tax Professionals Conference
  • Reviewing Your Clients Estate Plan
  • 2013
  • DU Law School Annual Tax Update
  • Estate and Gift Tax Update
  • 2013
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (21)
Given (17)
Endorse Keith
Estate planning Attorney | Feb 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Keith for many years and his professionalism and legal savvy is unmatched. He is an excellent attorney who works hard to get outstanding results for his clients. I'm proud to count him among my most experienced colleagues."
Estate planning Attorney | Sep 26
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | May 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I am with a colleague group with Keith Davis that meets quarterly. He has demonstrated thoughtful insights and comments on client service and the importance of proper planing. Keith is and extremely conscientious attorney, with his finger on the pulse of developments in the estate planning field. I recommend him wholeheartedly."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse Keith as a wonderful professional who is knowledgeable, creative, and personable. I have had the privilege of knowing Keith for many years and working with him on interstate matters. I am endorsing him as one of the best estate planning attorneys around but also for tax, probate, and trust settlement work."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have had the pleasure of knowing and conferring with Keith over many years. Keith is a very dedicated individual and has a strong expertise in the estate planning field. Bottom line, Keith is an extremely talented attorney."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Keith and his team are among the finest technicians in the country. Thorough, thoughtful, and precise. He has my absolute trust."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have the pleasure of knowing Keith Davis both professionally and personally. He is intelligent, straightforward, kind and ethical. He is very dedicated to his clients and knowledgeable about estate planning. Any client would be fortunate to work with Keith and his team. I highly endorse him without reservation."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Keith Davis enjoys a national reputation as a top lawyer as an active member and instructor for WealthCounsel, a national collegium for experienced top end attorneys for business and families seeking tax advice, asset protection and wealth transfers. I've called upon Keith for assistance with trust and probate matters and got prompt and warm attention from Keith and his staff as well as perfect results. I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I've come to know Keith over the last few years as a peer and trusted colleague. I have always found Keith's attention to detail and meticulous adherence to processes to be helpful to his clients during the estate planning process. I will continue to refer my clients to Keith for their planning needs in Denver, CO and the surrounding areas."
Estate planning Attorney | Mar 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer and his work. Keith is a well known estate planning attorney and has the experience to address a broad range of situations as is evident by his excellent track record. I have worked together with him on matters for over 15 years and count it a privilege to know him."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 24
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Keith for about 15 years and have participated in numerous continuing education programs with him. Keith is the type of attorney that you would be comfortable sending your mother to for advice and counsel."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 22
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I know hundreds of attorneys around the United States, and I can say with confidence that none of them take what they do more seriously than Keith. He stays current on emerging issues; he teaches; he is constantly thinking about how to deliver better solutions and better service to his clients. He is nationally recognized and respected in the 5000 attorney WealthCounsel community as a leader. He has my 100% endorsement."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 22
Relationship: Other
"Keith is an extremely gifted lawyer. He truly understand the options and alternatives available to his clients and excels in every aspect of estate planning. Without any hesitation, I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Friend
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. Keith is highly ethical, dedicated adviser with tremendous experience and skills, He is both compassionate and analytical."
Trusts Attorney | Nov 19
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Elder law Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Keith since 1999 as a professional and friend. Keith is not only an outstanding attorney, but he is also a CPA. I consult with him often regarding complex tax issues. I cannot say enough good things about Keith and his Firm."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. He is absolutely one of the most knowledgeable attorneys in this field who prepares an estate plan that is tailored for each particular client's needs. Other attorneys regularly look to him for advice and guidance on estate planning matters."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Keith Davis is one of the finest estate planning attorneys with whom I have had the opportunity to work; and as a CPA, he is well-qualified to help clients not only with both estate and income tax planning, including tax planning for business owners."
Estate planning Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Lakewood Probate Lawyer Keith L Davis
Keith L Davis
Probate Attorney
Lakewood, CO
Licensed for 27 years