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Christopher D Soto
About Christopher
Biography
Attorney Christopher D. Soto, Certified Estate Planning Legal Specialist (EPLS) and Accredited Estate Planner (AEP), is dedicated to providing comprehensive, highly personalized estate planning counsel to couples, families, individuals, and businesses. These advanced designations represent his deep understanding of estate and tax planning strategies, ensuring clients receive cutting-edge solutions tailored to their specific needs. As the firm’s founder, he holds the highest standard of client services, scholarship, and lawyer accessibility. He serves his clients by first listening closely to their goals and concerns. He then works with them and their advisors to develop superior plans that reflect their unique situations, while putting his knowledge and experience to work for their benefit.
In addition to traditional estate planning, Mr. Soto’s firm offers innovative asset protection services, utilizing both domestic and offshore structures to help clients safeguard their wealth from unforeseen risks such as lawsuits, creditor claims, and economic uncertainties. These plans also enhance privacy for clients, protecting their financial and personal information while mitigating exposure to external threats. He works closely with his clients’ financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to ensure a holistic and efficient approach to estate planning and asset protection.
Mr. Soto enjoys speaking to accountants, financial planners, insurance professionals, and the public. His designations as an EPLS and AEP reflect his commitment to maintaining the highest level of expertise, requiring rigorous continuing education and frequent attendance at nationally recognized conferences on advanced planning topics. He actively participates in WealthCounsel, the Central Arizona Estate Planning Council, and the East Valley Estate Planning Council, where he collaborates with leading professionals and stays at the forefront of industry advancements.
After receiving a Bachelor of Arts from Arizona State University, he earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law. He is a member of the Arizona Bar Association and the American Bar Association. He is licensed to practice law in the state of Arizona and is admitted to practice before Arizona trial courts, the Arizona Court of Appeals, the Supreme Court of Arizona, and the United States District Court of Arizona.
Outside of work, he enjoys sports, hiking, reading, music, and comedy, which inspire his creative problem-solving style. Above all, his dedication to family underscores his passion for helping clients preserve their own legacies for future generations.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 32 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1993
No misconduct found
Location
Soto Law Firm
4500 South Lakeshore Drive, Suite 595, Tempe, AZ, 85282
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Christopher D Soto's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Donna F. | June 5, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly recommend
We recently worked with Chris and his firm to set up a trust. From the very first meeting to the last, we experienced efficiency, professionalism and were very satisfied indeed. The Team was experienced and attentive and did a great job assisting us through the complex process of setting up a trust ...
Posted by Myles | August 7, 2015
Outstanding Trust and Estate Planning Counsel
Chris Soto is an outstanding trust, wills and estate lawyer. I know this because I've worked with him extensively for over 20 years. Chris also drafted my family's trust documents, so I can personally attest to his excellent skills from a client's perspective. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who n...
Posted by Chris | July 28, 2015
Amazing service!!!
My father was in the hospital and in need of estate planning. After consultation with my father, Chris was able to prepare documents that allowed our family to care for my father by way of Healthcare Power and Financial Power of Attorney. He was able to send his extremely knowledgeable staff to meet ...
Posted by Vicky | July 24, 2015
Easy
My husband and I put off creating new Wills and Living POA documents for a long time. Our existing wills were 30 years old and did not include our youngest child. Needless to say she was behind the push to get this accomplished. Chris Soto was referred to us 2 years ago. We don't usually procrast...
Christopher Soto
Replied last July 27, 2015Thank you so much Vicky. It was such a pleasure working with you and your husband.
Posted by Pam | July 21, 2015
We couldn't be happier
My husband and I are an older couple who had lost their spouses years ago. We came to Chris with two trusts we needed combined into one. From the moment we walked into the office we were treated with kindness and respect and professionalism. We never felt rushed and everything was written out as t...
Christopher Soto
Replied last July 27, 2015Thank you Pam! We always enjoy working with you; it's such a real treat when you are in the office with us. Thank you so much for the shining review!
Christopher D Soto's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Christopher's office contacted me to act as local counsel for one of their clients with out-of-state assets. Christopher identified the need to properly fund his client's trust, obtained qualified counsel admitted to the jurisdiction, and provided timely and accurate information to complete the task for his client. Such attention to detail is important to client's in this field."
"I've known Chris for several years as a colleague. We've participated in several continuing legal education events together and I have always been impressed with his estate planning knowledge and capabilities. I wouldn't hesitate to refer a client or family member to him for an estate plan."
"I have known Chris since our days at Arizona State University College of Law in the early 90's. Chris is a diligent, hard working attorney who is passionate about his clients and his practice. I am happy to refer my clients to Chris for estate planning matters that arise."
"I had the great pleasure of meeting Chris at a week-long legal Symposium. I was thoroughly impressed by both the structure of his Tempe firm and his acumen regarding estate planning matters. I look forward to continuing to a develop my relationship with this esteemed, reputable attorney."
"I met Chris years ago through WealthCounsel which is a national organization dedicated to training and helping lawyers provide superior estate planning services to their clients. Chris also is very knowledgeable about advising clients regarding business and administration matters. I recommend him to anyone needing help in these areas."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chris personally and professionally for over ten years and have found him to be a compassionate lawyer who provides his clients with the highest level of service and legal expertise. I would recommend Chris to anyone for the Estate Planning and Business Planning needs."
"Chris is an excellent attorney. We worked together on a matter and he is knowledgeable, creative, able to explain complicated concepts to clients, and does a good job of keeping client's financial planners in the loop with the estate planning process. I've referred cases to Chris in the past and will continue to do so in the future."
"Chris Soto is an outstanding trust, wills and estate lawyer. I know this because I've worked him extensively for over 20 years. Chris also drafted my family's trust documents, so I can personally attest to his excellent skills from a client's perspective. I highly recommend Chris to anyone who needs a top class attorney to work on their estate planning or trust matter."
"Chris is incredibly talented in all aspects of estate planning. His client-focused approach to the practice of law creates a unique and special experience for all of his clients. I would certainly trust Chris and his team to take care of any family’s estate planning needs."
"Mr. Soto's practice stands out because not only does it provide excellent traditional estate planning but also deals with important asset protection issues that many estate planning attorneys do not address."
"I have known Chris for about 10 years and know him to be a highly competent, caring lawyer. I have had the pleasure of discussing advanced estate planning issues with him. He exercises good judgment on behalf of his clients and I recommend him for estate planning and business matters."
"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Soto. We have a working relationship with Chris and are aware of the care and expertise he provides to clients. He is a trusted and experienced attorney in the Phoenix Metro area. Whether you require simple or more complex estate and business planning, Chris Soto will provide you with excellent advice, service and support."
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Experience
Honors
2017
A-V 5.0 out of 5.0 Rating, Marindale-Hubbell
1997
Participation Award, Independent Insurance and Agents & Brokers of Arizona
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Founder & Managing Partner, Soto Law Firm
2001 - 2015
Founder & Managing Partner, Law Office of Christopher D. Soto
1997 - 2001
Associate Attorney, The Hasset Law Firm
1993 - 1997
Associate Attorney, The Ranger Law Firm
Associations
2025 - Present
Chartered Advisor in PhilanthropyMember
2024 - Present
Accredited Estate PlannerAttorney Member
2020 - Present
Asset Protection CouncilMember
2007 - Present
WealthCounsel Advisors ForumMember
1999 - Present
WealthCounselMember
1993 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
1993 - Present
Maricopa County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Napier v Bertram
Vacated and Remanded
Not a Litigator
Education
1993
Arizona State University
Juris Doctor
Speaking Engagements
2003
Protecting Families and Their Assets
Asset Protection
N/A
Annual Convention
Insurance Agent Liability Issues
Publications
2015
2008
Wealthcounsel Quarterly
Transfer for Value Rule - Contributing Author
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
If I live with my grandmother which is my guardian. I'm 18 years old and still in high school can she make me stay at home?
07 Nov 2015
Q&A
AZ law - commercial lease and personal guaranteed.
01 Nov 2010