Overview
A partner in the firm and a Best Lawyers® honoree, Cathy Knapp practices in the areas of estate planning, planning for closely held businesses and tax-exempt organizations, and probate and trust administration.
Cathy’s practice focuses on representing:
- individuals and families in structuring trusts, LLCs, limited liability partnerships and other entities to maximize the transfer of property to the next generation
- beneficiaries and individual fiduciaries in probate and trust administration matters
- clients in the formation of charitable trusts and other charitable entities.
Practice Areas
Honors & Awards
- The Best Lawyers in America® (Trusts and Estates), 2022-present
Bar & Court Admissions
- U.S. Tax Court, 1988
- U.S. District Court, District of Arizona, 1980
- Arizona, 1980
- West Virginia, 1977
Education
- M.S. Taxation, Golden Gate University, 1987
- J.D., West Virginia University, 1977
- B.A., cum laude, University of Cincinnati, 1974
Professional Memberships
- American Bar Association: Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law; Section of Taxation
- State Bar of Arizona
- West Virginia State Bar
- Maricopa County Bar Association
Articles & Presentations
- “Preparing for the Future: Wills & Trusts” (presenter), Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center, April 2016
- “An Overview of the Impact on Transfer Taxes and Basic Income Tax Provisions Under the Tax Relief, Unemployment Insurance Reauthorization and Job Creation Act of 2010” (author), State Bar of Arizona Tax Law Section Newsletter, May 2011
- “Gift Tax Planning” (instructor), National Business Institute, February 2011
- “Recent Estate Tax Cases Involving Family Limited Partnerships” (presenter), Prescott Estate Planning Council, April 2010
- “Estate Tax Repeal: Advising Clients in Uncertain Times” (presenter), Maricopa County Bar Association Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section, February 2010
Community Leadership
- Arizona Humane Society: Member, Planned Giving Committee; pro bono legal service
Professional Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant, Arizona, 1981
Birthplace
- Huntington, West Virginia