Colonel F. Betz

Colonel advises executives, business owners, multigenerational families and fiduciaries on trusts and estates matters. His practice encompasses estate planning, trust and estate administration, probate, trust and estate dispute resolution, and the preparation of gift and estate tax returns. He works with clients to develop tax-efficient strategies that support financial stability and preserve legacies, and provides ongoing counsel as their needs change.

Philanthropic planning is another part of his work. Colonel helps clients establish foundations and charitable trusts and develop endowment agreements with educational institutions. For well-known clients and families, he also implements strategies involving title-holding and trusts that allow them to pursue transactions while maintaining privacy.

His clients work across industries including media, sports, entertainment, wine, brewing and distilling. Colonel is a member of the Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants and the Estate Planning Council of Seattle.

• University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 1999
• University of Washington, B.A., Business Administration and Accounting, 1995

• Washington
• U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington

• Named "Best-in-State, Washington - Trust & Estates", by Forbes, 2025

• Perkins Coie Washington practice ranked Band 1, in Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016-2026

• Listed as a “Washington’s Super Lawyer” by Super Lawyers Magazine, 2024-2025

• Selected as a “Notable Practitioner” in Private Wealth Law by Chambers High Net Worth (HNW), 2016-2020

• Received the Five Star Professional Award – Overall Satisfaction, 2007-2012

• Listed in Washington Law & Politics, “Rising Stars of Washington Law,” 2002-2012

• Listed in Best Lawyers in America: Trusts and Estates, 2009-2027

• University of Washington Estate and Gift Planning Council
• Washington Society of Certified Public Accountants
• Estate Planning Council of Seattle