Bisnow names estate planning attorney Rachel Burke to it’s “Top 40 Under 40” list of distinguished Washington-area attorneys.
Excerpted
This spring, Bisnow asked for nominations for DC-area lawyers who are 40 and under and have distinguished themselves. Come celebrate with these honorees and other movers and shakers in DC’s legal and business communities during a July 15 reception on the Warner Building rooftop.
Rachel D. Burke, Partner, Furey, Doolan & Abell LLP
Job: Focus on estate planning and administration with a heavy emphasis on estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning. I tailor the estate plans of individuals and couples to meet both their tax and non-tax goals. I also advise and assist fiduciaries and beneficiaries in the administration of existing trusts and estates.
Bar association: Steering Committee Member, Taxation Section, District of Columbia Bar (2013- ); Past Chair, Estate Planning Committee, Taxation Section, District of Columbia Bar (2009-2011); Vice-Chair, Estate Planning Committee, Taxation Section, District of Columbia Bar (2008-2009); Second Vice-Chair and Subcommittee Chair for Important Developments (2011-2013), Fiduciary Income Tax Committee, Section of Taxation, ABA
Career highlights: Honestly, it’s all been rewarding. I’ve helped families resolve major conflicts, address areas of concern and save significant taxes.
Why this career: While I have always enjoyed the challenging technical aspects of estate planning—the property law and tax law side—I am most rewarded by working with individuals and their families. It’s great to help navigate people through complex decisions, often during difficult periods in their lives.
Where you grew up: Chevy Chase, MD
Why DC: I was born and raised here. It is such a great city. I saw no reason to leave!
First job: Counselor at an overnight summer camp.
Family: My husband Malcolm and I met in law school at W&L. We have two children, Caroline (9) and Courtney (6).
Free time: Volunteering at my children’s school, playing tennis, cooking (especially gluten-free baking). 10 years from now: Doing the same thing. I love what I do and like many of my estate planning colleagues, I feel a real sense of responsibility toward my clients.
Favorite vacation spots: Truro, MA, and Isle of Palms, SC
Bucket list: I would love to check out Yellowstone under Canvas. It looks beautiful and I love camping.
Daily habit: At least two cups of coffee.
Startling fact: I’m an estate planner, I don’t share startling facts!