Kathryn Baldwin Hecker

Partner

Direct: 404.873.8530
Fax: 404.873.8531
Atlanta
171 17th Street NW
Suite 2100
Atlanta, Georgia 30363

Biography

Kathryn is a partner in the Private Wealth practice and a member of the Tax-Exempt & Charitable Organizations team. A fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, she focuses her practice on complex wealth transfer planning, including federal and state wealth transfer taxation, international wealth transfer planning, estate planning, business succession planning, and charitable planning for high net worth families and individuals.

Kathryn advises family-owned and closely held business owners on how to refine their estate plans while providing for the smooth and methodical transfer of ownership to the intended beneficiaries. Her charitable planning experience includes assisting clients with large gifts, as well as the creation of tax-exempt entities such as private grantmaking foundations and private operating foundations. Additionally, she is experienced in complex estate administrations, as well as the preparation of gift and estate tax returns.

Kathryn is a frequent speaker on charitable and business succession planning. She is involved in a number of civic organizations, including the Atlanta Legal Aid Society and Fernbank Museum, and serves as co-chair of the firm’s Women’s Initiative and as a member of the firm’s Community Engagement Committee. She is recognized by Chambers and Partners High Net Worth Guide, a publication ranking top lawyers and law firms for international private wealth.

Credentials

  • Emory University School of Law, Juris Doctor,
    cum laude
    • Bloomberg BNA / Buchanan Ingersoll & Rooney PC Award for Excellence in Taxation
    • Order of the Coif
    • Dean’s Awards for Trusts and Estates, Estate Planning, and Real Estate Finance
    • Notes and Comments Editor, Emory Law Journal
  • Yale University, Bachelor of Arts - Classics, Greek and Latin
    • Berkeley, Biddle, and Woolsey Classics Fellowship
  • State of South Carolina 2019
  • State of Georgia 2012
    • American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust & Estate Section
    • Atlanta Estate Planning Council
    • Atlanta Legal Aid Society
      • Board of Directors (Executive Committee)
      • Service Council, Past Co-Chair
      • Advisory Committee, Former Member
    • Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Foundation, Legacy Advisory Council Leadership
    • Fernbank Museum, Corporate Leadership Council
    • State Bar of Georgia
      • Nonprofit Law Section, Past Chair
      • Fiduciary Law Section, Member
    • Georgia Planned Giving Council
    • Society for Trust and Estate Practitioners
    • Yale Club of Georgia

Recognition

  • Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”)
  • Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America®, Trusts and Estates, 2021-25
  • Chambers High Net Worth, Private Wealth Law, 2019-24
  • On the Rise, Daily Report Georgia Legal Awards, 2022
  • ABA Free Legal Answers Pro Bono Leader, ABA Standing Committee on Pro Bono and Public Service, 2021-23

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