Kirsten L. Ambach
Shareholder | Seattle
Areas of Practice
Kirsten Ambach is a trusted advisor in estate planning, trusts, and estate administration, guiding individuals and professional fiduciaries through every stage of the planning and administration process. With a deep understanding of tax strategies, asset protection, and wealth transfers, Kirsten crafts tailored solutions that safeguard her clients’ legacies. Her clients range from young professionals embarking on their first estate planning process to seasoned business owners seeking state-of-the-art wealth transfer strategies. She also advises on multigenerational planning for the preservation and tax-efficient management of family capital.
A recognized leader in the field, Kirsten is a committed and outstanding member of the Washington State Bar Association and the King County Bar Association and a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Prior to joining Stokes Lawrence, Kirsten practiced at Karr Tuttle Campbell.
Admissions
- Washington
Education
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University of Washington School of Law, J.D., 2004, with highest honors
- Order of the Coif
- Delta Theta Phi Award
- Washington Law Review, Articles Editor
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Columbia University, M.A., 1998
- E. Colford Morris Award
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University of Washington, B.A., 1997, summa cum laude
- Dean’s Medal of Honor
- Outstanding Graduate Student in Humanities
Recognition & Honors
- Selected for inclusion as a Washington Super Lawyer, 2015-present
- Recognized as a Five Star Professional by Seattle Magazine, 2024
- Selected for inclusion as a Washington Super Lawyer—Rising Star, 2008-2012
Publications & Presentations
- “The Confusing Fallout of Dying Without a Will,” Wall Street Journal, quoted (2023)
- “On the Road Again: Counseling Clients Crossing State Borders,” Estate Planning Council of Seattle, 67th Annual Estate Planning Seminar (2022)
- “Washington’s Real Estate Excise Tax: What is Changing and a Review of Some Exemptions Important to Estate Planners,” Washington ACTEC Study Group (2019)
- “QTIP Election of a Washington Exemption Trust,” Washington State Bar Association (2018)
- “Nuts and Bolts of Probate,” Skagit County Bar Association (2017)
- “Mechanics Behind the 1% Washington QTIP Election,” Washington State Bar Association Newsletter (2017)
- “Portability, Estate, Gift, GST Taxes, and Basis, Estate Administration Boot Camp,” NBI: Continuing Legal Education (2016)
- “Tax Planning and Reporting, Advanced Estate and Trust Administration,” NBI: Continuing Legal Education (2016)
Professional & Community Activities
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow
- American Bar Association
- Washington State Bar Association
- Real Property, Probate & Trust Section Member, (2004-present)
- Taxation Section Estate and Gift Tax Committee, 2014-present
- Executive Committee, Ex Officio Member, 2017-2019
- Newsletter Editor, 2018-2019
- Assistant Newsletter Editor, 2017-2018
- Newsletter Editorial Board Member (2008-2017)
- King County Bar Association
- Volunteer Legal Services, Estate Planning Volunteer, 2011-Present
- Seattle Children’s Hospital Foundation, Children’s Legacy Advisor, 2014-Present
- Newcomers Resource Project, Estate Planning Volunteer, 2005-2017
- Estate Planning Council of Seattle
Background & Interests
Outside of the office, Kirsten enjoys keeping up with her children, quiet runs, and good books.
