John D. Kendall

John’s primary area of practice is focused on counseling clients in complex estate planning matters to integrate critical areas of tax planning that carefully consider each client’s unique circumstances and personal goals.  He advises on a broad range of planning tools that involve estate, gift, individual and fiduciary income, as well as generation-skipping transfer tax planning.  With John’s prudent planning guidance, he assists clients in assuring the proper integration of retirement and other qualified plan assets to achieve the maximum advantage of unique and increasingly substantial asset classes.  In addition to the impact this planning can have for his clients in their current circumstances, he also aids in the future planning for multi-generations.

Since understanding the issues and important aspects of both pre- and post-death planning is critical for any estate planner, John’s practice also involves representing trustees and personal representatives in the administration of trusts and probate estates, including all aspects of post-death administration and related tax matters.

Additionally, John represents and advises nonprofit clients in the formation, qualification and on-going operation of private foundations and charitable trusts as well as the negotiation and implementation of charitable giving vehicles with existing public charities such as donor advised funds, scholarships, and other endowments.

John has earned a Preeminent/AV rating by the peer review system conducted through Martindale Hubbell®, which is the highest rating for ethics and professional competence. 

Prior to joining the firm in 1986, John served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable Joe W. Contreras of the Arizona Court of Appeals, Division I.