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Earl M. Colson, Estate Planning Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 69 years of legal practice · focused on Estate Planning, IRS, and Real Estate · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Retired Counsel

Washington, DC

Practicing estate planning in Washington since 1957.

69+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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Quick answer

Earl M. Colson is a retired counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, IRS, and Real Estate. Earl has over 69 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Washington, DC
Experience
over 69 years
Known for
Estate Planning · IRS · Real Estate
  • Handles Estate Planning, IRS, and Real Estate matters from Washington, DC.
  • Over 69 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Earl M. Colson: Earl M. Colson is a retired counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, IRS, and Real Estate. Earl has over 69 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Earl M. Colson

Earl concentrates on estate planning, irs, real estate, tax, and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Earl handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Estate Planning cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Earl takes estate planning matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.

IRS cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Earl takes irs matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.

Real Estate cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Earl takes real estate matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Earl takes tax matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Earl takes trusts matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Earl agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Earl M. Colson — Over 69 years of District of Columbia estate planning experience

Earl M. Colson is a retired counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Estate Planning, IRS, and Real Estate. Earl has over 69 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Mr. Earl M. Colson is a lawyer practicing estates & trusts, real estate, tax and 2 other areas of law. Earl received a B.S. degree from Syracuse University in 1950, and has been licensed for 69 years. Earl practices at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC.

How Earl handles estate planning matters

Mr. Earl M. Colson is a lawyer practicing estates & trusts, real estate, tax and 2 other areas of law. Earl received a B.S. degree from Syracuse University in 1950, and has been licensed for 69 years. Earl practices at ArentFox Schiff LLP in Washington, DC.

Who Earl represents

Earl reviews new inquiries case-by-case for estate planning, irs, and real estate matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Earl M. Colson's legal education and bar admissions

  • Harvard Law School

    J.D. · 1957

  • Syracuse University

    B.S. · 1950

Jurisdictions

Earl's state bar admissions

  • District of Columbia

    1960 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    1957 · ACTIVE

Earl studied at J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.S. in Syracuse University.

Law school and academic background

Earl completed J.D. in Harvard Law School and B.S. in Syracuse University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Earl runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Earl M. Colson

Earl has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Earl's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Bar Association of the District of Columbia

    Governor and Treasurer, 1974-76 Chairman, Committee on Taxation, 1968-69) American Bar Association (Chairman, Committee on Estate and Gift Taxes, Section of Taxation, 1970-72 · membership

Locations

Earl M. Colson's office in Washington

Earl's primary office is at 1717 K St. N.W., Washington, DC, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

1717 K St. N.W.

Washington, DC 20006

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Earl M. Colson — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Earl. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing estate planning attorneys in Washington.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Earl M. Colson claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Earl M. Colson — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new estate planning attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Earl usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Earl charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Earl's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Earl will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a estate planning attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many estate planning matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Earl

Earl discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in estate planning practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every estate planning matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Earl confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Earl's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many estate planning practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Earl M. Colson

  • How much does it cost to hire Earl for a estate planning case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Earl walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Earl offer a free consultation?

    Earl charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Earl's office. Some estate planning attorneys offer free consults — check Earl's current terms during booking.

  • How long do estate planning cases in District of Columbia typically take?

    Simple estate planning matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Earl gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Earl take my case if I'm outside Washington?

    Earl is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Earl will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Earl?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Earl will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Earl accepting new estate planning clients right now?

    Earl's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Estate Planning attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

Earl handles estate planning matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified estate planning attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Earl's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these estate planning attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.