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
Practices in
Are you Earl M. Colson?
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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
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IRS
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Real Estate
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Tax
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Trusts
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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.
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.
Read all reviewsHiring 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.
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