A headshot of Sarah MacLeod.

Sarah MacLeod

Partner
Seattle

Sarah MacLeod is co-Leader of Ballard Spahr’s Private Client Services Group. She counsels individuals and high-net-worth families on estate and gift planning, estate and trust administration, and business succession issues. 

Her clients include owners of privately-held businesses, beneficiaries of long-term trusts, fiduciaries, and entrepreneurs. Sarah counsels clients on philanthropic matters, including advising tax-exempt organizations on governance and tax-related issues, and individuals and families with respect to their charitable giving.

Professional Highlights

Professional Activities

American College of Trust and Estate Counsel

Cambridge Forum, Private Wealth Law, Co-Chairman

University of Washington Estate and Gift Planning Council

Recognition & Accomplishments

Chambers High Net Worth, Private Wealth Law, 2016-2024

The Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates, 2018-2025

Thomson Reuters, "Washington Super Lawyer," Estate Planning and Probate, 2018-2024

Speaking Engagements

"Countdown to 2025: Spousal Limited Access Trusts," Baker Tilly, May 30, 2024

"Countdown to 2025: Spousal Limited Access Trusts," Washington State Bar Association, June 3, 2023

"All the Things We Didn't Learn in Law School - Who We Work For, How We Manage It and How We Get Paid for It," Cambridge Forums, May 18, 2023 

Credentials 

Education

University of Washington School of Law (J.D. 2005)
Washington Law Review

University of Notre Dame (B.A., summa cum laude, 1999)
Phi Beta Kappa
Fulbright Grant, Austria, 1999-2000
Peter Yarrow Award, "Outstanding Commitment to Public Service," 1998

Languages

German

Admissions

Washington

U.S. District Court for the Eastern and Western Districts of Washington