Biography
Ellen Kahn concentrates her practice on all aspects of estate planning and the estate and trust administration process, with a special focus on working with individuals and families with significant wealth. She represents both individuals and fiduciaries. In addition, she is a part of Sideman & Bancroft’s Blockchain and Digital Assets Group.
Ms. Kahn represents key executives of public companies, founders of privately held companies, spouses, domestic partners, multiple generations of families who hold interests in family businesses, individuals who hold interests in real property and other assets, and trustees and beneficiaries of trusts. Ms. Kahn advises clients in creating wills, trusts and charitable entities to achieve their goals concerning their children, grandchildren and philanthropy. On the trust and estate administration side, she represents trustees and executors in their roles as administrators of complex trusts with multiple beneficiaries and multiple assets, including operating businesses.
Decisions
- First Western Government Securities, Inc. v. C.I.R., 94 T.C. No. 32 (1990)
- Freytag (Thomas L., Sharon N.) v. Commissioner of Internal Revenue, 89 T.C. No. 60 (1987)
- First Western Government Securities, Inc. v. U.S., 796 F.2d 356 (10th Cir. 1986)
- Freytag v. C.I.R., 904 F.2d 1011 (5th Cir. 1990)
Professional Involvement
Ms. Kahn is a member of the Bar Association of San Francisco, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section and a member of the San Francisco Estate Planning Council. She is a co-chair of the Professional Advisors Network of the Jewish Community Federation of San Francisco, the Peninsula, Marin and Sonoma Counties.
Ms. Kahn is immediate past chair of the Board of Directors of Breast Cancer Prevention Partners, formerly the Breast Cancer Fund, a national organization based in San Francisco which identifies and advocates for the elimination of environmental and other preventable causes of breast cancer. She is also a member of the International Women’s Forum, Northern California.
Recognized in 2017-2023 for Private Wealth Law in Northern California in the Chambers High Net Worth guide
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: 2010-2025
Listed in Northern California Super Lawyers®: 2005-2024
Selected as one of the Top Women Attorneys in Northern California by Super Lawyers: 2013
Education
- New York University B.A. 1978
- American University, Washington College of Law J.D. 1981
Admissions
- California
Awards
