Richard Hess

Richard Hess is a partner in Greenspoon Marder LLP’s Wills, Trusts and Estates practice group. His practice focuses on wealth preservation and transfer, family philanthropy, and succession and exit planning for closely held businesses and professional practices. He counsels business owners, entrepreneurs, professional practices, individuals, and family groups on strategies to protect and transition wealth while facilitating intergenerational philanthropy.

Mr. Hess has extensive experience in estate planning, estate and gift tax planning, estate and trust administration, and charitable/philanthropic planning, including charitable trusts, private foundations, and tax-exempt organizations. He develops customized strategies that balance asset protection with clients’ family needs and goals, while emphasizing cost efficiency. He also works with families to mentor future generations on charitable giving, asset management, governance, and stewardship of wealth.

Before entering private practice, Mr. Hess worked in financial services in New York, focusing on investment, insurance, and tax planning. He frequently lectures to professional and community organizations on estate planning, taxation, and business planning, and has presented for the National Endowment for Financial Education, the College for Financial Planning, the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, and the Alzheimer’s Association of Colorado, among others.

Mr. Hess is also an active member of many community organizations, including the Board of Directors of Denver Urban Garden (DUG), Rotary Club of Denver (Rotary 31), the Board of Directors of Belay Enterprises, the Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council, the Denver Estate Planning Council, the National Association of Estate Planning Councils, and the Colorado and Denver Bar Associations. Some of his former titles include president of the Board of Directors of Belay Enterprises, member of the Board of Directors of the Crestmoor Community Association (Crestmoor Swim and Tennis Club), and treasurer of the Graland Country Day School Parents’ Association. Additionally, Mr. Hess previously served as president of the Wednesday’s Child Foundation, president of Mountain International Exchange, and president of Curious Theater Company.