Karl L. Chen

Unique and Unconventional

For nearly thirty years, I've cultivated a rich and diverse legal career, beginning with a focus on securities law and corporate compliance for seventeen years. During this time, I honed my skills in navigating the complexities of financial regulations and transactions, ensuring compliance and protection for my corporate employers. Transitioning into a general practice for the subsequent thirteen years, I broadened my expertise across various legal domains, providing comprehensive counsel to individuals and businesses alike.

However, it was in the last five years that I found my true passion and calling in estate planning. Devoting my energy solely to this area, I've dedicated myself to guiding families through the intricate process of planning and managing their estates, offering tailored solutions to safeguard their legacies.

In addition to my legal practice, I've been actively involved in the legal community, particularly within the Estates and Trusts Section of the Maryland State Bar, as well as esteemed organizations such as the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association's Estate and Trust Sections. Serving in these capacities has not only allowed me to stay abreast of industry developments but also provided me with opportunities to contribute my insights and expertise to the legal community.

Beyond professional circles, I am committed to educating and empowering the community on matters of estate planning and administration. Through seminars and workshops, I strive to demystify complex legal concepts, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their estates. This dual commitment to legal excellence and community engagement defines my approach to practicing law, ensuring that I not only serve my clients' needs but also contribute positively to the wider community.

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• Free Consultation
  We offer a FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION regarding all matters we handle. For planning consultation sessions fee is $350/estate planning and probate and $450/business for up to 1 hour. Fee is applied toward any legal work that firm is hired to perform.
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District of Columbia

District of Columbia Bar

Since 2005

Maryland

Since 1996

Managing Attorney

CHEN Law, LLC

2011 - Current

Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning

Senior Counsel

Towers Watson & Co. (f/k/a Watson Wyatt Worldwide)

2006 - 2011

Corporate Attorney responsible for securities reporting and compliance for publicly-traded company and lead counsel for investment adviser division. Served as part of the M&A team in the $3.5 billion merger of Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt Worldwide.

Associate General Counsel Securities Compliance

Fannie Mae

2003 - 2006

Developed, Implemented and Monitored Compliance Plans for several business units within Fannie Mae.

Special Counsel

Nextel Communications, Inc.

1997 - 2003

Corporate Attorney handling securities reporting and compliance, transactional, marketing and advertising matters.

Attorney-Adviser

U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission

1994 - 1997

Attorney in the Division of Corporation Finance with responsibility of review of IPOs, M&A, shareholder proposals, proxy statement reviews and providing comments to registrants and their respective counsels to ensure disclosure conformed with securities rules and regulations.

University of Baltimore School of Law

J.D. (1994)

1994

Editor in Chief, University of Baltimore School of Law – Law Forum

Ohio University

B.B.A. (1985) | Finance

DC Bar Association

Member

Current

National Bar Association

Member

Current

American Bar Association

Member

Current

Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals

Member

Current

Anne Arundel County Estate Planning Council

Member

2022 - Current

Prince George’s County Bar Association

Member

2012 - Current

Maryland State Bar Association

Member

1996 - Current

Sigma Delta Tau Legal Fraternity

Member

1992 - Current