Robinson Waters & O'Dorisio has significantly expanded its estate planning and tax practice with the addition of equity partners Bruce A. Fowler and Heidi J. Gassman. Along with equity partner Paige K. Justus, who joined the firm in 2024, and long-time equity partner William “Bud” Bourke, the group offers a deep bench of expertise serving businesses and high-net-worth clients. The group will be supported by Tara Morgan, who has over 20 years of experience as a trusts and estates paralegal.
“This represents a tremendous opportunity for our firm in the Denver market,” said Justus, who will serve as head of the tax and estate planning department. “The addition of Heidi, Bruce, and Tara expands our abilities in tax and estate planning and strengthens the services we provide to families and business owners navigating succession and wealth planning. Together, we are positioned to compete effectively with larger firms for complex, high-value matters.”
The moves reflect a national trend of experienced attorneys leaving large firms for mid-size practices that offer partner-level service and skillset with more flexibility. According to the National Association for Law Placement, lateral hiring rebounded in 2024 with increases of nearly 14% overall, with mid-size firms leading market demand growth while large firms posted flat growth.
"We can deliver BigLaw sophistication efficiently and with more cost-effective fee structures,” said Fowler. "Clients get seasoned partner-level interaction with the responsiveness of a mid-size firm."
Before becoming an attorney, Fowler spent five years as a CPA, where he focused on tax compliance for high-net-worth clients. For the past 25 years, his practice has focused on estate tax planning, family-owned business succession planning, charitable planning, and solving complex income and estate tax issues for high-net-worth clients.
Gassman practices estate and tax planning, probate and trust administration, and real property law. Licensed in Colorado and Washington, she serves on the Colorado Bar Association's Real Estate Title Standards Committee.
She noted that the move enables "more direct client relationships and collaborative decision-making on complex matters."
“The ability to work seamlessly across practice areas gives our clients significant advantages,” added Bourke. “RWO’s continued growth in Denver reflects our commitment to expanding services that meet the region’s evolving business and personal wealth needs.”
The team serves individuals, families, and business owners on estate planning, business succession planning, probate and trust administration, asset protection planning, marital agreements, charitable planning, and corporate, income, and estate tax planning.
