Leading Private Wealth Attorney Michael Stiff Joins Holland & Knight in Denver
DENVER (April 1, 2026) – Holland & Knight has bolstered its Private Wealth Services Group, the largest practice of its kind in the country, with the addition of Partner Michael Stiff in Denver. He was previously a partner with BakerHostetler.
"Mike has established a respected private wealth practice in Denver, grounded in his ability to translate complex estate and business planning concepts for clients," said Christopher Boyett, deputy leader of Holland & Knight's Wealth & Tax Section. "His strong relationships in the Colorado private wealth community will be key in supporting the buildout of our trust and estate practice in the state, and we welcome him to the Firm."
Mr. Stiff focuses his practice on estate planning, probate, trust administration and business planning. He has assisted principals of oil and gas companies, private equity firms and hedge funds in planning for their carried interests and in the gifting of such carried interests to multigenerational trusts for the benefit and protection of future generations. He also works with non-U.S. citizens (resident or non-resident aliens) with estate planning for their domestic and foreign situs assets. He regularly aids Canadian citizens located in the United States in developing comprehensive estate plans to address cross-border issues and provide for tax-efficient and orderly distribution of assets.
"Mike's impressive background, experience and skills make him a valuable addition to our Global Wealth and Family Office Practice," said David Scott Sloan, leader of Holland & Knight's Wealth & Tax Section.
"I am honored to join Holland & Knight's premier Private Wealth Services Group," Mr. Stiff said. "This is an exciting opportunity to collaborate with a talented team and to continue delivering thoughtful, tax-efficient planning strategies that support clients through every stage of their wealth journey. I look forward to contributing to the Firm's private wealth presence and growth in Denver."
Mr. Stiff has been consistently recognized in the Chambers High Net Worth guide for Private Wealth Law in Colorado since 2017. He is co-author of Chapter 42 of the Colorado Estate Planning Handbook on the Special Valuation Rules of Section 2701-2704 of the Internal Revenue Code and is a frequent speaker on estate planning topics at continuing legal and professional education programs for attorneys and certified public accountants (CPAs). Mr. Stiff is also the past president of the Colorado Bar Association Trust & Estate Section as well as past chair of the organization's Statutory Revisions Committee and Rules and Forms Committee.
Mr. Stiff received a J.D. degree from the University of Arizona James E. Rogers College of Law and a B.S. degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University.