Brian N. Dirks
Partner
Brian N. Dirks is a partner at Black Helterline LLP. His practice focuses on wealth management, estate planning, and taxation. He advises individuals, families, and business owners on comprehensive estate planning strategies and federal and state tax matters, drawing on his advanced training in taxation. Brian also counsels clients on general business law issues, bringing an integrated approach to planning that aligns long‑term wealth goals with business and tax considerations.
Brian brings a thoughtful, technically grounded approach to his practice, working closely with clients and their professional advisers to craft estate and tax strategies that are both effective and adaptable as circumstances change.
- Designs and implements estate plans using a broad range of planning tools, including revocable living trusts, credit‑shelter trusts, disclaimers, life insurance trusts, charitable trusts, community property trusts, and generation‑skipping trusts.
- Advises clients on federal and state tax matters related to estate planning and wealth management.
- Counsels business owners on choice of entity, business formation, and operational structuring.
- Drafts and analyzes business contracts and leases and advises on tax considerations impacting closely held businesses.
- Previously practiced at a tax and estate‑planning boutique firm in Portland before joining Black Helterline.
- Member, Oregon State Bar (Taxation Section; Estate Planning Section)
- Member, Washington State Bar Association (Real Property Probate and Trust Section; Taxation Section)
- Member, Multnomah Bar Association
- Member, American Bar Association