James W. Minorchio
Principal
Jim joined Riddell Williams in 1997, and is the Chair of the firm's Tax practice group. He counsels businesses regarding U.S. federal and international income tax issues and guides them through complex tax audits and appeals. He also regularly assists clients with tax-free and taxable mergers and acquisitions and corporate finance transactions. He is experienced in business and estate planning for individuals, including business executives and owners, and has particular expertise in the transition of business ownership from one generation to the next. His work in this regard includes counseling individuals on U.S. and international estate tax matters.
In addition to assisting clients with tax issues, Jim represents corporations in contract negotiations and general business matters. He has represented publicly traded banks and bank holding companies and insurance companies with federal and state regulators.
Prior to joining Riddell Williams, Jim was a partner at Williams, Kastner & Gibbs, chairing its Business and Tax Group.
Education and Admissions
Jim received his B.A. from the University of Washington, cum laude, in 1979, and his J.D. from Seattle University School of Law, cum laude, in 1982. He also has a LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida School of Law.
Jim is admitted to practice in Washington and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, and before the U.S. Tax Court.
Awards and Recognition
Jim has been named one of Seattle’s "Top Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine, and as a Washington Super Lawyer®.
Professional and Community Activities
Jim is active in professional and civic organizations. A member of the Corporate Tax Group of the American Bar Association’s Tax Section, he has served on the Group’s Subcommittee on Liquidations and Taxable Distributions, its Subcommittee on Section 368(c) Project and its Sales, Exchanges and Basis Committee. In the King County Bar Association, Jim served as Chair of its Tax Section from 1989 to 1990, and as Secretary-Treasurer in 1988. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the United Cerebral Palsy Association of King & Snohomish Counties (now known as Provail), from 1987 to 1993. He was President of the School Board of the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle from 1993-1999 and is a member of the Archdiocese’s Planned Giving Committee. Currently, Jim serves on the Board of Directors of Childhaven.
