Kevin A. Ganser, Esq., LL.M. Taxation
Kevin A. Ganser, Esq., LL.M. Taxation, is a distinguished North Scottsdale tax and estate planning attorney, consistently AV Preeminent® rated from 2019 through 2025 and recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star from 2021 through 2023. Licensed to practice in both Arizona and California, Mr. Ganser serves as the Managing Attorney of Ganser Law Offices.
Prior to returning to his adopted home state of Arizona—where he is a proud resident of the North Scottsdale community—Kevin lived and worked in San Francisco. During his time there, he earned a law degree as well as a specialized Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Taxation from Golden Gate University School of Law, a program consistently recognized as the "Best Tax LL.M. Program" by the esteemed legal journal, The Recorder.
Before founding his own law firm, Kevin gained extensive experience working in the probate courts of San Francisco and San Mateo County. He was subsequently trained and mentored by some of the most distinguished estate judges and attorneys on the West Coast.
Kevin’s practice is primarily dedicated to “private client” matters, with a specialized focus on traditional and advanced estate planning, income tax planning, family wealth preservation, probate, and trust administration. In alignment with this private client approach, Kevin also frequently handles real estate transactions and business formations and transactions involving LLCs and corporations, often supporting the specific needs and objectives of his estate planning clients.
Kevin also maintains a California-focused practice specifically designed to assist Arizona-based clients navigating California estate planning matters.
Estate Planning, Wills, Trusts & Family Wealth Preservation
In his estate planning practice, Kevin serves a diverse clientele, ranging from individuals with modest estates and young families establishing their first estate plans to high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth clients, including business owners seeking income and estate tax relief. He possesses extensive experience in addressing highly complex legal matters and maintains a broad network of distinguished subject-matter experts available to assist clients as needed.
With over a decade of experience in tax planning and family wealth preservation, Kevin specializes in implementing advanced tax strategies and asset protection techniques, such as:
Irrevocable Life Insurance Trusts (ILITs)
Sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs)
Generation-Skipping Dynasty Trusts (GST or "Dynasty" Trusts)
Charitable Split-Interest Trusts (CRTs or CLATs)
Qualified Personal Residence Trusts (QPRTs)
Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts (SLATs)
Family Limited Partnerships (FLPs)
Private Foundations
Gifts to Donor-Advised Funds
Title II NFA Firearms Trusts (“Gun Trusts”)
Kevin’s comprehensive expertise ensures that clients receive tailored solutions designed to optimize estate planning outcomes and protect family wealth for generations to come.
Probate & Trust Administration
In his probate and trust administration practice, Kevin has extensive experience handling virtually every scenario encountered in the estate planning field. Through this work, we have successfully managed contested matters involving estranged or aggrieved family members, as well as aggressive third-party creditors.
Please note that although Kevin does not handle disputes or act as litigation counsel, he collaborates with a team of highly skilled colleagues who specialize in this area of law and are available to provide expert assistance should any disputes arise.
Real Estate, Corporate, and Tax
Kevin's transactional practice focuses on assisting individuals, families and businesses with:
Commercial and residential real estate leases, private mortgages, and purchase transactions;
Business (LLCs, Corporations, Partnerships) formation and dissolution;
Business transactions (including buy-sell agreements & business sales);
Business succession planning; and
California estate planning.
Professional Memberships
State Bar of Arizona
State Bar of California
American Bar Association; Section of Real Property Trust and Estate Law
Valley Estate Planners
Maricopa County Bar Association
Central Arizona Estate Planning Council
Bar Admissions
California, 2013
Arizona, 2014
Judicial Experience
Judicial Extern for the Honorable Mary Wiss and the Honorable Peter Busch, San Francisco County Superior Court, Probate Division, 2012
Research Attorney for the Honorable George A. Miram and the Honorable Steven Dylina, San Mateo County Superior Court, Probate Division, 2013-2014
Education
LL.M. in Taxation (Master of Laws), Golden Gate University School of Law, 2013
J.D., Golden Gate University School of Law, 2012
Tax Specialization Certificate with Distinction
B.S., Regional Development, University of Arizona, 2005;
Minors - Business Administration & Public Policy
Arcadia High School (Phoenix, Arizona), Class of 2001
Honors
2019 - 2025 - A/V Preeminent Rating - Martindale-Hubbell
2021 - 2023 - Super Lawyers® Rising Star
Community Involvement
Ambassador - Translational Genomics Research Institute (TGen) Foundation - 2018 - Present
Volunteer - SHINE Special Needs Ministry at Illuminate Community Church - 2016 - 2020
Personal
In his free time, Kevin values spending meaningful moments with his wife, two daughters, friends, and extended family. He is passionate about golfing, cooking, skiing, mountain biking, and traveling both domestically and internationally. An enthusiastic sports fan, Kevin avidly supports the Denver Broncos, Phoenix Suns, Nebraska Cornhuskers, Mercedes Formula One team, and Real Madrid. He also follows the Arizona Wildcats and Arizona Cardinals, despite their challenging histories.
