EDUCATION

Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts, LL.M., 1969

University of Richmond School of Law, Richmond, Virginia, LL.B., 1968

Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden-Sydney, Virginia, B.A., magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, 1965

 
 
 
Lawyers / Professionals
 
W. Birch Douglass III
Partner
One James Center
901 East Cary Street
Richmond, Virginia 23219-4030
T: 804.775.4315
F: 804.698.2043
bdouglass@mcguirewoods.com

Mr. Douglass has substantial experience in all areas of the tax law, with a focus on estate planning and succession planning for closely held businesses, and matters relating to family offices and private trust companies, including advising clients in the creation of private foundations and in implementing various trust arrangements and intrafamily transactions.

He has extensive involvement with numerous charitable organizations, including service on the boards of Hampden-Sydney College, Hanover Tavern Foundation, and the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. He also serves on the boards of several private foundations and closely held businesses. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Tax Counsel and the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He is a member of the Family Firm Institute, lectures frequently on various tax subjects, and is involved with various tax committees of the American Bar Association and other professional groups.

Practices & Industries Honors
  • Named One of the “Best Lawyers in America," Woodward/White, Inc., 10+ Years
  • Named a Virginia "Super Lawyer," Law & Politics Magazine, 2007, 2008
  • Named One of Virginia's "Legal Elite," Virginia Business Magazine, 2006
Publications Professional Affiliations
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
    • Committee on Fiduciary Income Tax, 1993-Present
    • ACTEC Journal, Editor, 2004-2005
    • Editorial Board, 2003-Present
  • American College of Tax Counsel
  • American Bar Association
    • Taxation Section - Chair, Committee on Fiduciary Income Tax, 1991-1993
    • Taxation Section - Member, Committees on Fiduciary Income Tax, Exempt Organizations and Estate and Gift Tax, 1980-Present
    • Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law - Member, Business Planning Group and related committees, 1996-Present
    • Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law - Technology and Publications Committees, 2001-Present
    • Real Property, Trust and Estate Journal, Acquisitions Editor, 1998 - Present
  • Family Firm Institute, 1990-Present
  • Private Business Study Group, 1983-Present
  • William and Mary Tax Conference Advisory Council, 1989-Present
  • Estate Planning Council of Richmond, President, 1983-1984
  • Virginia State Bar, Chairman, Board of Governors, Section of Taxation, 1983-1984
  • Virginia Bar Association, Council, Section of Taxation, 1988-1990
  • Virginia Law Foundation, 1992-Present
Civic Affiliations
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts, Trustee 2007-Present
  • Virginia Museum of Fine Arts Foundation
    • Board of Directors, 1995-Present
    • President, 2004-Present
  • Hampden-Sydney College, Board of Trustees, 1990-2006
    • Vice Chairman of Board of Trustees, 2000-2001
  • University of Richmond
    • Board of Associates, 1990-2005
    • Chairman, Board of Associates, 1996-1999
    • Advisory Committee on Estate Planning, 1975-Present
    • Alumni Award for Distinguished Service, 1986
  • Hanover Tavern Foundation
    • Board of Directors, 1990-2005
    • President, 1995-1996
    • Advisory Board, 2005-Present
  • Kappa Alpha Court of Honor, 2003-Present