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Karen E. Yates, Tax Attorney in New Haven, Connecticut

Over 30 years of legal practice · focused on Tax and Trusts

New Haven, CT

Practicing tax in New Haven since 1996.

30+
Years practicing
5
Bar admissions

Practices in

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Quick answer

Karen E. Yates is an attorney based in New Haven, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Karen has over 30 years of legal experience.

Based in
New Haven, CONNECTICUT
Experience
over 30 years
Known for
Tax · Trusts
  • Handles Tax and Trusts matters from New Haven, CONNECTICUT.
  • Over 30 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates (New Haven) (2025).

About Karen E. Yates: Karen E. Yates is an attorney based in New Haven, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Karen has over 30 years of legal experience.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Karen E. Yates

Karen concentrates on tax and trusts. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Tax cases in New Haven, Connecticut

Karen takes tax matters in New Haven, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.

Trusts cases in New Haven, Connecticut

Karen takes trusts matters in New Haven, Connecticut. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Karen E. Yates — Over 30 years of Connecticut tax experience

Karen E. Yates is an attorney based in New Haven, CONNECTICUT. The practice focuses on Tax and Trusts. Karen has over 30 years of legal experience.

Karen is a partner in the Trust, Estates and Charitable Planning team.

Karen’s practice is focused on wealth planning. She works with individuals, families and family offices providing legal advice on wealth transfer tax planning and fiduciary administration. As part of the wealth planning process, Karen regularly advises on business succession, charitable giving, and income tax planning for individuals, estates, trusts and business entities, including family offices and private trust companies. A significant portion of Karen’s practice involves restructuring trusts to increase efficiency, address changed circumstances and better suit the needs of the families they benefit.

Karen's approach to tax cases

Karen is a partner in the Trust, Estates and Charitable Planning team. Karen’s practice is focused on wealth planning. She works with individuals, families and family offices providing legal advice on wealth transfer tax planning and fiduciary administration. As part of the wealth planning process, Karen regularly advises on business succession, charitable giving, and income tax planning for…

Clients Karen works with

Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for tax and trusts matters in New Haven and the surrounding Connecticut area.

Credentials

Karen E. Yates's legal education and bar admissions

  • Cornell University

    J.D. · 1996

Jurisdictions

Karen's state bar admissions

  • Massachusetts

    2010 · ACTIVE

  • New York

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • Pennsylvania

    2004 · ACTIVE

  • District of Columbia

    2003 · ACTIVE

  • Connecticut

    1996 · ACTIVE

Karen studied at J.D. in Cornell University.

Law school and academic background

Karen completed J.D. in Cornell University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in Connecticut is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Karen E. Yates

Karen has received 6 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates (New Haven)

    2025

  • Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates (New Haven)

    2022

  • Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Awards:

    2026

  • Best Lawyers in America — Martindale - Hubbell, AV Rated

    2026

Legal awards and honors

Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates (New Haven) (2025). Lawyer of the Year — Trusts and Estates (New Haven) (2022). Best Lawyers in America — Tax Law (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Awards: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Martindale - Hubbell, AV Rated (2026).

Locations

Karen E. Yates's office in New Haven

Karen's primary office is at 157 Church Street, 12th Floor, New Haven, Connecticut, 06510-2100. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

157 Church Street, 12th Floor

New Haven, Connecticut 06510-2100

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Karen E. Yates

Karen has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Karen E. Yates — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new tax attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a tax attorney in New Haven, Connecticut

A short list to run through before you commit: How many tax matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karen

Karen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in tax practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every tax matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Karen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many tax practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Karen E. Yates

  • How much does it cost to hire Karen for a tax case?

    Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

  • Does Karen offer a free consultation?

    Karen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office. Some tax attorneys offer free consults — check Karen's current terms during booking.

  • How long do tax cases in Connecticut typically take?

    Simple tax matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

  • Can Karen take my case if I'm outside New Haven?

    Karen is licensed in Connecticut. Matters governed by Connecticut law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

  • What should I bring to my first meeting with Karen?

    Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

  • Is Karen accepting new tax clients right now?

    Karen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Areas served

Tax attorneys serving New Haven, Hartford and Stamford in Connecticut

Karen handles tax matters throughout Connecticut. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified tax attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Karen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these tax attorneys in New Haven handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.