Elizabeth A. Bawden

Practice Areas

Elizabeth is a partner in the private client and tax team at Withers.

She is a skilled estate and charitable tax attorney with a proven track record of guiding clients through complex wealth transitions with advice that is clear, creative and enduring. As a partner in the trust, estate and charities team at Withers Bergman LLP, she specializes in crafting tailored strategies that address a wide range of estate planning needs, from basic estate and incapacity planning to advanced techniques for minimizing tax burdens and preserving family legacies. Beyond her legal acumen, Elizabeth is known for her ability to build strong relationships with clients and provide personalized guidance. Her compassionate approach and keen understanding of complex legal matters make her a trusted advisor for individuals and families seeking to navigate the complexities of estate planning and charitable giving.

Elizabeth's expertise extends to philanthropy, where she assists individuals and organizations in establishing meaningful charitable foundations, structuring major and planned gifts, and navigating the complexities of charitable giving. She is particularly passionate about helping clients identify and develop philanthropic initiatives that align with their values and make a lasting impact. In addition to her work with individuals and families, Elizabeth provides comprehensive legal counsel to charitable organizations. She assists in structuring charitable organizations, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements, and navigating the complexities of fundraising, donor relationships and gift structuring and administration. Her deep understanding of the legal landscape enables her to provide practical guidance and support to nonprofits of all sizes.

Elizabeth's commitment to excellence is reflected in her professional achievements. She is certified by the California Board of Legal Specialization as a legal specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law and is a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). The Los Angeles Business Journal recognized her as a 2024 Nonprofit and Philanthropy Leader of Influence. She has also been recognized by Chambers High Net Worth Guide and The Legal 500 US for her expertise in Private Wealth Law and Not-for-Profit Tax.

Elizabeth's dedication to education is evident in her role as adjunct faculty at the UCLA School of Law, where she teaches Estate and Gift Tax, Estate Planning, and Wills & Trusts. She is also faculty of the American Institute for Philanthropic Studies Certified Specialist in Planned Giving program. By sharing her knowledge and experience with the next generation of legal and gift planning professionals, Elizabeth continues to drive innovation and excellence in the field.

Elizabeth serves as Chair of the board of the Heifer International Foundation and as a member of the board of Heifer Project International, whose mission is to end hunger and poverty while caring for the Earth, achieved by providing livestock, training, and related services to small-scale farmers and communities.