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Marianne Blackwell

Colorado

About

Marianne Blackwell brings over three decades of experience in estate planning, probate, elder law, and tax law to Omnus Law. She has built a reputation for delivering customized legal strategies that protect clients’ assets, legacies, and financial well-being. Her meticulous approach ensures that each client receives the individualized care and attention they deserve, resulting in effective solutions for even the most challenging legal issues. 

Marianne’s career is marked by a track record of success. She has helped countless families create comprehensive estate plans that preserve wealth and minimize tax burdens, while working with executors and trustees through the complexities of probate and trust administration with compassion and precision. Her understanding of  elder law also positions her as a go-to advocate for aging individuals and their loved ones, ensuring they have access to the resources and legal protections they need. 

In addition to her legal practice, Marianne has an impressive history of leadership and results-driven performance in higher education and nonprofit fundraising. At Colorado State University, she was instrumental in increasing planned giving revenue from $2 million annually to $30 million, helping families and donors achieve their philanthropic and estate planning goals. At the University of Colorado, she spearheaded strategic initiatives that generated over $50 million in new funding. Her background in project management and business development complements her legal expertise, enabling her to provide clients with holistic and caring solutions that combine legal strategy with long-term planning. 

Marianne is not only a skilled attorney but also a thought leader in her field. She contributed three chapters to the Colorado Bar Association’s Senior Law Handbook, sharing invaluable insights on estate and elder law with professionals and the community alike. Her commitment to service extends to pro bono work and active involvement in local and state bar associations, where she collaborates with fellow attorneys to advance best practices in law. 

Clients often praise Marianne for her ability to simplify complex legal concepts, her responsiveness, and her dedication to achieving their desired outcomes. Whether working with individuals seeking to secure their family’s future, business owners requiring tax-efficient legal guidance, or families navigating probate with minimal stress, Marianne brings clarity, confidence, and results to every case. 

Career Highlights

  • Increased planned giving revenue at Colorado State University from $2M/year to $30M/year 
  • Raised $50M+ in new funding for University of Colorado 
  • Helped grow estate planning client base by nearly 100% at Harris Law Firm 
  • Support and serve The Justice Center with the El Paso County Bar Association, pro bono work 
  • BOD member various not-for-profit organizations: Colorado Planned Giving Roundtable; Rocky Mountain Chapter Leukemia & Lymphoma Society; Founder – National Organization of Women Business Owners – Southern Colorado; Off the Hook Arts 
  • Founding member of Blackwell Law PLLC 

Associations

  • Breakfast Rotary Club of Fort Collins 
  • Local and State Bar Memberships

Publications

  • Contributed three chapters to the Colorado Bar Association’s Senior Law Handbook 

Practice Areas

Trust & Estates LawCorporate Law
Sub-practice areas
Advisory Services, Estate and Gift Taxation, Individual Taxation, Due Diligence, Estate & Succession Planning, Tax-Exempt Organizations Advisory, Real Estate Tax Planning

Admitted Jurisdictions

  • Colorado

Education

  • J.D., University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 1985 
  • B.A., Psychology, University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK, 1982 
  • Certificate, Project Management, Colorado Technical University, 2002 

Languages

  • English

Work With Marianne