Hallman & Associates Estate & Tax Planning

Dawn D. Hallman is the Principal Attorney and founder of Hallman & Associates. As a nationally recognized estate planning attorney, with a background in tax, Dawn has extensive experience helping clients with all facets of business, tax, and estate planning. She has advised  thousands of clients regarding their estate plans.  Dawn Hallman is also a pioneer in Deferred Sales Trusts, a tax strategy used to minimize capital gains tax on the sale of highly appreciated assets or closely held businesses.

Rated as an AV Preeminent Attorney™ by Martindale Hubbell, Dawn creatively and effectively addresses the estate planning needs of modest to ultra-high net worth families. She possesses a robust tax background, holding both an accounting and law degree from the University of Oklahoma. Prior to opening Hallman & Associates in 2000, Dawn maintained a tax practice for several years. Her tax and business law background make her uniquely qualified to advise clients on complex estate and business planning matters. With a focus on asset protection and tax planning, Dawn strives to create an educational environment that ensures her clients understand and achieve their legacy plans. Moreover, because Dawn handles comprehensive tax and business planning related to estates of various sizes and complexities, she maintains a thorough understanding of the law and remains current on new legislation that impacts taxes and estate planning.

In addition to her law practice, Dawn frequently lectures on estate planning matters in continuing education programs for legal, financial, and other business professionals. She has been a keynote speaker for major corporations and organizations, including the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors (nationally and regionally), the Oklahoma Bar Association, Strafford, National Business Institute, Mercy Hospital and the University of Oklahoma.

American Cancer Society named Dawn Hallman as recipient of the inaugural National Professional Advisor of the Year Award. Dawn is named as Oklahoma Magazine's "Top Attorneys in Oklahoma;" 405 Magazine's "Top Attorney - Wills & Trusts;" and National Advocates "Top 100 Lawyers in Estate Planning."  Based on peer and Judicial recognition, Martindale Hubble has awarded Dawn their highest ratings: AV Preeminent Attorney™, AV Preeminent Judicial Edition™, Super Lawyer™ in Wills & Trusts, and Top 1%.

Dawn is currently the Chairman for American Cancer Society’s National Gift Planning Advisor Council (NGPAC), and was named 2023 Estate Planning Ambassador of the Year. Hallman has also served as Vice-Chairman for two community banks in Oklahoma for 9 years, and served as Chairman for the Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section of the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Noteworthy

• 2023 – Estate Planning Ambassador of the Year 2023 – awarded by American Cancer Society
• 2023 - AV Preeminent Attorney™ - Judicial Edition, Martindale Hubbell (2014 – Present)
• 2023 - AV Preeminent Attorney™, Martindale Hubbell (2014 – Present)
• 2023 - America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 1%, Martindale Hubbell (2016 – Present)
• 2023 - 405 Magazine, Top Attorney for Wills & Trusts (2020 – 2023)
• 2023 - Super Lawyers – Top Rated Estate Planning & Probate Attorney for Oklahoma (2019 – Present)
• 2023 – Top Attorneys in Oklahoma, Oklahoma Magazine (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
• 2023 - 10.0 AVVO - Top Rated Lawyer (2021 – Present)
• 2021 - Top Attorney & Rising Stars, Oklahoma Magazine (November, 2021)
• 2020 - Top 100 Lawyers, The National Advocates (2016 – Present)
• 2020, 2019 & 2015 – Client Distinction Award, Martindale Hubbell
• 2018 - Top Lawyers in Oklahoma, Legal Network honoring the Highest in Ethical Standards and Professional Excellence (2013, 2015, 2016, 2018)
• 2017 – National Professional Advisor of the Year, American Cancer Society
• Appointed Council Member, Nationwide Gift Planning Advisor Council (NGPAC), American Cancer Society (2017 – Present) Chairman 2022, 2023
• 2016 – Chairperson for the Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Section, Oklahoma Bar Association
• 2014 – Charter Member of Legacy Rotary Club in Norman, Oklahoma
• 2012 – “Who’s Who for Executives and Professionals,” National Association of Professional Women
• 2011 – Top Estate Planning Attorneys in Oklahoma, Five Star Program
• 2010 – Top Wealth Managers in Oklahoma, Martindale Hubbell

Publications

• 2019 – Deferred Sales Trust – What’s All the Hype?, Volume 90, Oklahoma Bar Journal (February 2019)
• Electronic Form Book - Estate Planning, Oklahoma Bar Association (Co-Author)
• 2017 – One Size Doesn’t Fit All With Estate Plans, The Voice of Experience, ABA Senior Lawyers Division, Vol. 2, Issue 3 (March 2017)https://www.americanbar.org/publications/voice_of_experience/2017/march-2017/wills-and-revocable-trusts--one-size-doesn-t-fit-all.html
• 2017 – Oklahoma City Community Foundation, featured as "an expert in estate and tax planning"
• 2014 – Oklahoma Society of CPAs Financial Fitness Kit

Activities & Memberships

• Council Member, Nationwide Gift Planning Advisor Council (NGPAC), American Cancer Society
• Oklahoma Bar Association, Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Section (Chairperson, 2016)
• WealthCounsel Member, Estate Planning and Tax Planning
• Founding Member, Legacy Rotary Club (Norman, Oklahoma)
• American Bar Association

Practice Jurisdictions

• Oklahoma

Carrie Jones manages the Estate Planning team and client development. During her ten years, Carrie has also coordinated the Deferred Installment Sales Trust team. Carrie ensures we deliver excellent customer service, and she is dedicated to the fulfillment of all client needs.

All speaking engagement inquiries should be directed to Carrie at: cjones @ hallmanlawoffice.com.

Paul Kolker, Of Counsel, is a Civil Litigator that assists our Texas clients.