Overview

Joshua E. Husbands is the executive partner of Holland & Knight's Portland office and a member of the firm's Private Wealth Services Group. He often serves as outside general counsel for private companies and their owners, representing clients in an array of business, tax, philanthropy, business succession and estate planning matters, including business reorganizations, acquisitions and divestitures. He frequently writes and speaks on business, tax, life insurance and asset protection matters concerning businesses and high-net-worth individuals.

Fellow estate planners and sources commend Mr. Husbands for his work and skills. One industry source says:

He has exceeded my expectations. He is very even in his approach, even during stressful times and with changes in direction. He does a great job at helping people through the key decisions that need to be made, and does so with zero drama. He is a very calming presence, but he accomplishes a significant amount of work and is timely.

Chambers High Net Worth 2021 guide

Counseling Closely Held Businesses. Mr. Husbands is personally involved in a multi-generational family business and private investment company, and he also has personal experience with family trusts, including serving as a trustee. Having personally been through similar situations as his clients gives Mr. Husbands additional insight and the ability to provide meaningful, comprehensive advice and judgment in such matters. He brings this practical knowledge to all of his personal wealth counseling.

Guiding Large Private Clients Through Succession. Large private clients – both businesses and their owners – who wish to move wealth from one generation to the next rely on Mr. Husbands for recapitalizations, the creation of holding companies, entity merging and acquisitions, and divesting businesses to create liquid wealth and help facilitate their long-term visions.

Planning for Executives of Public Companies. Federal securities rules may apply to public company executives who hold company stock. Planning techniques for these executives who may be designated as "insiders" by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) requires a sophisticated design and careful implementation. Mr. Husbands balances these complex issues while ensuring that the privacy needs of such high-profile individuals are fully respected.

Credentials

Education
  • Northwestern School of Law of Lewis & Clark College, J.D., cum laude
  • The University of Texas at Austin, BBA
Bar Admissions/Licenses
  • California
  • Oregon
  • Washington
Memberships
  • American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, Fellow; New Fellows Steering Committee, Chair, 2017- 2018; Oregon State Chair; Chair of the Western Region; Board of Regents, 2021
  • Estate Planning Council of Portland Inc., Board of Directors, Past President
  • ABA Tax Section
  • ABA Business Law Section
  • Portland Japanese Garden, Foundation Board, 2008-2019; Past President 
  • Oregon State Bar Tax Section
  • Oregon State Bar, Estate Planning and Administration Section
  • Oregon State Bar Taxation Section, Newsletter Committee
  • Lewis & Clark Law School, former Adjunct Faculty Member, 2009-2013
Honors & Awards
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Portland Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Lawyer of the Year, 2016, 2019, 2023, 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Portland Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year, 2025
  • The Best Lawyers in America guide, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Insurance Law, Trusts and Estates, 2013-2025
  • Chambers High Net Worth guide, Private Wealth Law: Oregon, 2016-2024
  • Chambers High Net Worth guide, Oregon, Private Wealth Law, Life Insurance Specialists USA, 2020-2024
  • Who's Who Legal: Private Client, 2021, 2022
  • Guide to the World's Leading Trusts and Estates Lawyers, Legal Media Group's Expert Guides, 2015
  • Oregon Super Lawyers magazine, 2014-2021
  • Who's Who Legal 100: Private Client, 2014, 2015
  • The International Who's Who of Private Client Lawyers, 2013-2015
  • 40 Under 40, Portland Business Journal, 2013
  • Rising Star, Oregon Super Lawyers magazine, 2009-2013
  • Excellence in Writing Award, Best Overall Article - Trust & Estates From Probate & Property Magazine, 2008

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