Our Team

Scott Benner

Scott provides personal legal representation to entrepreneurs, investors, and C-level executives regarding their investment, employment, consulting and estate planning arrangements. Common engagements include:

  • review and negotiate private investments, such as angel deals, venture investments, and investments in venture capital and private equity funds

  • review of equity-based compensation arrangements for executives and consultants

  • organization of limited liability companies and other holding vehicles

  • counseling executives and directors on their rights and obligations vis-à-vis the company 

  • development and reexamination of estate plans.

Scott is also a principal in the financial planning firm of  Kutscher Benner Barsness & Stevens Inc.

Practice

  • Investment Transactions

  • Estate Planning

  • Business, Corporate and Real Estate

  • Probate and Trust Administration

Scott practiced of counsel in the firm of KHBB Law PLLC (the successor to Kutscher Herford Bertram Burkart PLLC) from 2006 to 2025. Scott was a shareholder (partner) in the Venture Law Group of Heller Ehrman LLP and was with that firm for 12 years. Scott served clients from Heller's Seattle, San Francisco and Singapore offices and concentrated on investment partnerships of all types and venture capital financings. Scott started his career at the Seattle firm of Bogle & Gates LLP in 1991, where his practice included public company work, venture capital financings, and mutual fund and investment advisor compliance.

Education

  • Pacific Lutheran University, B.A., magna cum laude, Economics (dept. honors) 1988

  • New York University, J.D., cum laude, 1991

Professional Activities and Memberships

  • Member, Washington State Bar Association

  • Trustee, Vashon & Maury Islands Land Trust (2025-present)

  • Trustee, Vashon Allied Arts (2014-2017)

  • Trustee, National Multiple Sclerosis Society (2007-2009)

  • Member, The Rainier Club (2008-present)

Ted Kutscher

Passport picture circa 1977

Ted's practice focuses on estate planning and estate and trust administration, and family business enterprises, representing the diverse needs of family wealth management, property succession, and fiduciary investment duties. Ted was also a founding principal of  Kutscher Benner Barsness & Stevens, Inc., an SEC-registered independent financial advisory firm focused on comprehensive planning for families, trust and individuals.

Practice

  • Estate Planning

  • Probate and Trust Administration

  • Trust Administration

  • Trust and Estate Counsel

  • Business, Corporate and Real Estate

Bar Memberships and Professional Certification

  • Admitted to practice in Washington, 1981 -

  • Certified Financial Planner (CFP)™, 1991-2021

  • National Association of Personal Financial Advisors (NAPFA) 

    (member 1992-2020)

Education

  • Dartmouth College, A.B., English, 1978

  • University of Denver College of Law, J.D., 1981 

  • Member: Denver Law Review

  • Golden Gate University, M.S. Taxation, 1991

Boards and Memberships

  • 4Culture, King County, Washington (Director 2009-2016) 

  • Gage Academy of Art, Seattle (Trustee 2009-2016) 

  • Phillips Exeter Academy Exeter NH (Director, General Alumni Association, 2006-2016)

  • Washington State Bar Association (Member since 1981-present)

  • Seattle Estate Planning Council (Member 1984-2020)