Over 1,000 attorneys strong.


Effective Jan. 1, 2025, Taft completed its merger with Denver’s oldest and third-largest law firm, Sherman & Howard L.L.C.

Learn more here.
__

Taft is expanding to Southeast Florida on June 30, 2025, with the addition of Mrachek Law, a distinguished litigation firm located in West Palm Beach and Stuart.

Learn more here.

Nicholas J. Kaster

Partner Minneapolis
Contact Info
Top Services

Summary

Nick is a partner in the private client group and specializes in estate planning for estates of all sizes. In addition to preparing estate plans, Nick helps clients with estate and trust administration and business succession planning.

Nick works closely with clients to develop and implement strategies that ensure their wishes are honored in the most effective and efficient way possible. While estate planning and trust administration may involve complex concepts and sometimes difficult conversations, Nick’s practical and approachable style makes the process understandable and manageable for clients.

He offers sophisticated, confidential, and pragmatic advice in areas such as:

  • Wills, revocable trusts, probate avoidance, powers of attorney, and health care directives
  • Prenuptial and postnuptial agreements
  • Wealth transfer strategies, including transfers to grantor trusts, grantor-retained annuity trusts (GRATs), qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), irrevocable insurance trusts, sales of assets to family members, and generation-skipping trusts
  • Philanthropic planning through private foundations, donor-advised funds, charitable remainder trusts, and other giving vehicles
  • Disclaimer planning, probate and trust administration, estate tax returns

Nick frequently collaborates with clients’ trusted advisors—CPAs, investment advisors, and insurance professionals—to ensure that all perspectives are considered, leading to the best possible outcomes. He is committed to providing exceptional client service, offering comprehensive, efficient, and cost-effective solutions to meet each client’s legal needs.

Awards

  • Honoree, Best Lawyers in America, Trusts and Estates (2024 – 2025)

  • Honoree, Minnesota Super Lawyers Rising Stars (2014)

All Service Areas

All Practices

Education

  • Mitchell Hamline School of Law (2004)
  • DePauw University (1994)

    B.A. – Biology, Philosophy

Admissions

  • State - Minnesota
  • State - Wisconsin

Speeches and Publications

  • Presenter, “ILITs, QPRTs, IDGTs, GRATs and SLATs – Oh My,” The Minnesota Paralegals Association, October 9, 2024.

Professional Affiliations

  • Minnesota State Bar Association
    • Member