SJS Law

Sarah J. Stein

Sarah J. Stein is a Colorado licensed attorney that practices in the areas of wills, trusts and estates, business (both for profit and non-profit entities), and real estate. Sarah runs SJS Law, which is a growing boutique firm based in Colorado Springs, with a satellite location in Parker, Colorado. Sarah is a Colorado native with an understanding of the unique needs of Coloradans as they grow their legacy, while also having substantial international experience which has availed her a strong business and market sense.

Sarah graduated from Vermont Law School, cum laude, with her Juris Doctorate and a certificate in international and comparative law. She also holds a master's degree in Environmental Law and Policy. Since starting SJS Law in 2012, she's advanced her estate planning and probate practice by taking a particular interest in the duties and obligations that fiduciaries have to their stakeholders. This enhanced knowledge and understanding of fiduciary duties serves Sarah well in each of her practice areas, whether it is representing personal representatives in estate matters or advising a board of directors in a non-profit setting.

Sarah seeks to provide personalized high-quality legal services to individuals of all means. Sarah believes that an attorney is only one member of a client's team, which should also include their accountant, financial advisor, and other trusted advisors. The goal is for clients to leave each meeting feeling supported, and as though they can always return to ask more questions. Sarah is committed to ensuring that “lawyer” does not mean unapproachable, out of touch or out of reach, but that the law can be applied with compassion and integrity in a way that serves client needs.

Highlights:

• 2020-2022, Sarah is named as a Rising Star by SuperLawyers Magazine

• 2021-2022, Sarah is serving as the Vice Chair of the El Paso County Bar Association's Probate Section

• 2015-2017, Sarah served as adjunct faculty for the University of Colorado's School of Pharmacy teaching a portion of the school's Pharmacy Law course.

Neil DeVoogd

Neil is a Colorado-licensed attorney who practices in the areas of estate planning, estate administration, will and trust litigation, and real estate litigation. Neil is a Colorado native who has honed his litigation skills as a trial-attorney for the first 8 years of his career. After dozens of jury trials and thousands of hours of court experience, he practiced as a professional fiduciary, serving as both PR and Trustee with a private fiduciary services company. He went back into the practice of law, and brings his years of high-level litigation experience, an insider's perspective, and client-centric foundation to estate planning, administration, will contests, and civil litigation.

Neil is a Colorado native, attending the University of Northern Colorado for undergraduate studies, and University of Colorado Law School. While in law school Neil was the vice president of the Colorado Innocence Project, served as the administrator of the clinical programs, was involved in several extra-curricular programs including being a member of the PHi Alpha Delta International Law Fraternity, and drumming for the all-original Law School: the Musical. He was the 2023-24 president of the Probate section of the El Paso County Bar Association, and is currently the 2024-25 President of the Colorado Springs Estate Planning Council. He sits on the board of the Beth Haven House, a local non-profit that provides long-term care services and independence to people with persistent mental health struggles. In his free time he skis, hikes, camps, makes art, and does woodworking, but mostly enjoys just spending time with his wife and two beautiful daughters.

Patrick Morrissey

Patrick Morrissey is a Colorado licensed attorney who joined SJS Law as a law clerk during his first summer of law school in 2022 and now works as an Associate Attorney. Patrick focuses his practice on estate planning, estate administration, small business, and nonprofit law. Patrick grew up in southern Vermont and earned an undergraduate degree from the University of Massachusetts Amherst. Patrick moved to Colorado Springs in the summer of 2017, where he lives with his wife, two children, and golden retriever. Patrick temporarily moved to Oklahoma City to attend law school at Oklahoma City University School of Law, earning his Juris Doctorate with scholarships and recognition for his excellence in commercial law.

Coming from a family of estate lawyers, Patrick understands the importance of providing his clients with the proper guidance to manage their own affairs and giving loved ones the peace of mind and proper tools to support and love family and friends who need a helping hand. Beyond his practice, Patrick loves any and all sports, most notably ice hockey and lacrosse.

Randolph M. Karsh, Esq.

1944 - 2024

On a calm summer morning, Randolph "Randy" Karsh, passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of dedication, resilience, and love. A respected attorney and taxation expert, Randy was much more than his professional accolades; he was a beloved husband, a doting father, a loyal friend, and a pillar of his community. With his charming wit, legendary storytelling, and incredible hair—he embodied an undeniable light. Randy's life was full, not just in years but in the richness of the relationships he nurtured and the passions he pursued.

Born into humble beginnings, Randy faced numerous challenges from a young age, but he never allowed adversity to define him. Instead, he embraced each obstacle with determination and a relentless desire to improve himself and the lives of those around him. His pursuit of excellence led him to become the first in his family to attend college, earning a degree from the University of Colorado and later, a Juris Doctorate from the University of Denver. His academic journey culminated in a Master of Laws in Taxation from New York University, setting the stage for a distinguished career as a business and tax lawyer.

Randy’s legal expertise garnered recognition both nationally and internationally. After beginning his career as a law clerk for the United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit, he established a successful private practice as a business and tax lawyer. As a partner at Holland & Hart LLP, Randy gained extensive experience in structuring and financing ventures between individuals, U.S. companies, and foreign entities, leveraging his fluency in Spanish in 1994 to serve as special tax counsel to a law firm in Mexico City. His contributions to the legal community were significant, including active participation in the American Bar Association's Tax Section and co-authoring a key chapter in the Colorado Estate Planning Handbook. Randy was dedicated to his clients and continued practicing law with SJS Law LLC until his death. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Randy was known for forming lasting friendships and was deeply respected by his colleagues and clients.

Randy's commitment to his community was as strong as his dedication to his career. He served his community as President of the Old North End Neighborhood Association and was a pivotal figure in the creation of the Center for Christian-Jewish Dialogue. His generosity and spirit of service touched countless lives, and his absence will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Among his many passions was his extraordinary talent for woodworking, which reflected his meticulous nature and his love for creating beauty with his own hands. His handcrafted pieces are treasured by family and friends, serving as lasting reminders of his creativity, skill, and the care he put into everything he did.

Even in his final days, Randy exemplified the tenacity that defined his life. His legacy of hard work and determination will continue to inspire those who knew him. Randy leaves behind his beloved wife, Beverly, his two cherished daughters, Aleah and Erika, his brother-in-law, David (spouse Mark), and his faithful dog, Rafi. Randy is reunited with his mother, Julia, his son, Aaron, and his dog-son, Nikko, who preceded him in death.

As we remember Randy, we honor a life well-lived, and a man deeply loved. In his memory, raise a glass of his infamous pure margaritas or a dry, straight-up martini, and toast to the incredible impact he made on the world.