BJ Kilgore

BJ Kilgore is a founding Principal at Coffield Heedy Kilgore PLLC, where he serves as the senior attorney in the firm’s Trusts & Estates practice group. BJ focuses his practice on estate planning, probate law, trust & estate administration, business succession planning, charitable planning, and trust reformations and terminations.

BJ works with clients to determine their goals and develops a customized plan to meet their individual needs. This often involves working with clients who own businesses, minor children, blended families, or have another unique set of circumstances. In addition, BJ has significant experience working with clients and their other advisors to use tax efficient strategies designed at maintaining, preserving, protecting, and transferring wealth from one generation to another. Sometimes this involves the creation and implementation of charitable trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, and other sophisticated estate planning techniques. Regardless of the level of complexity, BJ takes pride in ensuring that his work is straightforward and understandable to his clients. BJ is licensed to practice law in North Carolina and Tennessee.

BJ is a graduate of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (“ACTEC”) Southeast Fellows Institute. BJ is the past president of the Western North Carolina Estate Planning Council and has been recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyers “Risking.” In addition, BJ previously co-chaired the Continuing Education Committee of the Estate Planning and Fiduciary Section of the North Carolina Bar Association. BJ is a frequent speaker on matters related to estate planning, estate and trust administration, business succession planning, and other related topics.

BJ is also active in the local community. BJ was recognized in 2022 by the Buncombe County Bar with its Distinguished Young Lawyer Award. BJ is a graduate of Leadership Asheville Class 37. BJ is a present member of the Board of Directors at Asheville Humane Society and the Asheville Museum of History. BJ is on the Professional Advisory Committee to the Community Foundation of Western North Carolina, the Wortham Center for the Performing Arts Legacy Committee, and the Lawyers Mutual Western Carolina Community Board. BJ is a former member of the Pisgah Legal Services Young Professionals Board, United Way Highlands Circle Executive Committee.

Practice Areas:

• Trust Reformations & Terminations
• Estate Planning
• Business Succession Planning
• Estate & Trust Administration
• Probate
• Charitable Planning

Awards & Honors:

• Buncombe County bar 2022 Distinguished Young Lawyer
• 2020 – 2024 Super Lawyers “Rising Star”
• The Best Lawyers In America 2024 – 2025

‍Presentations:

• Co-Planner, 42nd Annual Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Program, North Carolina Bar Association (7/22/2021)
• Co-Planner, 41st Annual Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Program, North Carolina Bar Association (7/23/2020)
• Business Succession Planning – MSPCA Annual Meeting (10/3/19)
• North Carolina Probate Law – North Carolina Bar Association 2019 Estate Planning and Probate Law Survey Course (9/26/19)
• Basics of Estate Planning – North Carolina Bar Association 2018 & 2020 Basis of Will and Revocable Trust Drafting (2/9/18)
• North Carolina Probate Law I – North Carolina Bar Association 2017 Estate Planning and Probate Law Survey Course (9/27/17)

Publications:

• Basics of Estate Planning – North Carolina Bar Association 2018 & 2020 Basis of Will and Revocable Trust Drafting
• North Carolina Probate Law “Part I” – North Carolina Bar Association 2017 Estate Planning and Probate Law Survey Course
• Co-Author – Sale of Property and Distributions – NBI Probate Process from Start to Finish
• North Carolina Probate Law – North Carolina Bar Association 2019 Estate Planning and Probate Law Survey Course

Education:

• Campbell University – Juris Doctor, 2012
• Appalachian State University – B.A. (Business Management), 2007

‍Professional Affiliations:

• North Carolina Bar Association Estate Planning & Fiduciary Law Section
• North Carolina State Bar
• Buncombe County Bar
• Tennessee State Bar
• Tennessee Bar Association
• President of Land of Sky Estate Planning Council (former)
• Pisgah Legal Services Young Professionals Board (former)
• Community Foundation of Western North Carolina Professional Advisory Committee
• Leadership Asheville Class 37
• Board of Directors for Asheville Humane Society
• Wortham Center for the Performing Arts Legacy Committee
• Board of Directors Asheville Museum of History
• Lawyers Mutual Western Carolina Community Board

Personal Interests:

BJ is a native of Western North Carolina, having grown up in Linville, (near Banner Elk/Boone). When he is not working, BJ enjoys spending time with his wife Jackie, and their children Hollis and Sam. In his free time, BJ enjoys playing sports (particularly basketball, soccer and tennis), exploring the numerous outdoor activities Asheville has to offer, traveling, and learning about history. BJ is an avid sports fan and particularly follows college football and college basketball.