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Family-centric, Enterprise-oriented, Future-focused
OUR STORY
After twenty years working as an attorney with high-net-worth families around succession planning, estate planning, and business operations, I came to realize that something crucial was missing from the process.
Time and again, when I meet with generations of family members to discuss estate planning needs, we come to a standstill.
Family members are often unable or unwilling to make key asset and estate decisions in a way that feels “right” or “meaningful.” And this is completely understandable.
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There is a dizzying array of factors that paralyze effective decision-making, whether it's unspoken family dynamics and wishes, looming health concerns, outstanding governance and transition questions, or figuring out how to engage the younger generations.
Sarah Scofield
Open Field Consulting Founder
All of these can and do complicate the work of legacy planning. They are important considerations in building a legacy plan that truly meets a family’s needs. But this is inefficient “legal work.”
These are not legal questions, they are legacy questions. They should be raised and addressed long before legal drafting begins.
Open Field Consulting was founded to create the time and space to bring all family members together and have open, honest, and generative dialogue about what matters.
The legacy planning process holds an amazing opportunity to bring families closer together. The clients we work with are able to set aside uncertainty and stress and move toward the future with a clear, concrete plan.
OUR VALUES
COMPASSION
At the end of the day, legacy planning is about people more than assets. We guide our clients and their family members through difficult conversations with care and empathy.
COLLABORATION
We collaborate with clients to co-create a vision and legacy plan, listening to their wishes and ideas while adding our expertise. We believe the best legacy plans consider every family member's perspective.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Our clients count on us to keep their identities and information confidential. Trust is critical for the open, honest conversation required for effective legacy planning.
CANDOR
Clients hire us for our warmth, honesty, and experience. We serve our clients best by sharing respectful, kind, and candid feedback.
OUR FOUNDER
A practicing attorney and family dialogue facilitator, Sarah Scofield launched Open Field Consulting in 2022 to help families create more effective and meaningful legacy plans. She brings a unique combination of legal acumen, deep experience, and intuitive communication skills to her work.
Sarah has practiced law for over 20 years. She founded Scofield Law in 2009, with offices in Denver and New York. Through Scofield Law, Sarah focuses on estate planning for multi-generational families and closely held businesses. She also advises clients on matters of real-estate, business succession, and expansion. Her mediation training and intuitive nature help her facilitate honest and productive conversations, improve collaboration, and navigate complex challenges.
A member of the New York, Colorado and Washington State Bar Associations, Sarah earned her BSBA in International Business from the University of Denver and her J.D. from the University of Denver Law School.
Memberships
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Estate Planning Council of New York City
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Rocky Mountain Estate Planning Council
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Institute for Family Governance
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UHNW Institute, Leaders Council Member
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Society of Trusts and Estates Practitioners (STEP), Colorado Chapter Chair
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The Denver Foundation, Professional Advisors Committee
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New York State Bar Association
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Colorado Bar Association
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Washington State Bar Association
Education
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J.D., University of Denver
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B.S.B.A. International Business, University of Denver, Cum Laude
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Mediation Training Program, University of Denver
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