Marcel J. Bernier

Marcel Bernier has been involved in corporate and limited liability company law for over 40 years, assisting clients with navigating intricate legal landscapes to accomplish their goals. Situated in Hartford, Connecticut, Marcel is part of Harris Beach Murtha, where he acts as general counsel for numerous businesses. His practice includes offering guidance on forming new business entities, handling acquisitions, sales, mergers, reorganizations, deferred compensation plans, phantom equity plans, buy-sell agreements, and business succession planning.

Marcel has crafted over 100 operating agreements, employment contracts, and buy-sell agreements, with significant experience in completing a multitude of business transactions. His expertise in accounting and tax provides a solid foundation for structuring and negotiating business transactions and succession agreements.

With deep roots in family business representation, Marcel addresses general business concerns and succession planning. He authored “Preserving Your Business for the Next Generation,” featured as Chapter 3 in The ABA Practical Guide to Estate Planning, published by the ABA in 2011. (Read Chapter 3)

His writing extends to “Business Exit Strategies” for the Hartford Business Journal, shedding light on strategic business decisions. (Read the article) He also contributed “The Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act” in the Connecticut Lawyer in May 2017. (Read the article)

Marcel extends his services to various professional firms, including those in medical, engineering, and law practices, focusing on acquisitions, partner admissions and retirements, and succession planning through meticulously designed agreements.

Experienced in advising high-net-worth clients, Marcel addresses estate planning intricacies, including federal and Connecticut estate tax minimization, along with probate and trust administration processes.

His knowledge also contributed to the Connecticut Bar Association Committee, co-chairing the drafting of the Connecticut Uniform Limited Liability Company Act. (View his testimony) Marcel was also involved in creating the Connecticut Entity Transactions Act.