Best Lawyers in America for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law

I chair our firm’s Mergers & Acquisitions Team of 15 transactional attorneys and tax specialists and assist our firm clients with regard to achieving their estate planning objectives. Having more than 30 years’ experience as an M&A attorney and corporate advisor, combined with being a CPA and having a master’s degree in taxation, provides me with a unique background and perspective to advise the firm’s business clients in achieving their goals in the most timel...

David Gotlieb is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. David, who practices law in Minneapolis, Minnesota, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which David is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

David C. Krock has over 34 years of experience as a lawyer, CPA (non-practicing), trust officer and tax advisor. His law practice is concentrated primarily in the areas of estate planning, business succession planning, charitable planned giving, probate, tax and providing general counsel to small and medium size businesses. Mr. Krock is a member of Eastman & Smith. Mr. Krock graduated from the University of Toledo College of Law in 1982 where he was a member of the law review. He is a mem...

With over 20 years of experience and 250+ merger/acquisition transactions (ranging up to $120M), Karl provides comprehensive legal and tax counsel, personalized to all types of closely held and family businesses throughout the Pacific Northwest. Drawing upon a significant federal and state tax background, he enjoys assisting clients with choice of entity and formation, governance and operating agreements, employment and compensation plans, service agreements, as well as business dissolutions,...

John Paul Callahan is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Nonprofit / Charities Law and Trusts and Estates. John Paul, who practices law in Hartford, Connecticut, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which John Paul is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Matthew R. Hull is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Real Estate Law. Matthew R., who practices law in Canton, Ohio, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Matthew R. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

"I believe in serving clients efficiently to ensure they receive practical advice and sound solutions to their concerns. I’m not afraid to identify and address potential roadblocks – as well as point out new opportunities. Clients count on me as a trusted advisor on all legal and business matters." I appreciate a collaborative environment where we work together to achieve a common goal. The team approach at Henson Efron allows us to maximize our potential and effectively serve our...

Dianlyn Cenidoza is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Dianlyn, who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dianlyn is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Samuel R. Fuller is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law and Securities Regulation. Samuel R., who practices law in Concord, New Hampshire, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Samuel R. is held by other top lawyers in ...

Patrick Ellis is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Governance and Compliance Law. Patrick, who practices law in Traverse City, Michigan, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Patrick is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal pra...

Hannah Burgin is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Family Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates. Hannah, who practices law in Asheville, North Carolina, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hannah is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Bretton concentrates his practice in the areas of corporate governance as well as business, finance and commercial transactions. He has experience representing private companies and banks in various transactions including mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, joint ventures, and supplier distribution customer contracts for goods and services in various industries. In addition to his transactional and corporate governance practices, Bretton regularly assists clients in estate, s...

Hunter Brown is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Corporate Law. Hunter, who practices law in Jacksonville, Florida, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Hunter is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Anthony C. Moreland is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Litigation and Insurance Law. Anthony C., who practices law in Longwood, Florida, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Anthony C. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal ...

Austin Hagood is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. Austin, who practices law in Huntsville, Alabama, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Austin is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Chris utilizes his extensive tax and accounting background to assist high-net-worth individuals and closely held businesses with establishing and implementing sophisticated wealth transfer strategies, charitable planning, and business formation and restructuring. He also has extensive experience in tax controversy, the purchase, sale and operation of private aircraft, and tax planning for real estate transactions. Given the personal nature of his work, Chris takes the time to understand each ...