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

Corey W. Moore is a transactional attorney with Otis & Bedingfield, LLC, serving individuals, families, and business owners in Loveland, Colorado. His practice centers on estate planning, estate administration, and business law, with particular emphasis on Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law. Corey regularly advises clients on planning for the transfer of wealth involving closely held and family-owned businesses, structuring plans to address potential gift and estate tax cons...

Tara is and always has been passionate about serving people and being a voice for her clients. There is no greater satisfaction, thrill, or sense of personal achievement to her than knowing she has helped another. She was raised in a small town in North Carolina alongside her younger brother and two older sisters, and it was here that she learned the value of people and community. Tara was a leader throughout her college years and graduated from an accelerated program at East Carolina Univers...

Claudia A. Suszczynska 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. Claudia A., who practices law in Chicago, Illinois, has been recognized since 2025. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Claudia A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Joshua L. Baker is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Trusts and Estates. Joshua L., who practices law in Memphis, Tennessee, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Josh Unice 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 Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Josh, who practices law in Southfield, Michigan, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Josh is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Courtney Foltz 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. Courtney, who practices law in Omaha, Nebraska, has been recognized since 2023. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Courtney 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...

Edward F. Bukaty IV 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 Governance and Compliance Law, Corporate Law, Mergers and Acquisitions Law, Real Estate Law, Securities / Capital Markets Law, Securities Regulation and Venture Capital Law. Edward F., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based...

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.

John N. Thorpe works in Frazier Law's Business Litigation and Alternative Dispute Resolution practice. He represents clients in areas including business disputes, education law, complex commercial litigation, constitutional law, and government relations. John’s clients benefit from his intimate understanding of the federal court system, his passion for legal writing, and his background in sophisticated, high-stakes, and sometimes high-profile litigation. John graduated magna cum laude f...

Daniel J. Padilla is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Banking and Finance Law, Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law, Financial Services Regulation Law, Real Estate Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Daniel J., who practices law in Honolulu, Hawaii, has been recognized since 2021. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel J. is held by other top lawye...

Joshua D. Apel 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 Commercial Litigation. Joshua D., who practices law in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Joshua D. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

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

James P. Oliver focuses his legal practice on corporate law matters. As an attorney in Hahn Loeser’s Business Practice Area, James provides strategic advice to middle market, closely held and family held clients on a wide variety of matters, including corporate transactions, corporate governance, mergers and acquisitions, commercial contracts, financings and more. He has been involved in transactions in the health care, food, landfill gas and environmental services, investment advisory,...

"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...

Daniel Sievert 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 Tax Law. Daniel, who practices law in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2026. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Daniel is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.