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

John B. Peace, an attorney at Wright, Lindsey & Jennings LLP, in Little Rock, Arkansas, practices in the area of tax law, business organization, estate planning, trusts and estates, and tax law. Mr. Peace has been a Certified Public Accountant since 1977. Mr. Peace was born in Camden, Arkansas in 1951. He was admitted to the Arkansas bar in 1977 after graduating from the University of Arkansas – Little Rock’s Bowen School of Law with honors. During that time, Mr. Peace was a m...

Jon Sparkman is a shareholder of the firm counseling privately-held businesses and non-profit organizations. Jon's business law practice involves representing small- to medium-size businesses from start-up to eventual sale, providing advice with respect to formation and financing, growth and expansion as well as mergers and acquisitions. Jon's representation of non-profit organizations focuses on formation , obtaining and maintaining tax-exempt status, governance issues and mergers. Specific ...

“I enjoy identifying novel and practical solutions to clients’ real world issues and helping them to achieve their objectives in a cost-effective manner.” Chris focuses on sophisticated commercial transactions, banking and commercial financing and general corporate law. He represents business clients and entrepreneurs at all stages of their business development, negotiating and documenting matters, complex organizational documents (e.g., sophisticated shareholder, operating ...

Joe Camilli is a Shareholder in the Business Practice Group at von Briesen & Roper, s.c. He focuses his practice on business and corporate issues, mergers and acquisitions, and employment matters. Joe enjoys working with entrepreneurs, start-ups, and small businesses. Joe finds the greatest success and joy in helping clients navigate and conquer the challenges and opportunities they face. Whether clients need help selling their business, navigating a challenging employment situation, or r...

Michael L. Eckstein 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 Transactions / UCC Law and Tax Law. Michael L., who practices law in New Orleans, Louisiana, has been recognized since 2020. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Michael L. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic...

Gary Gotsdiner is the chairman and a shareholder and director of the firm. He represents closely held companies in a broad range of corporate matters, particularly mergers, acquisitions, real estate, finance, leasing and other transactional matters.

James B. Egle is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Real Estate Law. James B., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2011. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which James B. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Dean A. Messmer is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law and Real Estate Law. Dean A., who practices law in Seattle, Washington, has been recognized since 2024. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Dean A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

For her longstanding business and corporate, health care, construction, and real estate clients in both Rhode Island and Massachusetts, Susan works diligently to understand their business and legal needs to provide innovative yet practical solutions to their pressing problems. With her in-depth experience and years of counseling executives and senior management, Susan effectively assists clients to minimize potential litigation and disputes. From corporate governance to high-stakes acquisitio...

The cornerstone of Jimmy’s practice is to help people by solving their problems and contributing to their growth and success. His 50 years of legal experience is complemented by an in-depth background in finance, including a number of years working for the IRS as a Revenue Agent and Tax Law Specialist, as well as several years as an investment banker at Legg Mason. With a commitment that the client’s interests always come first, Jimmy takes ownership of and responsibility for thei...

Professional Experience As chair of the firm’s estate planning and probate group, Laura Hoexter’s practice focuses on wills, trusts and estates. She works with individuals to help them establish foundational documents, such as tax-saving wills and living trusts, financial and health care powers of attorney, and health care directives. She addresses complex issues that may arise, including non-citizen status, retirement benefit planning and life insurance arrangements. Laura has si...

Charity A. McCarthy is a top attorney recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice area(s) of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Elder Law and Trusts and Estates. Charity A., who practices law in Madison, Wisconsin, has been recognized since 2019. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Charity A. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.

Shelley Detwiller DiGiacomo 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 Law, Corporate Law, Securities Regulation and Venture Capital Law. Shelley Detwiller, who practices law in Phoenix, Arizona, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Shelley Detw...

Darla J. McClure 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, Employment Law - Individuals and Employment Law - Management. Darla J., who practices law in Rockville, Maryland, has been recognized since 2022. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Darla J. is held by other top lawyers in...

Don Rafferty combines his experience in the areas of business restructuring, commercial finance, corporate law, and litigation to provide legal and strategic advice to the firm’s business clients on a wide range of issues. Don frequently counsels clients who either are experiencing financial stress or are dealing with distressed companies. He has advised on sales, acquisitions, and restructurings for numerous middle-market companies. Don has significant experience in transactions, dispu...

Kurt G. Yost 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. Kurt G., who practices law in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been recognized since 2013. This recognition is based on an exhaustive peer-review survey, reflecting the high esteem in which Kurt G. is held by other top lawyers in the same geographic and legal practice area.