Best Washington Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Lawyers
A highly respected Seattle business and estate planning/probate attorney, George Holzapfel’s practice is concentrated in business law with an emphasis on tax and estate planning. George serves as general counsel to more than 320 corporations, LLC’s, partnerships and sole proprietorships, as well as many individuals and families. Businesses represented include accountants, architects, advertisers, apartment and commercial building owners, computer companies, contractors, distributo...
Tyler’s corporate practice focuses on helping professionals such as physicians, dentists, veterinarians, CPAs, and attorneys with all of their business needs. He helps professionals form their own companies, structure partnership and other joint ventures, and acquire existing practices. Once established, he assists with all legal matters that arise during a company’s tenure, including lease renewals, real estate acquisitions, space-sharing arrangements, issues with clients/patient...
David C. Tingstad maintains an extensive practice in the areas of business and real estate matters, limited liability companies (LLCs), corporations and real estate. David regularly counsels clients in all aspects of business including operations, asset acquisitions, conversions and mergers. In addition, his practice includes assisting operating businesses with succession planning, financing, dissolution and disputes between owners. David’s clients range from family businesses to renewa...
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...
Paul Tonella practices in Keller Rohrback's business and estate planning group, where he represents individuals, families, and businesses in tax and general legal matters. He brings a wide range of experience in entity formation, contracts, purchases and sales of companies, personalized estate planning and probate and trust administration.
Dean A. Messmer is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Litigation, Corporate Law, Litigation - Trusts and Estates and Real Estate Law. Dean A. practices law in Seattle, Washington Best Lawyers has recognized Dean A. Messmer since 2024. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regar...
Bill Fleming practices in Keller Rohrback’s business group, where he focuses on estate and small business planning, charitable giving and trust and estate administration. Mr. Fleming is a graduate of Williams College and Harvard Law School. He formerly practiced with the New York City law firm of Simpson Thacher and Bartlett and the Seattle firm of Preston, Gates and Ellis.
Joseph D. Weinstein is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Corporate Law and Mergers and Acquisitions Law. Joseph D. practices law in Seattle, Washington Best Lawyers has recognized Joseph D. Weinstein since 2006. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflec...
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,...
Professional Experience With more than 40 years of experience, Allen is a leader in Helsell Fetterman’s Business and Real Estate Groups. Allen represents numerous individuals and companies in all types of real estate transactions. He has regularly worked on boundary line disputes and homeowner and condominium owner association matters. He has considerable experience working on commercial leases representing both landlords and tenants. He is skilled in drafting all types of real estate d...
Dianlyn Cenidoza is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Tax Law and Trusts and Estates. Dianlyn practices law in Seattle, Washington Best Lawyers has recognized Dianlyn Cenidoza since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which Dianlyn Cenidoza is held by other lawyers.
Mac Thomsen is a lawyer recognized by Best Lawyers in the practice areas of Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, Commercial Litigation, Litigation - Real Estate and Personal Injury Litigation - Defendants. Mac practices law in Seattle, Washington Best Lawyers has recognized Mac Thomsen since 2026. The Best Lawyers recognition is based on a peer-review survey of lawyers in the same geographic region and legal practice area. The recognition reflects the professional regard in which...
Professional Experience Greg serves as a trusted advisor for individuals and families navigating the complex legal landscape of their lives. He advises clients on the full array of estate planning matters, including wills, trusts, charitable planning, tax planning, and international estate planning—always focused on providing practical and creative solutions. Greg also assists tax-exempt organizations on entity formation, grant-making, board fiduciary duties, corporate governance matter...
Caitlin is a Seattle, Washington attorney with Helsell Fetterman LLP whose practice focuses on estate planning , trust administration, probate, and related tax matters. She works with individuals, families, and business owners to address estate, tax, and succession considerations at many stages of life. Her work includes advising on trusts, wills, and strategies designed to help clients manage wealth transfer while navigating federal and Washington tax rules. Caitlin’s practice includes...
Maria Rios Martinez is an associate with Helsell Fetterman LLP in Seattle, Washington and a member of the firm’s Business and Real Estate and Land Use Practice Groups. Her practice focuses on advising businesses, property owners, and developers on transactional and governance matters involving Business Organizations (including LLCs and Partnerships), Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law, and Real Estate Law. In her corporate practice, Maria works with companies throughout th...
