SITE SEARCH

image area
dummy
overlay

Corporate Transparency Act Faces Legal Challenge

March 12, 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) that went into effect on January 1, 2024 is already facing pushback. Only two months after the Act went into effect, a federal district court in Alabama declared the Act "unconstitutional because it cannot be justified as exercising Congress's enumerated powers." For a deeper dive into the CTA's origin and requirements, please see Richard P. Breed, IV's article, Corporate Transparency Act Overview. The below summary gives some information on the Alabama case and its practical implications for the Act.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag Promoted to Partner

March 4, 2023

We are proud to announce that Dara Lynn Freytag, J.D., LL.M. has been promoted to Partner in the firm. Dara Lynn joined the firm in 2014 and counsels clients on sophisticated estate planning, business planning, taxation, and estate and trust administration. She is certified as an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designee by the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils (NAEPC). "Dara Lynn is not only an excellent lawyer, but a deeply trusted advisor to individuals, families, and business owners," says Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers partner Melissa Sydney. "She is an incredible asset to our firm and our clients." Prior to joining Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, Dara Lynn was an associate with a boutique trusts and estates firm in Weston, MA. She is a graduate of Tufts University (B.A.), Suffolk University Law School (J.D.), and Georgetown University Law Center (LL.M. in Taxation). While in school, Dara Lynn began her legal career working in the Norfolk County Probate and Family Court and in the Estate and Gift Tax Division of the Internal Revenue Service in Boston. Dedicated to giving back to her community, Dara Lynn serves on the Board of Directors of Marisa's Mission, leads a Hingham Girl Scout Troop, and maintains a strong connection with her alma mater as well as the Tufts Lawyers Association. Dara Lynn is active in the estate planning community, having served as a member of the Boston Bar Association's Trusts & Estates Steering Committee, and she is currently serving as Chair of the Boston Estate Planning Council's Seminars & Webinars Committee. Dara Lynn, an avid outdoor enthusiast, climbed New Hampshire's forty-eight "4,000 footers" and completed several triathlons and endurance events, and she is currently training to run the 2024 Boston Marathon in support of Marisa's Mission.

full story

Employee Noncompetes in California Become Hotter Potatoes

March 1, 2024

New laws in California on noncompete clauses will have very broad implications and are part of a growing trend against employee restrictive covenants. It has long been the rule that noncompete provisions in employment agreements are unenforceable in California under that state's general prohibition against restraints of trade (CA Bus. and Prof. Code Sec. 16600). As of January 1, 2024, two new California Business and Professions Code sections make such agreements unenforceable (CA B&P Code Section 16600.5) and illegal, allowing employees to sue if they are subject to such noncompetes.

full story

The Role of Life Insurance in Estate Planning

February 28, 2024

Life insurance is an important tool that can be used to protect your legacy and family in the event of your death. It can provide liquidity to pay for estate taxes, funeral expenses, and other debts, and it can also be used to leave a financial legacy to your loved ones. Business owners often use life insurance to fund buy-out agreements with their co-owners or to insure against the untimely death of a key employee. CLICK BELOW TO READ MORE.

full story

Fiduciary Duties of Executors and Trustees

February 2, 2024

eir fiduciary duty. A fiduciary duty is a legal obligation to act in the best interests of another person. Executors and trustees are both fiduciaries, which means that they have a legal obligation to act in the best interests of beneficiaries of the estate or trust. READ THE FULL ARTICLE BY CLICKING THE LINK BELOW.

full story

Corporate Transparency Act Overview

January 9, 2024

The Corporate Transparency Act will affect 32 million businesses in 2024. Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers summarizes the key issues you need to be aware of in the article linked below.

full story

Legal Challenges to Your Estate Plan

January 3, 2024

Estate planning is the process of creating a plan for how your assets will be distributed after your death. It is an important component of your overall financial planning, and it can help to ensure that your wishes are respected and that your loved ones are taken care of after you die. However, even the most carefully drafted estate plan can be challenged. There are several reasons why someone might challenge an estate plan. Read about them by clicking below.

full story

Estate Planning Issues Facing Business Owners and Entrepreneurs

December 7, 2023

In the dynamic world of business ownership, entrepreneurship often intertwines personal aspirations with the pursuit of business success. With the day-to-day demands of starting, building and managing a venture, a business owner is often forced to place their estate planning in the backseat, leaving the owner vulnerable to unforeseen circumstances and potential disputes. However, a well-structured estate plan is not just about planning for an unexpected death or incapacity. Estate planning goes beyond the mere transfer of assets upon your death. It's about preserving the continuity of your business, mitigating tax implications, providing for the well-being of your loved ones, and ensuring the continued success of your venture. A comprehensive estate plan serves as a roadmap, guiding your business through transitions, safeguarding its future, and preserving the legacy you have worked hard to create.

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Recognized as 2023 "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine

November 28, 2023

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has announced that five of the firm's attorneys have been recognized as 2023 "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine. The publication acknowledged 979 of the region's Top Lawyers in their December issue. The Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorneys recognized as "Top Lawyers" are: Richard Breed, III was recognized in the Trusts and Estate Law category Mark Furman was recognized in the Commercial Litigation category Karen McKenna was recognized in the Trusts and Estate Law category Patricia Saint James was recognized in the Divorce and Family Law category Melissa Sydney was recognized in the Trusts and Estate Law category This is the third year that Boston Magazine has recognized the region's most respected attorneys. To compile the list of the 979 top lawyers, Boston Magazine invited attorneys in the area to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of specialties. The top vote-getters in each specialty were then reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received.

full story

Using Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) in Estate Planning

November 14, 2023

The proper management and transfer of wealth are central concerns in estate planning. With a myriad of instruments at one's disposal, it is critical to choose the right tools to achieve specific financial objectives. Among the most versatile and effective instruments is the Grantor Retained Annuity Trust (GRAT), especially useful for high net worth individuals aiming to transfer significant assets to beneficiaries while minimizing estate and gift taxes. This article will briefly highlight the mechanics, benefits, and considerations using GRATs in estate planning.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms

November 2, 2023

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has been named among the Best Law Firms in America. The firm is ranking among the country's Best Law Firms for Tax Law and Trusts & Estates Law, and rated one of the best regional law firms in six different practice areas in the 2024 Best Law Firms ranking: Nationally: Tax Law Trusts & Estates Law Boston Region: Tax Law Trusts & Estates Law Commercial Litigation Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law Litigation – Trusts & Estates Real Estate Law "We are honored to be held in such high regard by our clients and our peers," said Jeffrey Hart, a founding partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers. "It is a testament to the talented, dedicated attorneys who make our firm such a vital and valuable resource for our clients and community." Best Lawyers in America® is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. The 2024 Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Firms included on the 2024 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

full story

Massachusetts' New Estate Tax Exclusion Amount Impacts Estate Planning

October 26, 2023

Massachusetts recently made a substantial change to its estate tax laws by increasing the estate tax exclusion amount from $1.0 million to $2.0 million, effective as of January 1, 2023. It is essential to understand how this change could impact you. Residents of Massachusetts, non-residents with Massachusetts property, and those administering estates in Massachusetts should pay close attention to the details and its potential ramifications for estate planning purposes. CLICK BELOW TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

full story

The Importance of Regular Estate Plan Reviews in Ensuring Effective Asset Distribution

October 24 2023

Estate planning is not a one-and-done affair; rather, it is an evolving process that requires periodic attention and updates. For evidence of the need for reviewing and revising an estate plan one need look no further than the recent changes to the Massachusetts tax laws, which include an increase in the estate tax threshold from $1 million to $2 million. This single change opens up an opportunity for significant tax savings for a wide range of people, but requires a new look at existing estate plans. One cannot overstate the importance of regular estate plan reviews in ensuring effective asset distribution. Once thought of as a concern reserved for the ultra-wealthy, estate planning has now become a crucial activity for everyone, regardless of the size of their estate or age. With the complexities of modern family dynamics, volatile economic conditions, and ever-changing laws, keeping your estate plan up to date becomes critical to avoid unnecessary headaches, legal complications, and most importantly, to ensure your assets are distributed according to your current wishes. CLICK BELOW TO READ THE FULL ARTICLE.

full story

Estate Planning for Blended Families

September 20, 2023

Blended families, those comprising divorced and remarried individuals as well as multiple step-siblings, often face unique challenges when it comes to estate planning. Traditional estate planning approaches may not be suitable or fair for everyone involved. This article delves into some estate planning strategies specifically tailored to the needs of blended families. These aim to provide peace of mind, protect assets, and ensure that each family member is taken care of.

full story

Avoiding Probate: How Trusts Can Simplify the Estate Settlement Process

August 29, 2023

As a seasoned trust and estate attorney, I have often encountered the apprehensions and confusion that surround estate planning. This frequently revolves around the often daunting term, "probate." Understanding the intricacies of probate and the advantages of alternative methods, such as trusts, can significantly streamline the estate settlement process.

full story

13 Attorneys at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Named "Best Lawyers" for 2024

August 17, 2023

Thirteen attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. have been named to the 30th annual edition of Best Lawyers®, while two attorneys from the firm have been named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list, recognizing attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence. Those attorneys recognized as Best Lawyers are: Richard P. Breed III for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates Law Richard P. Breed IV for Tax Law and Trusts and Estates Law Albert DeNapoli for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Litigation - Trusts and Estates Mark S. Furman for Commercial Litigation and Litigation - Trusts and Estates Jeffrey P. Hart for Tax law Stephen Kutenplon for Real Estate Law Karen L. McKenna for Trusts and Estates Law William R. Rodgers for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Patricia Saint James for Family Law Emily Shanahan for Litigation - Trusts and Estates Melissa E. Sydney for Trusts and Estates Law Edward D. Tarlow for Closely Held Companies and Family Businesses Law and Trusts and Estates Law David Valente for Trusts and Estates Law Those attorneys noted as Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" are: Robert Leone for Commercial Litigation Alexander Macheras for Tax Law This is the 30th year Best Lawyers has compiled its list of top attorneys in the U.S. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by their peers.

full story

Charitable Trusts: Leaving a Lasting Legacy While Maximizing Tax Benefits

July 25, 2023

Charitable trusts offer high net worth individuals, business owners, and entrepreneurs a powerful tool for strategic philanthropy. By establishing such a trust, you can not only support the causes you care about but also enjoy significant tax benefits. A charitable trust is an arrangement where one donates money or property in trust to benefit nonprofits – organizations established generally for educational, religious, scientific, or medical purposes. In addition to furthering your charitable intentions, incorporating philanthropy into your estate plan through charitable trusts can lead to reduced estate taxes for your heirs. But it is important that you select competent trustees who can effectively manage your charitable trust's assets and responsibilities.

full story

Emily Shanahan to Serve as Co-Chair of Boston Bar Association Business and Commercial Litigation Section

July 13, 2023

We are pleased to announce that Emily Shanahan will be returning to serve as Co-Chair of the Boston Bar Association's Business and Commercial Litigation Section for the 2023-2024 program year. Emily has served as Co-Chair of this important committee since 2022. She will share Co-Chair duties with Justin O'Brien of Lovett O'Brien.

full story

How the "Millionaires Tax" Impacts Estate Planning in Massachusetts

June 12, 2023

The new Massachusetts "Millionaires Tax" will have a significant impact on estate planning for high-income residents of the state. The tax (officially an amendment to Article 44 of the state's Constitution) was approved by voters in November 2022, and imposes an additional 4% income tax on the portion of annual taxable income in excess of $1 million. This is on top of the 5% state income tax already in place. For example, a couple with a combined taxable income of $2 million could eventually pay an additional $80,000 in state income tax. The tax will be phased in over time, starting with a 1% surcharge in 2023, increasing to 2% in 2024, and reaching 4% in 2025. The tax is also indexed for inflation, so it will increase over time as well. The Millionaires Tax will likely lead to changes in estate planning strategies for high-income Massachusetts residents. The impact of the Millionaires Tax on estate planning will vary depending on individual circumstances. However, the tax will have a significant impact on how high-income Massachusetts residents plan for their estates.

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Recognized as "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine

December 13, 2022

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has announced that five of the firm's attorneys have been recognized as 2022 "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine. The publication acknowledged 1,200 of the region's Top Lawyers in their December issue. The Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorneys recognized as "Top Lawyers" are: Karen McKenna was recognized in the Trusts and Estate Law category; William R. Rodgers was recognized in the Business Law category; Patricia Saint James was recognized in the Divorce and Family Law category; Emily Shanahan was recognized in the Civil Law Litigation category; Melissa Sydney was recognized in the Trusts and Estate Law category. This is the second year that Boston Magazine has recognized the region's most respected attorneys. To compile the list of the 1,200 top lawyers, Boston Magazine invited attorneys in the area to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of specialties. The top vote-getters in each specialty were then reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received.

full story

Tax Update: Massachusetts Millionaires' Tax

November 16, 2022

Massachusetts voters recently passed the so-called "Fair Share Amendment" (also known as the "Millionaires' Tax") to amend the state constitution. This new rule imposes a 4% additional tax on taxable incomes over $1 million (as indexed for inflation). It is important to note that capital gains and irregular income, such as the sale of a home or business, count as income for purposes of determining the tax. The tax will apply to all taxable income received by residents of Massachusetts, or on any income generated in Massachusetts by those who live outside the Commonwealth. High income earners, or those who expect to temporarily have high incomes, may be able to reduce their tax liability with careful planning. Planning Opportunities Trusts. It may be possible to change the residence of a Massachusetts trust to a state with lower or no income tax, like New Hampshire or Florida. Converting grantor trusts to nongrantor trusts, particularly when situated outside of Massachusetts, or using Incomplete grantor trusts ("INGs") can also be advantageous. Accelerating Income. The new tax is imposed on taxable incomes received on or after January 1, 2023; closing sales in 2022 will avoid the tax. Change Residency. If income is generated from sources outside of Massachusetts, moving to a state with low income tax environments could result in significant savings. File Separately. The $1 million threshold is not increased for married couples filing jointly, but each member of a married couple filing separately has his or her own $1 million threshold. Defer Income. It may be possible to structure certain sales such that the income is spread out over several years, possibly avoiding imposition of the tax.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms

November 3, 2022

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has been named among the Best Law Firms in America by U.S. News-Best Lawyers® for 2023. The firm has been ranked as one of the country's Best Law Firms for Tax Law and Trusts & Estates Law, and among the best Boston regional law firms in six different practice areas on the 2023 Best Law Firms list: Nationally: Tax Law Trusts & Estates Law Boston Region: Tax Law Trusts & Estates Law Commercial Litigation Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law Litigation – Trusts & Estates Real Estate Law "It is gratifying to see the good work of our attorneys and staff being recognized by our clients and our peers," said Jeffrey Hart, a founding partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers. "The fact that we have been honored for our expertise in six different practice areas demonstrates why we have earned a reputation as a truly full service firm." This is the first year that Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has been recognized as a U.S. News-Best Lawyers Best Law Firm in Real Estate Law. "Boston is one of the most active commercial real estate markets in the country, and we are fortunate to work with so many thriving clients in the real estate arena," said Stephen Kutenplon, a partner and member of the firm's Real Estate and Land Use practice. "Our work has been central to many of the transactions that have made Boston such a vigorous market." Best Lawyers in America® is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. The 2022 Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Firms included on the 2022 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

full story

Eleven Attorneys at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Named "Best Lawyers" for 2023

August 18, 2022

Eleven attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. have been named to the 2023 edition of Best Lawyers®, while another attorney from the firm has been named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list, recognizing attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence. Those attorneys recognized as Best Lawyers are: Richard P. Breed, III for Trusts and Estates Richard P. Breed, IV for Trusts and Estates Albert A. DeNapoli for Litigation-Trusts and Estates Mark S. Furman for Litigation-Trusts and Estates and Commercial Litigation Jeffrey P. Hart for Tax Law William R. Rodgers for Closely-Held Companies and Family Businesses Law Stephen Kutenplon for Real Estate Law Emily Shanahan for Litigation-Trusts and Estates Melissa E. Sydney for Trusts and Estates Edward D. Tarlow for Trusts and Estates David Valente for Trusts and Estates In addition to the firm's Best Lawyers honorees, David Mahoney for Family Law was named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" for Family Law, the second consecutive year he has earned this recognition. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by their peers.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Expands Estate Planning and Administration and Taxation Departments

July 27, 2022

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has announced the expansion of its Estate Planning and Administration and Taxation practices. Terry L. Turnipseed, J.D., LL.M has joined the firm's Estate Planning & Administration and Taxation Departments as Of Counsel. Terry is Professor of Law at the Syracuse University College of Law whose areas of instruction include estate planning, estate and gift taxation, wills and trusts, and property. Prior to his law career, Attorney Turnipseed served as a policy and legislative advisor with the United States Department of Energy and the Nuclear Energy Institute. Terry is a summa cum laude graduate of Mississippi State University, earned a Master's degree in Nuclear Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and a J.D. and LL.M. in Taxation at the Georgetown University Law Center. Alexander M. Macheras, J.D., LL.M. will join Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers in August as an Associate in the firm's Estate Planning & Administration Department. Alex is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston College and a cum laude graduate of the Boston University School of Law, where he earned a J.D. and LL.M. in Tax with an Estate Planning Concentration. Pamela Doherty has joined Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers as a Paralegal in the firm's Estate Planning & Administration Department. Pamela is a graduate of Salem State University and received her Paralegal Certification from Boston University. Brian Hause has been promoted to Paralegal in the firm's Estate Planning & Administration Department. Brian is a magna cum laude graduate of Boston University.

full story

Retiring Early Without Early Retirement Penalties

January 28, 2022

Accessing retirement funds while avoiding the 10% penalty using an exception for distributions that are part of a series of substantially equal periodic payments ("SEPPs") is the topic of an article written by Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers' David Valente and published in the American Bar Association's Fall 2021 E-Report. You can read the full article by clicking the link below.

full story

Melissa Sydney Named "Go to Lawyer" by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

January 3, 2022

Melissa E. Sydney, AEP®, a partner who leads Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers' Estate Planning Department, has been named as a "Go To Lawyer" for trusts & estates by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, the state's leading publication covering the legal profession. The attorneys selected as "Go To Lawyers" were nominated by their colleagues and chosen by a panel from the magazine to showcase leaders in the Massachusetts legal community by practice area. In addition to heading our Estate Planning Department, Melissa serves on the firm's Management Committee. She works with clients to establish multigenerational wealth transfer, business succession plans, charitable plans, gift and income tax plans, nuptial agreements and probate and estate administration strategies. Melissa Sydney has been certified as an Accredited Estate Planner (AEP®) by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. She is a Board Member of the Boston Estate Planning Council, a member of the American Cancer Society's Planned Giving Advisory Council, and a member of the Boston Foundation's Professional Advisors Network.

full story

Two Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Recognized as "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine

December 30, 2021

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has announced that two of the firm's attorneys have been recognized as 2021 "Top Lawyers" by Boston Magazine. Edward D. Tarlow was honored for his work in Trust & Estate Law, while William R. Rodgers was recognized in the Corporate Law category. This is the first year Boston Magazine has recognized the region's leading attorneys. Both Tarlow and Rodgers are among the founding members of the firm. Ed Tarlow has played a key role in the firm's development, and is a founding director of The Business Coalition, a non-profit organization that encourages and assists foreign-based companies to conduct business in the United States. Ed was also a founding member and President of the Family Business Association, Inc., and former President of the New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute. He was selected as Estate Planner of the Year 2003 by Boston Estate Planning Council and received the SBANE Community Service Award in 2007. Bill Rodgers was Chair of the firm's Corporate Department for more than 25 years. He serves as general counsel for a wide range of clients in addition to managing engagements in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, debt and equity financing, management led buyouts, strategic alliances and joint ventures, corporate formations and operations, commercial transactions, shareholder disputes, and commercial real estate transactions. He was named 2020 U.S. News Lawyer of the Year for Closely Held Companies and Family Owned Businesses. To compile the inaugural list of the 1,099 best lawyers in the region, Boston Magazine invited lawyers in the area to nominate up to three of their peers in a select number of specialties. The top vote-getters in each specialty were then reviewed by an advisory board of select lawyers, chosen for their credentials and the high number of votes they received.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms

November 4, 2021

U.S. News-Best Lawyers in America® has named Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston as one of the country's Best Law Firms for Tax Law and Trusts & Estates Law, and among the best Boston law firms in six different practice areas on the 2022 Best Law Firms list: Nationally: • Tax Law • Trusts & Estates Law Boston Metro: • Tax Law • Trusts & Estates Law • Commercial Litigation • Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law • Litigation – Trusts & Estates • Family Law Mediation "To have our work acknowledged by our peers and our clients is very rewarding, and is a tribute to the professionalism, dedication, and experience of our attorneys and staff," said Jeff Hart, a founding partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers. "For a regional firm to attain national prominence in multiple practice areas is a significant accomplishment, and to continually rank at the top in such a broad range of practice fields speaks to the remarkable depth we have within our firm." This is the first year that Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has been recognized as a U.S. News-Best Lawyers Best Law Firm in Commercial Litigation. "The great work that we do and the outcomes we achieve for our clients have established our position as one of Boston's ‘go to' firms for commercial litigation," said Emily C. Shanahan, a partner and Chair of the firm's Litigation Department. "To have this success recognized is appreciated and also motivates our lawyers to continue to deliver results." Best Lawyers in America® is the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. The 2022 Best Law Firms rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field. Firms included on the 2022 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers.

full story

Emily Shanahan Article Published in Boston Bar Journal

November 3, 2021

An article by Emily C. Shanahan, Chair of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers' Litigation Department, has been published in the Boston Bar Journal, a peer reviewed publication of the Boston Bar Association. The article, entitled "The Supreme Judicial Court Clarifies For Whom the Order Tolled," examines the SJC's decision in Shaw's Supermarkets, Inc. v. Melendez, in which the Court considered the scope of the tolling provision set forth in its Third Updated Order Regarding Court Operations Under the Exigent Circumstances Created by the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) Pandemic.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Announces 10 Super Lawyers Recognized

October 20, 2021

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has announced that 10 of the firm's attorneys have been recognized as 2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. attorneys named to the 2021 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list are: Richard P. Breed, III: Estate Planning & Probate Law (also named in Tax Law and Business & Corporate Law) Richard P. Breed IV: Tax Law Albert A. DeNapoli: Business Litigation (also named in Family Law, State, Local & Municipal Law) Mark S. Furman: Business Litigation (also named in General Litigation) Jeffrey P. Hart: Closely Held Businesses (also named in Tax Law and Estate Planning & Probate) Michael J. Radin: Mergers & Acquisitions (also named in Closely Held Businesses, Real Estate Law, and Franchise/Dealership Law) William R. Rodgers: Business & Corporate Law (also named in Mergers & Acquisitions) Emily C. Shanahan: Business Litigation Melissa E. Sydney: Estate Planning & Probate Law Edward D. Tarlow: Estate Planning & Probate Law (also named in Closely Held Businesses and Business & Corporate Law) Super Lawyers attorney rankings recognize no more than five percent of each state's attorneys in the Super Lawyers list. The Super Lawyers list is created methodically and objectively by combining research with peer nomination and review.

full story

Eight Attorneys at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Named to 2022 "Best Lawyers" List

August 19, 2021

Eight attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. have been named to the 2022 edition of Best Lawyers®. In addition, two attorneys from the firm have been named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list, recognizing attorneys who are earlier in their careers for outstanding professional excellence. Those attorneys recognized as Best Lawyers are: Richard P. Breed, III for Trusts & Estates; Albert A. DeNapoli for Litigation-Trusts & Estates; Mark S. Furman for Litigation-Trusts & Estates and Commercial Litigation; Jeffrey P. Hart for Tax Law; William R. Rodgers for Closely-Held Companies and Family Businesses Law; Stephen Kutenplon for Real Estate Law; Melissa E. Sydney for Trusts & Estates; and Edward D. Tarlow for Trusts & Estates. The Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. attorneys named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list are: Richard P. Breed, IV for Tax Law, Corporate Law, and Trust & Estates; and David Mahoney for Family Law. Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

full story

Protect Your Assets for Future Generations with a SLAT

July 1, 2021

With the Baby Boomers passing on their wealth to the next generation, the most significant transfer of wealth is currently occurring. Although the current federal estate and gift tax exemption offers a generous opportunity to transfer wealth (i.e., currently $11.7 million per individual and $23.4 million per couple), there is no guarantee that this exemption will remain in place in the current political climate. Even if left untouched, the federal lifetime estate and gift tax exemption is scheduled to revert back to approximately $5.5 million per individual on January 1, 2026. This realization makes estate planning even more important for anyone who wants to pass on generational wealth right now. There are a number of tools and techniques that we use in developing an estate plan that can be effective in minimizing the tax burden associated with these transfers. Which planning tools and techniques you choose to include within your personal estate plan will depend on many factors, one of which is how much control you wish to retain over your wealth when it passes onto your designated heirs.

full story

Take These Four Steps to Avoid Probate

June 3, 2021

The prospect of probate, when left unconsidered during one's lifetime, can unintentionally lead to a costly and time-consuming process for loved ones. You have the ability to control this situation and ensure your estate, and your loved ones, avoid this onerous process.

full story

Gift Tax Reporting Explained

April 30, 2021

This time of year, many people are focused on gathering their income information and filing their annual income tax returns. But people often overlook the need to file gift tax returns, which share the same due date. With high federal exemption amounts and the ability to transfer up to $15,000 ($30,000 for married couples) each year to any number of individuals tax free, it's unusual for even very wealthy clients to have to pay a gift tax. So why does the IRS require you to report taxable gifts on an annual gift tax return (Form 709) even if no tax will be due? And what constitutes a taxable gift?

full story

How the "99.5 Percent Act" Could Impact Your Estate Plan

April 15, 2021

While still a long way from becoming law, the far-reaching "For the 99.5 Percent Act" introduced into the U.S. Senate could have a considerable impact on generational wealth transfer, and thus on estate planning. The legislation includes a number of provisions that would affect everything from estate tax exemptions, to gift tax rates, to how trusts are structured. The name of the Act, according to one of its sponsors, Sen. Bernie Sanders of Vermont, is in reference to the estimated 99.5 percent of Americans who would not be affected by changes to the estate tax system. But what about the 0.5 percent who would be impacted?

full story

Melissa Sydney Named an Accredited Estate Planner® Designee

April 14, 2021

Melissa E. Sydney, J.D., LL.M., Chair of the Estate Planning & Administration Practice here at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., has been newly certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC).

full story

What You Should Know About Opportunity Zone Funds

April 2, 2021

In an effort to encourage private investment in certain economically depressed areas, the 2017 Tax Cuts and Jobs Act created the concept of "opportunity zones." To date, the IRS has designated approximately 8,500 areas throughout all 50 states as opportunity zones. The good news? The Act also included a tax incentive for certain investments in these new opportunity zones, presenting yet another "opportunity" for savvy investors. You can read the full article by clicking the link below.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag Serves as Co-Chair and Moderator for Tufts Law Day Panel

March 9, 2021

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. attorney Dara Lynn Freytag, Esq. (Tufts '02) served as the co-chair and moderator for the 19th annual Tufts University Law Day on the Hill, sponsored by the Tufts Lawyers Association. In light of the ongoing public health crisis, this year's Law Day was held virtually on March 4. Law Day is an opportunity for alumni to share career journeys and experiences with students, including, but not limited to, the process of applying to law school and insight into being a law student. The topic of discussion for Law Day 2021 was Choosing your Legal Career Path: Healthcare and Biotechnology. Panelists included Susan Levin, Assistant General Counsel of Pfizer, Inc.; Mehreen Butt, Councilor for the Town of Wakefield, MA and Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts; Emily Mahoney, Esq., Counsel, Faber, Daeufer & Itrato, P.C.; and Emily Kretchmer, Esq., Partner, Krokidas & Bluestein, L.P. Attorney Freytag was joined as co-moderator by Melissa John, Legal Counsel, OSRAM.

full story

5 Takeaways from Larry King's Estate Plan

February 16, 2021

The recent death of legendary broadcaster Larry King elicited scores of laudatory messages celebrating his lengthy career. But King, who often bragged of never preparing in advance for his estimated 60,000 interviews, also did not do a great job of preparing his estate. In fact, he did just about everything wrong. Here are five lessons we can learn from Larry King's less than exemplary disposition of his estate, which is estimated to be $2 million.

full story

Two Future Leaders Once Shared the Stage at Suffolk Law School Commencement

January 27, 2021

Fifteen years ago, Joe Biden was a U.S. Senator from Delaware and Catherine (Hobbs) Watson was a senior at Suffolk University Law School. At the graduation ceremony for the class of 2005, Cathy was chosen by her classmates to be the student speaker and Senator Biden delivered the commencement address. Both went on to have sterling careers, Biden as Vice President under Barack Obama and now the newly elected President of the United States, and Watson as a well-respected attorney at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. You can read more about the memorable event here: https://www.suffolk.edu/news-features/news/2021/01/13/17/01/joe-biden-2005-speech

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms

November 5, 2020

Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. as one of the country's "Best Law Firms" for Tax Law and Trusts & Estates Law. The firm was also ranked among the top Boston law firms in five different practice areas on the 2021 Best Law Firms list: • Tax Law • Trusts & Estates Law • Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law • Litigation – Trusts & Estates • Family Law Mediation "We are very pleased to be recognized by our peers and clients for our work in these important areas of the law," said Jeff Hart, a founding partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers. "To be honored as a Best Law Firm year after year is especially gratifying, as it speaks to the consistency and reliability of our attorneys and staff." This is the first time that Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has been recognized as a Best Law Firm in the area of Family Law Mediation. "It is rewarding to be named a Best Law Firm for the essential and valuable work we do in Family Law," said Patricia Saint James, a partner who heads the firm's Family Law department. "We have been growing and expanding this practice area over the past several years, and have a terrific team of talented and dedicated family law attorneys." Firms included on the 2021 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field.

full story

Ten Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Recognized as Super Lawyers

October 20, 2020

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has announced that 10 of the firm's attorneys have been recognized as 2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers including two recognized as Massachusetts Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters as published in the November issue of Boston magazine. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. attorneys named to the 2020 Massachusetts Super Lawyers list are: Edward D. Tarlow – Estate Planning & Probate Law, Closely Held Businesses, Business & Corporate Law; Richard P. Breed, III – Tax, Estate Planning & Probate Law, and Closely Held Businesses; Jeffrey P. Hart – Closely Held Businesses, Tax; William B. Rodgers – Business & Corporate Law, Merger & Acquisition Law; Mark S. Furman – Business Litigation, General Litigation; Albert A. DeNapoli – Business Litigation, Family Law, State, Local & Municipal Law; Emily C. Shanahan – Business Litigation; Melissa E. Sydney – Estate Planning & Probate Law; Richard P. Breed IV – "Rising Star" for Tax Law, Estate Planning & Probate, Corporate Law; Taz Islam – "Rising Star" for Civil Litigation Super Lawyers attorney rankings are exclusive, recognizing no more than five percent of each state's attorneys in the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5 percent in the Rising Stars list. The Super Lawyers list is created methodically and objectively by combining research with peer nomination and review.

full story

Richard P. Breed, IV Cryptocurrency Article Published in Boston Bar Journal

August 24, 2020

An article written by Richard P. Breed, IV covering the treatment of virtual currency transactions by the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has been published in the Summer 2020 edition of the Boston Bar Journal, the peer reviewed publication of the Boston Bar Association. The article, entitled "IRS Focus on Tax Reporting of Virtual Currency Transactions," covers the tax guidance recently updated by the IRS for reporting transactions using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin or Ethereum. Such transactions will be treated as "sales or exchanges of property that trigger gain or loss for income tax purposes." Breed also writes that, "It is abundantly clear… that the IRS is focused on increasing compliance in reporting taxable transactions involving virtual currency, and that taxpayers need to be aware of this. You can read the full article on the Boston Bar Association website at: https://bostonbarjournal.com/2020/08/17/irs-focus-on-tax-reporting-of-virtual-currency-transactions/

full story

Eight Attorneys at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Named to 2021 "Best Lawyers" List

August 20, 2020

Eight attorneys from the law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. have been named to the 2021 edition of Best Lawyers® list, the oldest and most respected guide to the legal profession. In addition, two attorneys from the firm have been named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list, recognizing attorneys who are earlier in the careers for outstanding professional excellence. Those attorneys recognized as Best Lawyers, along with the year in which they were first named to the list, are: • Richard P. Breed, III for Trusts & Estates • Albert A. DeNapoli for Litigation-Trusts & Estates • Mark S. Furman for Litigation-Trusts & Estates and for Commercial Litigation • Jeffrey P. Hart for Tax Law • William R. Rodgers for Closely-Held Companies and Family Business Law • Patricia Saint James for Family Law Mediation • Melissa E. Sydney for Trusts & Estates • Edward D. Tarlow for Trusts & Estates The Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. attorneys named to the Best Lawyers "Ones to Watch" list are: • Richard P. Breed, IV for Tax Law • David Mahoney for Family Law Best Lawyers is the oldest and most respected peer review publication in the legal profession. Recognition in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers.

full story

Landlord Prevented from Seizing Restaurant Liquor License Over Back Rent

August 18, 2020

Falling behind on the rent will not force a Boston area restaurant to give up its liquor license to the landlord – at least not during a public health crisis. In a Memorandum of Decision and Order issued in the case of NFLSRE 51 Sleeper, LLC, vs. Hopster's LLC, et al., the Suffolk Superior Court denied the landlord's request to enjoin the use of its liquor licenses by the restaurant tenant after it had missed rent payments in March and April. The court also limited the landlord to an attachment solely for back owed base rent and not holdover charges because it is not clear that the lease was actually terminated and also because the state's moratorium on evictions during the COVID-19 emergency prohibited late fees.

full story

Michael Radin Presents Seminar on Entity Types and Employee Incentives in M&A Deals

July 14, 2020

Michael Radin of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. was the presenter of a virtual seminar on "Entity Types & Employee Incentives in M&A Deals" during the virtual July meeting of the ProVisors Boston Mergers and Acquisitions affinity group. Michael covered topics including a comparison of entity choices and concomitant capital stack issues, stock option issues, "phantom" equity, and profits interests. Michael is a member of our Corporate and Business Practice, which helps clients start, buy, grow and sell their businesses. A download of the presentation's slide deck is available. Please click below for the full article.

full story

New Normal, Same Old Rules: A Look Into Business Contracts

June 29, 2020

While we may be in a "new normal," the "old" rules still apply to your business's relationships governed by contracts. Whether you are looking to hold the other party to its bargain or seeking a way out, the terms of the contract will determine what options are available to you. For example, while the seller of Victoria's Secret anticipated that the prospective buyer might seek to use the pandemic as a grounds to back out of the deal, the buyer nevertheless found a hook in the contract which it sought to use to free itself from the deal. That case both demonstrates not only the need to think broadly and creatively about all the potential "what ifs" to address in a contract, but also the need to examine and understand the terms of your existing contracts to identify the risks and opportunities within them. In the end, it often comes down to one question: What does the contract say? This series will explore considerations your business should give to the agreements which govern its various relationships, including internal relationships between or among business partners; relationships with your employees; and external relationships with your customers and vendors. Now more than ever, closely examining the agreements which manage your business's various relationships is critical to protecting your interests and making informed decisions about whether to seek to avoid or pursue litigation.

full story

Important Insurance Coverage Issues for Construction Projects from COVID-19

June 11, 2020

Project developers and managers, along with general and subcontractors, are finding that construction insurers are rejecting COVID-19 claims against policies written pre-pandemic. Insurers also are opposing any legislative effort to broaden the scope of already written coverage. Notwithstanding, the construction industry needs lawsuit protection from liability exposure and depends on insurers to stand behind those policies. There are four main areas of concern for owners and those in the construction industry: Workers Compensation, Subcontractor Default, Surety and Performance Bonds, and General Liability.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag Conducts Seminar for MCLE

June 10, 2020

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorney Dara Lynn Freytag was a presenter at the June 9, 2020 seminar on "How to Structure Revocable Living Trusts" presented by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) in Boston. The seminar addressed topics to help attorneys understand trust structure, language and administration. Attorney Freytag covered Structure for Surviving Spouse-Credit Shelter Trust and Marital Trust, Retirement Benefit Provisions, and Trust Funding. Other attorneys presenting were Pamela L. Halter, Esq., Pabian & Russell LLC, Boston; and James W. Murphy, J.D., CFP, Northeast Investment Management, Inc., Boston.

full story

WEBINAR: The Impact of Covid-19 on Business Interruption Insurance

May 15, 2020

The insurance industry has been very busy the past few months conducting a sophisticated messaging campaign to actively discourage and deny claims arising out of the Covid-19 pandemic. The campaign has been very successful despite the fact that many policy-holding businesses are reeling from their losses. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Partners Bill Rodgers and Al DeNapoli, along with our collaborators Mike Childress and Brian Kabateck, will be presenting a webinar to the Massachusetts Society of Certified Public Accountants (MSCPA) on Monday, May 18, 2020 at 2:00 pm on the subject of business interruption insurance coverage for companies affected by government closure orders. Our webinar will explain that coverage is far more available for businesses suffering under the present closure orders than the insurance industry will admit. We will also explain the hallmarks for coverage and loss calculations. We'll discuss insurance coverage and business losses that can be covered if your firm or company was closed by government order and how losses being covered depends on the language of your insurance policy. We'll also cover civil authority and dependent property coverages, net profit or loss before taxes that would have been earned plus continuing expenses including payroll and extra expenses, whether business interruption insurance applies to your client's business, what steps do you need to take and much more. The webinar is free for MSCPA members, with a fee of $25 for non-members. You can register at: https://www.mscpaonline.org/cpe/listings/BII-COVI21/view

full story

If No Force Majeure Protects a Tenant, What are Other Defenses to Performance under Leases in the Age of Coronavirus?

May 11, 2020

In addressing the respective rights and obligations of commercial landlords and tenants under a lease during the time of coronavirus, most of the focus has been on the force majeure provision in the lease and whether the coronavirus would, in fact, be identified as a force majeure. There are, however, other defenses available to tenants under contract law, which exist mostly outside of the concept of force majeure and which could be applied by tenants under a lease. These are the two related concepts of "impossibility of performance" and its cousins "frustration of purpose" and "commercial impracticability". Click the link below to learn more.

full story

Contracts in the Age of Coronavirus

April 29, 2020

Companies face a rapidly shifting global economy due to the coronavirus pandemic and various government responses. Planning may seem impossible, but we need to look forward for what may come next. While much of the country remains under government orders mandating that non-essential services close, states are looking at what re-opening will look like. As businesses consider and plan the process of re-opening, it is sensible to review important agreements. Most businesses will face a critical question of how they – or a contract counterparty – can or will be able to perform under contracts entered into prior to this crisis. Some will have to decide whether to assert that it should be excused from performing its part of an agreement due to force majeure. Without a proper force majeure or other applicable excuse, a party will breach its agreement if it does not perform on time. There are three basic defenses to non-performance under a contract: (1) force majeure, (2) impossibility/impracticability, and (3) frustration of purpose. This article provides an overview of each.

full story

A Different Take for Claims under Business Interruption Insurance Policies

April 29 2020

Most businesses have basic property and casualty insurance to cover the cost of repairing or replacing property damaged by a casualty, catastrophe or other hazard. Many prudent businesses choose to extend their property insurance to additionally guard against the financial losses that might accompany these insured events. Known as business interruption (BI) insurance, such policies insure a business against the loss of profits and the added expenses that an interruption might cause its operations. In recent weeks, policy holders have been outraged to learn that insurance companies have been routinely denying BI claims for losses associated with the Covid-19 pandemic. Read more about this emerging issue by clicking the link below.

full story

Virtual Notarization Act Passed

April 28, 2020

On April 23, 2020, after over a month of intense lobbying and several revisions to the original bill, the Massachusetts Legislature passed the Virtual Notarization Act, which will allow remote notarization (via video conference) of estate planning documents like wills, trusts, durable powers of attorney, health care proxies and HIPAA authorizations, as well as mortgages and other documents transferring title to real estate, during the COVID-19 state of emergency. Governor Baker signed the Act into law on April 27, 2020. The Act provides a means for front line workers, hospitalized individuals and other contemplating their own mortality during these extraordinary times, to execute documents that will allow their final wishes to be carried out should the worst happen, and also permits real estate transactions that may have been months in the making to proceed to completion. With remote notarization, the principal, the witnesses and the notary do not have to be present in the same place as long as they are visible to each other via video-conferencing technology, such as Zoom or FaceTime. You can read more about it by clicking the link below.

full story

TBHR's Karen McKenna Quoted in the Boston Globe

April 13, 2020

TBHR Partner Karen McKenna was quoted in an article in the Boston Globe about the surge in people drawing up, finalizing, or updating their wills and health care proxies. Karen shared her personal story of her parents' delay in completing their will and the problems it caused when her father fell ill. She also cited the difficulties created by the coronavirus pandemic, which makes notarization of any legal document a challenge. You can read the article by clicking the link below.

full story

Landlords and a Claim of Force Majeure in the Age of Coronavirus

April 13, 2020

Almost all commercial landlord leases will contain a force majeure ("Delays") provision. While the terms "Act of God" and "force majeure" are sometimes used interchangeably, the term force majeure is usually defined more broadly than simply an Act of God. The litigation regarding force majeure provisions in a lease is limited nationally, and even more sparse in Massachusetts. Most of the cases are in fact commercial contract cases which do not involve a lease, but rather a commercial contract of some kind. You can learn more about force majeure and how it can affect lease contracts by reading the full article by clicking below.

full story

TechLine Help Available for Lawyers Transition to Working Remotely

April 10, 2020

To assist lawyers with the transition to working remotely, the SJC Standing Committee on Lawyer Well-Being has launched a TechLine in collaboration with the Boston Bar Association, Mass Bar Association, Starting Out Solo, and MassLOMAP. The TechLine is staffed by volunteer attorneys, including TBHR partner, Karen McKenna. Attorneys with questions about how to operate a virtual law practice, or who need help troubleshooting technical issues, can call the TechLine at (888) 314-7714 for assistance Monday through Friday, and will receive a response from a volunteer staff member by 5pm the same day. Additional COVID-19 resources for attorneys, including a simple guide to working remotely, can be found on the Massachusetts Lawyer Well-Being website at https://www.lawyerwellbeingma.com/news.

full story

CARES Act Payroll Protection Program Guidance Released

April 2, 2020

On March 27, 2020, the President signed The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (the "CARES Act") into law. One of the central features of the CARES Act is the Paycheck Protection Program ("PPP"). Under PPP, the class of borrowers eligible to receive Small Business Administration ("SBA") backed loans is significantly expanded and includes most employers with 500 or fewer employees, sole proprietors, independent contractors, self-employed individuals, "gig economy" workers and certain non-profit organizations. Applications for small businesses and sole proprietors may be submitted to SBA approved lenders starting Friday April 3.

full story

Emergency Notarization Bill

April 1, 2020

Under current Massachusetts law, estate planning documents require in-person notarization and two (2) in-person witnesses. With social distancing, individuals are prevented from signing estate planning documents during the COVID-19 state of emergency. A bill, referred to as the "Notary Bill," is in development within the Massachusetts legislature. This bill allows for remote notarization of conveyancing and estate planning documents during the COVID-19 state of emergency. A copy of the original bill filed by Senator Tarr on Friday, March 20, is on the legislature's website (https://malegislature.gov/Bills/191/SD2882). Some changes have been made to the bill. We will provide more details once we have confirmation of the final text of the bill as filed. If enacted as published, the bill will grant powers to Massachusetts notaries public who are either licensed attorneys or a paralegal under direct supervision by a Massachusetts licensed attorney, to notarize documents utilizing electronic video conferencing in real time, to supervise signings with virtual witnesses as though they are physically present, and to execute documents in counterparts. These powers can only be used if everyone participating in the signing conference are physically present in Massachusetts. We ask for your help in appealing to your representatives in Massachusetts legislature to consider the urgency of the bill. To search for your representatives and senators, go to: https://malegislature.gov/Search/FindMyLegislator

full story

Lease Issues During the Covid-19 Crisis

March 31, 2020

April 1st (and the first day of the next several months) will bring a new kind of anxiety for landlords and tenants, as the gravity of the current events surrounding the ongoing coronavirus crisis plays out. Inevitably, the economic fallout from the pandemic will make it impossible for many tenants to pay their normal rent, or even a portion of the amount due. Until the funding from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) arrives, any changes to the ordinary payments will quickly flow upstream to landlords, their lenders and their investors. Moving forward, here are some critical things landlords and tenants should do to avoid surprises.

full story

The Whittemore Company Celebrates 100 Years

March 31, 2020

Congratulations to the Whittemore Company, Inc., one of our long-standing clients which recently celebrated 100 years in business. The three generations of the Sheehy family involved in the business are among the finest people we have had the pleasure of working with and representing. You can read a feature story about the Whittemore Company published in North of Boston Business magazine by clicking on the link in the full story.

full story

Funding Matters During the Coronavirus Crisis

March 25, 2020

What a difference a few weeks makes. The longest bull market in U.S. history has come to an abrupt end – at whiplash speed. It ended on the back of a novel coronavirus – COVID -19. Here are a few things you can do now relating to your funding matters to help manage the uncertainty that currently exists with no clear end in sight.

full story

Insurance Coverage Under Covid-19

March 25, 2020

Beyond the terrible human and social cost of the coronavirus pandemic, Covid-19 is causing enormous business losses from disrupted workforces and supply chains, social distancing practices, travel restrictions, cancelled events and, more recently, government ordered shelter-in-place/stay-home orders. Some business owners may be wondering whether they can blunt the effect of Covid-19 related losses by filing claims under their insurance policies – perhaps their business interruption coverage. We highly advise business owners to do a quick review of the fine print in their insurance coverage to prepare for what might come next

full story

Covid-19 Update March 25, 2020

March 25, 2020

Like much of nation, the attorneys and staff of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are now working remotely in response to the ongoing coronavirus outbreak. While it was our original intent to work in this dispersed manner for two weeks, we will follow recommendations from state and local authorities on an appropriate date to return to our offices.

full story

COVID-19 UPDATE MARCH 17, 2020

March 17, 2020

TO OUR CLIENTS AND BUSINESS PARTNERS: To help protect the health of our employees, visitors and families, and to do our part to reduce the spread of Covid-19, most Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. personnel will be working remotely for two weeks beginning Tuesday March 16, 2020. Rest assured that we remain open for business and our legal services will remain virtually unaffected. You can reach our attorneys in many ways - through our regular office direct dial telephone numbers (which will be automatically forwarded to our remote locations), on our mobile phones, and through email. Attorneys will also be available through video and audio conference. Limited personnel will be in the office daily on a voluntary basis only for essential administrative functions. In the event an in-office meeting is required to address a client emergency, all visitor areas, doors and conference rooms are being cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day and appropriate social distancing measures will be observed. If, for any reason, you have difficulty reaching your intended contact person, please leave a message at the main number (617-218-2000) and your call will be returned promptly. Wishing you and your family good health as we all work together to defeat this illness.

full story

COVID-19 UPDATE

March 12, 2020

As the spread of the coronavirus continues to impact our community, we want to assure all clients and visitors that Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has a business continuity plan in place to ensure that all of our core operations will continue and that all client needs will be met during the coming weeks and months. All visitor areas, doors and conference rooms are now being cleaned and disinfected multiple times per day. Should there be a need to vacate our work premises for any reason, we have invested in technology to make sure that all attorneys are equipped to remain fully functional in a remote working environment. This includes email, phone, document production, online access, and conduct of meetings via conference call and/or videoconference. Currently, all firm operations are being conducted in our offices and we have not yet requested that any of our attorneys or staff work remotely. Should that occur in the future, we will make every effort to make the transition seamless to our clients and business partners. We will continue to monitor the information shared by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and local officials about the virus and act accordingly to ensure a safe work environment. The health and safety of our employees and clients are of utmost importance, as is continuing to provide the highest level of legal service. Like you, we are working hard to stay informed about this evolving situation and will provide updates as needed. Please note this communication is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

full story

12 from TBHR Recognized as Super Lawyers

December 1, 2019

We are pleased to announce that 12 attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. have been recognized as 2019 Massachusetts Super Lawyers including three recognized as Massachusetts Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters as published in Boston magazine. Congratulations to Edward D. Tarlow – Estate Planning & Probate Law, Closely Held Businesses, Business & Corporate Law (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Richard P. Breed, III – Tax, Estate Planning & Probate Law, and Closely Held Businesses (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer) Jeffrey P. Hart – Closely Held Businesses (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); William B. Rodgers – Business & Corporate Law (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Mark S. Furman – Business Litigation (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Albert A. DeNapoli – Business Litigation (16 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Emily C. Shanahan – Business Litigation (7 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Patricia Saint James – Family Law (7 consecutive years as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer); Melissa E. Sydney – Estate Planning & Probate Law (second consecutive year as a Massachusetts Super Lawyer after four consecutive years as "Rising Star"): Dara Lynn S. Freytag - "Rising Star" for Estate Planning & Probate Law; David C. Valente – "Rising Star" for Estate Planning & Probate Law Richard P. Breed IV – "Rising Star" for Tax Law Super Lawyers attorney rankings are exclusive, recognizing no more than five percent of each state's attorneys in the Super Lawyers list, and no more than 2.5 percent in the Rising Stars list. The Super Lawyers list is created methodically and objectively by combining research with peer nomination and review.

full story

TBHR Client Crescent Ridge Dairy Earns International Awards

November 27, 2019

Congratulations to Crescent Ridge Dairy, a long-time Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. client, for earning four first-place awards at the 2019 World Dairy Expo held in Madison, Wisconsin. The Sharon, MA-based family dairy took home honors for their whole milk, 2 percent milk, mint cookies and cream ice cream and coconut almond bar ice cream. Company president Mark Parrish is the third generation of his family to own Crescent Ridge Dairy, after his grandfather purchased the business in 1932.

full story

TBHR's Rebecca Brownell Leads Boston Squash Team to National Podium

November 22, 2019

Rebecca Brownell, a Legal Assistant at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., helped lead the Boston women's squash team to a third place finish in the 86th annual Howe Cup competition, the nation's largest and one of the most prestigious squash event for women which also serves as the U.S. Women's Team Championship. In a round robin competition held in Seattle on November 15-17, the Boston squad conquered a team from Philadelphia, lost to the eventual champions, San Francisco, but rallied to defeat New York and another Philadelphia team to secure third place. 220 participants on 44 teams from across the U.S. competed. "Becky" Brownell has played squash since she was a child and co-captained the Dartmouth College Women's Squash Team. Upon graduation she joined TBHR and serves as a Legal Assistant in our Litigation Practice.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms by U.S. News

November 1, 2019

U.S. News and Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named Boston's Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, as one of the country's "Best Law Firms" for Tax and Trusts & Estates. The firm was also ranked among the top regional firms in four different practice areas on the U.S. News 2020 Best Law Firms list: • Tax Law • Trusts & Estates Law • Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law • Litigation – Trusts & Estates "To be recognized on a national basis for our work in tax, trusts and estates is especially gratifying," said William Rodgers, a partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers who was named the Boston region's "Lawyer of the Year" for Closely Held Companies and Family Business Law earlier this year. "It is a tribute to the talent and experience of the attorneys and staff at our firm, and to the clients who trust our advice and guidance in such important areas of the law." Firms included on the 2020 Best Law Firms list are recognized for professional excellence with persistently impressive ratings from clients and peers. The rankings are based on a rigorous evaluation process that includes the collection of client and lawyer evaluations and peer reviews from leading attorneys in their field.

full story

TBHR's Patricia Saint James Featured on WBUR-FM Radio

October 25, 2019

Patricia Saint James, a partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., was interviewed recently on Boston's WBUR-FM radio about "The Serenity Song," a musical piece she composed for a Client's play, Recovery. It is based on The Serenity Prayer, the common name for a prayer written by 20th century American theologian Reinhold Niebuhr, which is universally used in addiction treatment programs. Attorney Saint James' song has been adopted by the Massachusetts Drug Courts as part of the graduation ceremony for drug rehabilitation program participants. You can listen at wbur.org.

full story

Emily Shanahan Elected a Fellow of Litigation Counsel of America

October 21, 2019

TBHR'S Emily C. Shanahan, Chair of the firm's litigation department, has been selected as a Fellow by Litigation Counsel of America (LCA). LCA is an honorary society for trial lawyers whose membership is limited to 3,500 individuals, representing less than one-half of one percent of the country's lawyers, judges, and scholars. Fellowship in LCA is highly selective and by invitation only, and Fellows are selected based upon excellence and accomplishment in litigation at the trial and appellate levels and superior ethical reputation. Ms. Shanahan is an experienced litigator, handling a broad range of complex business and commercial disputes, including contract disputes, partnership disputes, real estate litigation, misclassification/Wage Act claims, business torts, and anti-SLAPP motion practice. Ms. Shanahan is a graduate of Bowdoin College and Georgetown University Law Center. After law school, Ms. Shanahan served as a law clerk to Honorable Paul J. Barbadoro of the U.S. District Court for the District of New Hampshire.

full story

TBHR Sponsors BBJ Power Breakfast on Family Business

October 3, 2019

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. was a featured sponsor of the Boston Business Journal's Family Business Power Breakfast on October 3, 2019 at the Seaport Hotel in Boston. TBHR Partner Jeff Hart delivered welcoming remarks to the more than 200 attendees to start to program. This was followed by a lively panel discussion moderated by BBJ Market President Carolyn M. Jones with panelists, John Stephans, CEO of Zildjian Company, David Winston, owner of Winston Flowers, William J. Cleary, III, President of Cleary Insurance, and Ted Clark, Executive Director of the Center for Family Business at Northeastern University. The discussion involved the many issues faced by family businesses trying to successfully transition ownership and management to future generations. The panelists provided constructive insights into how they have met and overcome challenges to keep family businesses vibrant and thriving. We are proud to have played a part in supporting this important and valuable event. The BBJ Power Breakfast Series offers many compelling topics and insightful discussion on issues that drive our region's business and economy.

full story

TBHR Advises on Merger of Westport Strategies with CapAcuity

September 20, 2019

TBHR's Corporate Law and Business Transactions practice group served as legal advisor to Westport Strategies, LLC in the company's sale to CapAcuity, LLC. Both companies provide executive benefits and compensation services to clients across the U.S., including consulting, investment advisory and asset management services. Westport brought an industry leading administrative platform to add to CapAcuity's already broad platform. The TBHR team included Jeff Hart, Michael Radin and Richard Breed IV. TBHR's attorneys provide integrated services for buyers and sellers, including formulating deal structure, providing tax guidance, managing intellectual property, employee matters, and deal financing. "We were very pleased with the thoroughness and technical expertise that TBHR brought to the process," said Scott Seibel, Managing Director of Westport Strategies. "They really looked out for our interests while guiding us through the process."

full story

TBHR and Boston Business Journal Present Power Breakfast: Family Business

September 11, 2019

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has a longstanding commitment to supporting and representing family owned businesses. The firm is pleased to be sponsoring the Boston Business Journal's "Power Breakfast: Family Business" event on Thursday, October 3, at the Seaport Hotel in Boston, from 7:30-9:30 am. Our partner, Jeff Hart, will be making opening remarks to start the event, followed by a panel of family business leaders who will discuss how they moved their companies from tradition to innovation, how they shifted their culture, navigated change and planned for the future. The lessons that anyone in business can learn from how a family business operates are many: teambuilding, succession planning, problem solving, and more. Please make plans to join us at this important and informative event. You can learn more and register online by visiting: www.bizjournals.com/boston/event/163838/2019/power-breakfast-family-business.

full story

Seven TBHR Attorneys Named to "Best Lawyers" List

August 15, 2019

Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected guide to the legal profession, has released the 2020 edition of Best Lawyers list. Bill Rodgers, a founding partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, has been named "Lawyer of the Year" in the Boston region for his work with Closely-Held Companies and Family Business Law. In addition, six other attorneys from the firm have been named to the 2020 Best Lawyers list: • Richard P. Breed, III was named a Best Lawyer in Trusts & Estates. • Albert A. DeNapoli was named a Best Lawyer in Litigation-Trusts & Estates. • Mark S. Furman was named a Best Lawyer in Litigation-Trusts & Estates. • Jeffrey P. Hart was named a Best Lawyer in Tax Law in Boston. • Patricia Saint James was named a Best Lawyer in Family Law Mediation. • Edward D. Tarlow was named a Best Lawyer in Trusts & Estates. "It is a great honor to be recognized by my peers as Lawyer of the Year," said Bill Rodgers. "What makes me proud is that so many of my partners were also elected as Best Lawyers."

full story

David Valente Published in ABA eReport

July 31, 2019

TBHR's David Valente authored an article entitled "A Proper Lesson on an Improper Exercise of a Power of Appointment" for the American Bar Association eReport. The article dissected a recent decision by the Nebraska Supreme Court on the validity of a purported exercise of a non-general testamentary power of appointment in favor of the powerholder's own trust. In ultimately finding the exercise to be ineffective, the Court's holding serves as a cautionary tale to trustees who are required to act on such exercises and reiterates the importance of careful draftsmanship.

full story

TBHR Assists in Noteworthy Accounting Merger

July 2, 2019

A team led by TBHR partners Michael Radin and Jeff Hart has helped to bring about one of the most notable recent mergers of accounting firms in New England. TBHR advised Rodman & Rodman CPAs, a Waltham-based accounting and business advisory firm, in their merger with Bangor, Maine based BerryDunn, which was announced on July 1, 2019. The merged firm, which will operate under the BerryDunn name, creates one of the region's largest CPA firms, with more than 400 employees and seven offices, including Bangor, ME, Portland, ME, Manchester, NH, Waltham, MA, Hartford, CT Charleston, WV, and Phoenix, AZ. "Working closely with sophisticated accountants is always rewarding and we were pleased to help Rodman & Rodman, P.C. take an important next step in the growth of their firm and wish them continued success," said Jeff Hart. "TBHR was involved very early in the process, assisting with the structure of the transaction and the negotiation and execution of the agreements. We drew on multiple disciplines within the firm to address the many aspects of the negotiations and final composition of the merger."

full story

Emily Shanahan Joins Boston Club Board of Directors

July 1, 2019

Emily Shanahan, TBHR partner and practice leader of the firm's Litigation Department, has been elected to the Board of Directors of The Boston Club, and will also serve as Chair of the organization's Governance Committee. Founded in 1976, The Boston Club is a 700-member community of executives and professionals invested in elevating women to leadership positions across all walks of business. The club presents over 40 educational and networking events each year.

full story

TBHR Trio Presents Seminar on Legal Considerations for Business Owners

June 28, 2019

TBHR partners Jeffrey Hart, Steve Kutenplon and Michael Radin recently addressed "Legal Considerations for Business Owners" with a group of legal and accounting professionals at a Certified Growth Value Advisor (CVGA) certification seminar sponsored by Corporate Value Metrics. The presentation involved topics of importance to business advisors and owners, including choice of entity, exit planning strategies, tax strategies, protecting intellectual property, contracts, risk management, and financing options. Attendees were seeking certification in CVM's Value Opportunity Profile®, a platform that helps advisors and owners learn how the intrinsic value of a company can be improved by identifying both risks and opportunities, and suggests a definitive improvement implementation plan for both financial and non-financial elements.

full story

Emily Shanahan Moderates Boston Bar Association Panel

June 17, 2019

Emily Shanahan, TBHR partner and practice leader of the firm's Litigation Department, served as one of the moderators for the Boston Bar Association's annual Business Litigation Session Year in Review, held on June 10, 2019, at the BBA's offices in Boston. The event provided practitioners an opportunity to hear justices from Suffolk Superior Court discuss current developments and trends in the session, which included cases from the past year that raised novel or interesting issues, as well as Session-specific practice pointers. Panelists included justices Hon. Janet L. Sanders, Hon. Kenneth W. Salinger, Hon. Mitchell H. Kaplan, and Hon. Brian A. Davis.

full story

TBHR's Michael Radin Serves as "Expert of the Week"

May 16, 2019

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers partner Michael Radin was invited to serve as "Expert of the Week" for an innovative executive education program sponsored by Neptune Advisors, LLC, a Boston-based business consulting firm. On Friday, May 17, Michael participated in a roundtable discussion on business management and legal issues with program participants consisting of C-level executives from privately held companies. Michael then remained available to participants throughout the following week via telephone and email, providing more in-depth answers to questions on various topics discussed during the session. This is a great example of how our attorneys can bring their experience and expertise beyond the legal field to support growth-oriented businesses.

full story

TBHR's Patricia Saint James a Guest at Chelsea Drug Court Graduation

May 14, 2019

Patricia Saint James, a Partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers and Chair of the firm's Family Law Practice, was an honored guest at the April 30, 2019 graduation ceremony at the Chelsea Drug Court. Pat's composition, "The Serenity Song" was played at the ceremony, in which seven graduates re-entered the community following an 18-month program of rigorous inpatient treatment and recovery assignments.

full story

Beards for Bruins

May 3, 2019

Continuing a tradition that began in 2011 – the last season the Boston Bruins won the NHL championship and brought home the Stanley Cup – several members of the TBHR staff are growing their "playoff beards" to support our hometown team. This follows the practice of the Bruins team members, who let their facial hair run wild until they are eliminated from contention or win another championship. Participation in the hirsute hijinks requires a $25 contribution – about the amount of savings expected to be accrued from not using shaving supplies for the duration of the playoffs. The funds collected will be donated to charity. We may not be ready to lace up our skates and take to the ice, we are having some fun while cheering on the team. Maybe we can bring a little luck to the boys in black and gold as they seek another Cup. Go Bruins! Pictured (l to r): Rick Breed, Al DeNapoli, Erskine Savage, Michael Radin, David Valente, Richard Breed IV (seated), David Mahoney, Mitch Brumfield, Patrick Minnihan, John Blake, Brian Hause, Geoff Norman, August Orlow. Inset: Bob Galanis.

full story

Patricia Saint James Appointed to Massachusetts Commision on Judicial Conduct

01/23/2019

Patricia Saint James, a partner with the Boston, MA law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., has been appointed to the Massachusetts Commission on Judicial Conduct (CJC), the state agency responsible for investigating complaints alleging that a state court judge has engaged in judicial misconduct or has a disability preventing him or her from properly performing judicial duties. Attorney Saint James was appointed by the Chief Justice of the Trial Court and will serve a six-year term as one of the Commission's three lawyer members.

full story

Karen McKenna Elected Partner

January 1, 2019

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce the election of Karen L. McKenna, Esq. as a partner in the firm. Attorney McKenna practices in the firm's Estate Planning & Administration and Taxation departments. Attorney McKenna joined Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers in 2002. Previously, she was an associate with law firms in Pittsburgh and Boston. Before starting her law career, Attorney McKenna worked as a private accountant in Boston. She concentrates her practice on advising individuals in the areas of estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax planning and compliance, as well as probate and estate administration. Attorney McKenna also works with the firm's litigation department on probate related cases. Karen McKenna is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and the Duke University School of Law. She is a resident of Scituate, Mass., where she serves on the Board of Directors of the Scituate Animal Shelter and volunteers as an adoption counselor and animal caregiver.

full story

Taznuva "Taz" Islam Joins Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC

November 19, 2018

We are pleased to announce that Tasnuva "Taz" Islam, J.D., has joined the firm as an Associate in our Litigation Department. Prior to joining Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, Attorney Islam served as a law clerk for Associate Justice Amy Blake at the Massachusetts Appeals Court, held law clerk and internship positions at several Boston area law firms, and interned with the U.S. Department of Labor and the Civil Division of the U.S. Attorney's Office in Boston. Taz is a graduate of the Northeastern University School of Law. She earned an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Public Policy at Brown University, and a Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Michigan.

full story

David Mahoney Joins Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers

November 19, 2018

We are pleased to announce that David Mahoney has joined the firm as an Associate. Prior to joining Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, Attorney Mahoney interned for the Honorable David A. Lowy at the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and for the Honorable Marianne B. Bowler at the United States District Court in Boston. David is a graduate of Boston College Law School, where he was articles editor of the Boston College Law Review. He earned his undergraduate degree at the University of Connecticut, where he was a three-year member of the Big East All-Academic Team as a member of the school's baseball team.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Nation's Best Law Firms by U.S. News

November 9, 2018

The oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession has named Boston's Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers as one of the nation's "Best Law Firms" for tax law.

full story

Massachusetts' New Noncompete Laws: Critical Compliance Requirements Starting October 1, 2018

October 3, 2018

On August 10, 2018 Governor Charlie Baker signed into law Massachusetts Noncompetition Agreement Act of 2018 (G.L. ch. 149, s. 24L) which limits the use of noncompetition agreements in Massachusetts. The new law applies to all post-termination noncompetition agreements between employers and certain employees and independent contractors entered into on or after October 1, 2018.

full story

TBHR's Dara Lynn Freytag Presents ABA Seminar

October 2, 2018

Dara Lynn Freytag of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. was one of three presenters at a continuing education seminar hosted by the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. The presentation was titled "Advanced Generation-Skipping Transfer Tax Topics." Attorney Freytag and her co-presenters covered various advanced topics on GST tax and planning, including allocating GST exemption, the GST aspects of gift tax returns and estate tax returns, reverse QTIP elections and late GST allocations. Other presenters were Nathan Brown (Proskauer Rose LLP, Boca Raton, FL) and Brandon Ross (JP Morgan, Washington, DC). Over 80 people attended the live presentation, and a video is available for download online at the ABA website.

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Named Best Lawyers®

August 14, 2018

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that five of the firm's lawyers have been included in the 2019 Edition of The Best Lawyers in the United States, a leading peer review survey of the legal profession. Rick Breed, Mark Furman, Jeff Hart, Bill Rodgers, and Ed Tarlow were all recognized by their peers for their outstanding work.

full story

David Valente Re-Appointed to National ABA Committee

July 3, 2018

TBHR's David Valente has been re-appointed to the position of Vice-Chair of the IRA Accounts & Plan Distribution Committee, which is part of the American Bar Association's Section of Real Property, Trust and Estate Law. Attorney Valente has served as the Vice-Chair of the committee for the past year, and will continue in that role through August, 2019. The ABA Section Real Property, Trust and Estate Law is a leading national forum for lawyers, with some 22,000 members. The Trust and Estate Section focuses on all aspects of trusts, estate planning, employee benefits, insurance, and probate and trust litigation.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag and Melissa Sydney Present at Boston Bar Association's Trusts & Estates Section Year in Review

June 22, 2018

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Dara Lynn Freytag and Melissa Sydney were presenters at the Boston Bar Association's Trusts & Estates Section "Year in Review" seminar on June 22, 2018. Attorney Freytag covered new developments in the field, and Attorney Sydney reviewed the current state of public policy in regards to trusts and estates.

full story

TBHR Celebrates Flag Day

June 14, 2018

TBHR's John Stuebing and Al DeNapoli show off their patriotic spirit with creative neckware on Flag Day.

full story

Anti-SLAPP Panel at Boston Bar Association

June 7, 2018

On June 7, 2018, TBHR's Emily Shanahan moderated a brown bag lunch at the Boston Bar Association entitled, "SLAPP Happy Redux: The anti-SLAPP Statute One Year After Blanchard." TBHR's Mark Furman participated on the panel, along with retired Supreme Judicial Court Justice Robert Cordy, now of McDermott, Will & Emery, and Heidi Nadel of Cross Nadel, LLC. The panel examined how the anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) landscape has evolved in the year since the Supreme Judicial Court's decision in Blanchard v. Steward Carney Hospital, Inc.

full story

TBHR Sponsors Fundraising Event for Marisa's Mission

June 11, 2018

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers was proud to be a sponsor of the second annual Triple Crown Night for Marisa's Mission, which was held at the Quincy Marriott, in Quincy, MA, on May 19, 2018. TBHR attorney Dara Lynn Freytag serves on the Board of Directors for Marisa's Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to making a difference in the lives of cancer patients and their families. The organization's goal is to inspire hope, support research and meet the needs of those impacted by this disease. You can learn more about Marisa's Mission here, or view an inspiring video of this year's Triple Crown Night by clicking here.

full story

TBHR Sponsors Discovering Justice Gala

June 7, 2018

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers was pleased to be a sponsor of the 2018 Discovering Justice Gala, a fund raising event to support Discovering Justice. Discovering Justice is a Boston-based civic and justice education nonprofit organization which offers innovative in-school, after-school, and courthouse field trip programs that teach elementary and middle school students about the justice system, the role of law in a democratic society, and the fundamental importance of good citizenship. The event was held on Thursday, June 7, at the John Joseph Moakley Courthouse in Boston. The Boston Globe "Spotlight" team received the organization's Champions of Justice Award.

full story

Al DeNapoli Presents at Mass. Restaurant Association Seminar

June 6, 2018

Al DeNapoli, TBHR partner and leader of our Hospitality & Restaurant practice group, was a presenter at the "Emerging Trends in the Restaurant Industry" sponsored by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and the accounting firm of Gray, Gray & Gray, LLP. A packed house was on hand to hear industry leaders discuss the latest issues and topics facing restaurant owners and managers.

full story

TBHR Team Tackles 11th Annual Lawyers Have Heart 5K Road Race

May 23, 2018

A speedy team of legal greyhounds from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers recently participated in the 2018 "Lawyers Have Heart" 5K road race in Boston's Seaport District. Lacing up their running shoes for a good cause were (back row left to right): Stephanie Molina, Brian Hause, Al DeNapoli, Hannah Slaga, Emily Shanahan, John Stuebing, Dan St Germain; and (front row left to right): Rick Breed, Michelle Rothman.

full story

Karen McKenna Attains Accredited Estate Planner Designation

May 23, 2018

TBHR Attorney Karen McKenna has been awarded the Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC). Attorney McKenna will be recognized for this achievement at the annual Boston Estate Planning Council gala in May.

full story

Massachusetts Family and Probate Inn of Court Annual Banquet

May 22, 2018

TBHR Partner Patricia Saint James concluded her year as President of the Massachusetts Family and Probate Inn of Court by presiding over the Court's annual banquet and awards ceremony.

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Named as Best Lawyers® in U.S.

May 1, 2018

Best Lawyers, the oldest and most respected guide to the legal profession, has released the 2018 Edition of New England's Best Lawyers, which highlights 3,576 lawyers recognized for their top legal talent. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers (Boston, MA) is pleased to announce that five of the firm's attorneys have been named to the 2018 Best Lawyers list: - Richard P. Breed, III was named a Best Lawyer in Trusts & Estates in Boston. - Mark S. Furman was named a Best Lawyer in Litigation-Trusts & Estates in Boston. - Jeffrey P. Hart was named a Best Lawyer in Tax Law in Boston. - William R. Rodgers was named a Best Lawyer in Closely-Held Companies and Family Business Law in Boston. - Edward D. Tarlow was named a Best Lawyer in in Trusts & Estates in Boston.

full story

THBR's Patricia Saint James Attends Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court Event

April, 2018

The Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court hosted an appreciation luncheon at the Norfolk Probate Court in April. Among those in attendance were (left to right): The Honorable Angela Ordonez, Chief Justice of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Court, Judge Lee Peterson, Judge Patricia Gorman, First Justice John Casey, Judge Virginia Ward, TBHR Partner Patricia Saint James, President of the Massachusetts Family and Probate American Inn of Court.

full story

Tax Update 2018

March 29, 2018

On December 22, the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 ("TCJA") was signed into law. The TCJA is billed as the largest overhaul of the Internal Revenue Code since the Tax Reform Act of 1986 and it will affect almost every individual and business in the United States. Generally, the new law goes into effect on January 1, 2018, with many of the provisions relating to individuals expiring at the end of 2025. The following is a summary of the TCJA's more salient aspects:

full story

2018 Tax Update Now Available

March 29, 2018

The significant changes to federal taw law brought about by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 offer both challenges and opportunities. You can read our summary of the key issues in our 2018 Tax Update.

full story

David Valente Joins Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers

March 23, 2018

We are pleased to announce that David Valente has joined Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers as an Associate in Trusts & Estates Practice Group. David's practice focuses on estate planning, estate and trust administration, charitable giving, as well as complex federal and state tax matters for individuals and business entities, estates and trusts.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag Elected to the Board of Directors of Marisa's Mission

March 22, 2018

Attorney Dara Lynn Freytag of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers has been elected to serve on the Board of Directors of Marisa's Mission (www.Marisas-Mission.org). Marisa's Mission was established in October of 2016 in an effort to keep alive the memory of Marisa D. Federico, who died of breast cancer on March 26, 2016, at the age of 37.

full story

Celebration of National Judicial Outreach Week

March 20, 2018

TBHR Partner Patricia Saint James marked National Judicial Outreach week by participating in an "Access Justice" seminar at world-renowned Berklee College of Music in Boston.

full story

Dara Lynn Freytag Presents at Boston Bar Association

February 2, 2018

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorney Dara Lynn Freytag was a presenter at the Boston Bar Association's Trusts & Estates Section Mid-Year Review in early February.

full story

TBHR Attends 52nd Annual Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning

January 25, 2018

Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning, which was held during the week of January 22nd at the Orlando World Center Marriott Resort and Convention Center in Orlando, Florida. Organized by the University of Miami School of Law, the Heckerling Institute on Estate Planning is the largest nationwide conference for estate planning professionals. Its faculty of leading experts explored today's most important tax and non-tax planning issues, including the planning implications of enacted and anticipated legislation.

full story

Ed Tarlow Honored with 2017 Regional Family Business Advocacy Award by the Family Business Association

Thursday, November 30, 2017

BOSTON and CONCORD, MA, ISSUED OCTOBER 30, 2017…The Family Business Association (www.fbaedu.com) has named Boston attorney Edward Tarlow as this

full story

TBHR's Tom Sheehan a Panelist at New England Family Business Conference

October 25, 2017

TBHR attorney Tom Sheehan was a featured panelist at the 2017 New England Family Business Conference, sponsored by the Family Business Association of Massachusetts and held at the Colonnade Hotel in Boston on October 24-25. Tom participated in an animated discussion on "The Value of Outside Advisors for a Family Business."

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Ranked Among Country’s Best Lawyers® by U.S. News

Thursday, August 17, 2017

Boston, MA: U.S. News Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named five

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among Country’s Best Law Firms® by U.S. News

Monday, January 30, 2017

Boston, MA (January, 2017): U.S. News Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has ranked Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, Boston, MA, among the nation’s Best Law Firms for 2017 in multiple categories.

full story

Preparing Your Client For Life After Divorce Seminar

Wednesday, January 04, 2017

Boston, MA – Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers’ attorney Sandy Lundy has been selected to serve as moderator for a panel discussion entitled, “Preparing Your Client for Life After Divorce” on Thursday, January 26, 2017, at the Social Law Library in Boston. The seminar is sponsored by Social Law Library, one of the largest and most respected legal-research institutions in the country.

full story

Four Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Ranked Among Country’s Best Lawyers® by U.S. News

Monday, August 15, 2016

Boston, MA (August 15, 2015): U.S. News Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named four Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorneys as 2017 Best Lawyers in America.

full story

Patricia Saint James Elected President-Elect of the Massachusetts Probate and Inn of Family Court

Wednesday, June 15, 2016

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers’ Patricia A. Saint James has been elected as President-Elect of the Massachusetts Probate and Inn of Family Court. Her term as president will begin in September 2017.

full story

Employers Should Amend Company Policy Documents in Light Of First-Ever Federal Trade Secrets Law

Wednesday, June 22, 2016

In May 2016, President Obama signed the Defend Trade Secrets Act of 2016 (“DTSA”) into law. This is the first federal law that regulates trade secrets, a critical type of intellectual property that, until now, has been regulated solely by the states - often in inconsistent ways.

full story

TBHR at the 4th Annual New England Family Business Conference

Wednesday, June 08, 2016

Several attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attended the 4th Annual New England Family Business Conference at the Omni Parker House in Boston on June 8, 2016. Dara Lynn Freytag and Cathy Watson served as emcees for the the events “Outstanding Women in Family Business” awards presentation, and Michael Radin moderated a panel discussion on “Financing Multiple Generations of a Family Business,” which was sponsored by the firm.

full story

Ed Tarlow Article on Divorce in a Family Business Published in Massachusetts Family Business

Friday, May 20, 2016

“When the Vow Breaks: The Effect of Divorce on a Family Business,” an article written by TBHR’s Ed Tarlow, has been published in the Spring edition of Massachusetts Family Business magazine.

full story

TELEPHONE OUTAGE

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

We apologize for the inconvenience, but there has been a daylong Verizon telephone outage in the Prudential Center area. At this time, technicians have been unable to restore service. If you need to reach your attorney please do so via email, or by calling their mobile device.

full story

TBHR’s Al DeNapoli Presents Update on Liquor Licenses at MRA’s “Around the Restaurant Industry in 150 Minutes” Conference

Wednesday, May 11, 2016

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers partner Al DeNapoli was a featured speaker at “Around the Restaurant Industry in 150 Minutes,” a seminar presented by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association and Gray, Gray & Gray Certified Public Accountants. Under the heading of “What is Keeping Restaurateurs Up at Night?” Al covered changes to the state’s liquor licensing laws, including the trend toward “BYOB” licensing.

full story

Michael Radin Speaks at Transitioning Business Advisors Group

Wednesday, April 13, 2016

TBHR Partner Michael Radin spoke at a Boston meeting of the ProVisors® Affinity Group meeting on April 11, on the topic “Hidden Issues in M&A Transactions.” Michael co-presented with Rick Briggs of Consilium Partners.

full story

TBHR Client HR Knowledge Honored with “Future 50” Award

Monday, April 04, 2016

TBHR client, Jeffrey C. Garr, co-founder and CEO of HR Knowledge, Inc., has been named a recipient of SmartCEO magazine’s “Future 50” award for 2016. The Future 50 award program recognizes New England’s fastest growing mid-sized companies, who embody the entrepreneurial spirit critical for leadership and success. Jeff will be profiled in SmartCEO magazine and celebrated at an awards gala to be held in Boston.

full story

Al DeNapoli of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Honored by Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Wednesday, March 16, 2016

Boston, MA (March 16, 2016): Albert DeNapoli, Esq., a partner at the Boston law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (www.tbhr-law.com) has been named the 2016 Business Partner Associate of the Year by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association. The Business Partner Associate of the Year is an individual who, through his or her efforts, goes above and beyond the call of duty to support the food and beverage service industry in Massachusetts.

full story

TBHR Joins American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators

Wednesday, February 03, 2016

Al DeNapoli and Pat Saint James recently became members of the Massachusetts Chapter of the American Academy for Certified Financial Litigators. The AACFL is an educational institution dedicated to enhancing the legal profession through advanced financial education.

full story

John Finnegan a Co-Author of MCLE’s Municipal Law Manual

Friday, January 15, 2016

Boston, MA, January 15, 2015: Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorney John D. Finnegan was a contributor to the recently published Massachusetts Municipal Law manual. The manual, which is published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE), is a comprehensive resource, containing explanations of many statutory and regulatory sources and case decisions with clear practice tips

full story

Kelly Aylward Elected Partner at Boston’s Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers

Friday, January 01, 2016

Boston, MA (January 1, 2016): Kelly Aylward has been elected a partner at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC, a Boston-based law firm. Attorney Aylward’s practice focuses on tax planning, estate planning, business administration, and trust and probate administration.

full story

Year-End Planning Perspectives

Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers’ Estate Planning and Administration practice group has published a helpful guide to year-end tax and estate planning. You can download a copy here.

full story

Michael Radin Featured Presenter

Tuesday, December 08, 2015

Michael Radin was the featured presenter at the November 17 meeting of the M&A Club Boston, a business and professional networking group focused on various aspects of mergers, acquisitions and corporate finance. Michael spoke on “Critical Terms in Vendor Agreements.”

full story

"Deflategate" is not over! Listen to Mark Furman on Radio Entrepreneurs

Sunday, November 15, 2015

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers litigation expert Mark Furman was interviewed on a Radio Entrepreneurs webcast, where he discussed the NFL's appeal of the "Deflategate" ruling that overturned Tom Brady's four game suspension. Does Brady still have to worry about sitting out games?

full story

Michael Radin Presents at Continuing Legal Education Panel

Tuesday, November 03, 2015

For a second consecutive year, TBHR's Michael Radin presented "An Overview of and Introduction to Key Issues in Commonly Encountered Contracts Such As Vendor Agreements, Supply, Sales Representative, Distribution and OEM Agreements" at the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education's (MCLE) November, 2015 program, Contract Review, Negotiation & Analysis.

full story

Boston's Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News

Monday, November 02, 2015

Boston, MA (November 2, 2015): Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC, has been named as a “Best Law Firm" for 2016 by the U.S. News-Best Law Firms in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers was recognized in five separate practice areas

full story

Nine Attorneys from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Named "Super Lawyers" for 2015

Thursday, October 29, 2015

Boston, MA (October 30,2015): Nine attorneys at the Boston law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC are among the New England Super Lawyers appearing in the November 2015 issue of Boston magazine.

full story

Kelly Aylward of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Elected President of the Greater Boston Fiduciary American Inn of Court

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Boston, MA (September 23, 2015): Kelly Aylward, a senior associate at the Boston law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (www.tbhr-law.com) has been elected president of the Greater Boston Fiduciary American Inn of Court. She is a founding member of the Inn of Court and has served on the organization’s board of directors since 2013.

full story

Listen Up! Mark Furman on the Legal Aspects of “Deflategate”

Monday, August 31, 2015

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers litigation expert Mark Furman discussed the legal aspects of the highly charged “Deflategate” controversy involving the New England Patriots’ quarterback Tom Brady and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell as a guest on a recent Radio Entrepreneurs broadcast.

full story

Mark Furman Moderates Podcast on Market Basket

Friday, August 21, 2015

TBHR partner Mark Furman recently moderated a panel discussion on the high-profile Market Basket legal saga on the Radio Entrepreneurs podcast. Mark led a lively discussion of the high profile dispute that eventually involved the DeMoulas family, their employees and loyal customers. Click here to listen to “What Happened??!! The Market Basket Case and the Role of the Board.”

full story

Four Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Ranked Among Best Lawyers® for 2016 by U.S. News

Monday, August 17, 2015

Boston, MA (August 17, 2015): U.S. News Best Lawyers in America®, the oldest peer-review publication in the legal profession, has named four Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers attorneys as Best Lawyers for 2016.

full story

Mark Furman Interviewed About Market Basket Case

Wednesday, July 01, 2015

(July 1, 2015): TBHR’s Mark Furman was interviewed on the Radio Entrepreneurs podcast on July 1, 2015. Mark discussed what happened in the Market Basket case, one of the top business stories of the past year. You can listen to Mark’s interview here.

full story

Michael Radin Presents at Bentley Tax Update

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

(June 24, 2015): TBHR partner Michael Radin was a guest panelist at the fourth annual tax update at Bentley University in Waltham, MA, on Wednesday, June 14, 2015. Michael participated in a 90-minute presentation entitled, “Transferring Professional Practices to the Next Generation: Business and Tax Considerations.”

full story

Jennifer Civitella Hilario to Present at MCLE

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

TBHR partner Jenniver Civitella Hilario will serve as a faculty member for the MCLE’s “Estate Planning Client Hypotheticals” seminar on June 30, 2015. The seminar will cover key strategies for uncovering clients’ concerns and goals, and the development of estate plans that appropriately address the clients’ objectives.

full story

Kelly Aylward to Talk Decanting

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

TBHR partner Kelly Aylward has been invited to participate in the Greater Boston Fiduciary American Inn of Court on June 25, 2015. Her presentation is entitled, “Decanting Trusts and Wine: A Comparative Analysis” and covers the nuts and bolts of Trust Decanting.

full story

Mark Furman to Moderate Panel on the Market Basket Case

Thursday, June 18, 2015

TBHR’s Mark Furman will moderate a panel discussion on the high-profile Market Basket legal saga on Thursday, June 25, in Newton, MA. The panel, entitled “What Happened??!! The Market Basket Case and the Role of the Board,” is being hosted by Board Options, Inc., one of the country’s leading consulting firms for improving the performance of boards of directors.

full story

Kelly Aylward Earns TEP Designation

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

TBHR’s Kelly Aylward has been accepted into the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), and has earned the professional designation of Trust and Estate Practitioner (TEP).  Kelly was also recently accepted into the Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum, and was appointed as a member of the Professional Advisors Network of The Boston Foundation.

full story

Kelly Aylward and Jennifer Civitella Hilario Present at MCLE Symposium

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

TBHR’s Kelly Aylward and Jennifer Civitello Hilario presented at the MCLE Estate Planning Symposium 2015 on June 17, 2015, speaking on the Massachusetts Uniform Trust Code and Non-Judicial Settlement Agreements.

full story

Matthew Furman of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Published in Massachusetts Law Review

Tuesday, May 12, 2015

Boston, MA (May 12, 2015): Massachusetts Law Review recently published a case comment by Matthew S. Furman, an attorney with the firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC in Boston, of the Supreme Judicial Court of Massachusetts’ ruling on a case involving arbitration (McInnes v. LPL Financial LLC). Furman delved into the broad impact of the Federal Arbitration Act over Massachusetts’ unfair trade practices statute, G.L. c. 93A.

full story

Greg Peterson of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Appointed to Special Senate Commission on Housing

Thursday, May 07, 2015

Boston, MA (May 7, 2015): Greg D. Peterson, a partner with Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, PC, a Boston-based law firm, has been appointed to serve on the newly-created Special Senate Commission on Housing. The Special Commission has been tasked by Senate President Stanley Rosenberg to develop a path toward a 21st century housing policy reform measure.

full story

John Finnegan Presents at MCLE Municipal Law Conference

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

TBHR Of Counsel John Finnegan played an important part in the 13th Annual Municipal Law Conference 2015 presented by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE) on March 18, 2015. As President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, John provided opening remarks for the conference, and he was also responsible for presenting the bankruptcy portion of the Municipal Finance Law Update.

full story

John Finnegan to Moderate Massachusetts Municipal Association Workshop

Monday, January 12, 2015

In his capacity as President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association, Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers partner John Finnegan will lead a workshop on municipal legislation and caselaw updates during the upcoming Massachusetts Municipal Association’s Annual Meeting on Saturday, January 24th at 2:00pm at the Hynes Convention Center in Boston.

full story

The Resurgence of Sales by Collector’s Deed and Tax Lien Assignments in the Commonwealth: Authority, Mechanics and Challenges

Friday, January 09, 2015

Despite signs of economic recovery, many municipalities in the Commonwealth are continuing to deal with lingering effects of the collapse of housing prices, prolonged high unemployment and ensuing declines in revenue and local aid. They are confronting soaring demands for spending on public workers’ pensions and retirees’ health care resulting in slashed services, payroll cuts and municipal employee layoffs.

full story

TBHR’s John Finnegan Published in The Municipal Law Quarterly

Monday, January 05, 2015

John D. Finnegan, chairman of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers’ Municipal Law Department, recently authored an article, “The Resurgence of Sales by Collector’s Deed and Tax Lien Assignments in the Commonwealth: Authority, Mechanics and Challenges,” that was published in the winter edition of The Municipal Law Quarterly, the official publication of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association (MMLA). John is the current President of the MMLA.

full story

TBHR’s Mark Furman Appears on Radio Entrepreneurs

Friday, December 12, 2014

Mark Furman, who serves as chairman of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers’ Litigation Department, is also a sought after speaker. Mark is a regular guest on the popular Radio Entrepreneurs podcast, commenting on a wide range of litigation and legal issues. His most recent show covered the need for business owners to protect themselves and their companies with employee agreements not to compete, as well as agreements covering trade secrets and intellectual property.

full story

TBHR’s Michael Radin Presents at MCLE

Thursday, November 20, 2014

TBHR Partner Michael Radin participated on a panel on “Contract Review, Negotiation & Analysis” hosted by the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) organization in Boston. Michael’s presentation was on drafting distribution contracts, an area in which he has extensive expertise.

full story

Boston’s Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Ranked Among America’s “Best Law Firms” by U.S. News & World Report

Wednesday, November 05, 2014

Boston, MA (November 5, 2014): The Boston law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., has beenranked as one of the Best Law Firms in America in a survey published by U.S. News & World Report-Best Lawyers.

full story

U.S. News & World Report Names Four Attorneys from Boston’s Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers as “Best Lawyers”

Wednesday, September 03, 2014

Boston, MA (September 4, 2014): Four attorneys from the Boston law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., have been ranked among the “Best Lawyers in America®” in a survey published by U.S. News & World Report. Richard P. Breed, III, Jeffrey P. Hart, William R. Rodgers, and Greg D. Peterson all achieved the distinction of being recognized for professional excellence and consistently excellent ratings from clients and peers.

full story

Elizabeth O’Flaherty of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Wins American Bar Association’s Pro Bono Publico Award

Tuesday, July 15, 2014

Boston, MA (June 16, 2014): Elizabeth C. O’Flaherty, an attorney with the Boston law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (www.tbhr-law.com), has been named a winner of the 2014 Pro Bono Publico Award by the American Bar Association. Attorney O’Flaherty earned the award in recognition of her work on behalf of victims of sexual assault and domestic violence and their children. The award will be presented at the ABA Annual Meeting on August 9, 2014 in Boston, MA.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Welcomes Patricia Saint James as a Partner and Chairperson of the Firm's Domestic Relations Practice

Thursday, April 24, 2014

We are very pleased to welcome Patricia Saint James as a Partner here at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., where she will serve as Chairperson of the firm's Domestic Relations Practice.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that Elizabeth C. O’Flaherty has joined the firm as an Associate in the Family Law Department

Monday, April 07, 2014

Beth specializes in all areas of family law. Beth has dedicated her practice to supporting families and helping them navigate the legal process. She provides comprehensive legal services to clients throughout the greater Boston area in matters involving divorce, property division, spousal support, child support, child custody and visitation. Her practice involves negotiating and drafting prenuptial, postnuptial and separation agreements as well as representing clients in modification and contempt proceedings.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that Dara Lynn S. Freytag has joined the firm as an Associate in the Trusts and Estates Department

Monday, March 17, 2014

Dara Lynn concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration and taxation. Prior to joining Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, Dara Lynn was an Associate with the firm of O’Neill & Neylon. She worked closely with high net worth individuals and families concentrating on estate and gift tax planning and trust and estate administration.

full story

The Massachusetts Independent Contractor Anomaly: What is it and how can it be managed?

Thursday, December 12, 2013

On December 11, 2013, Michael Radin and Matthew Furman presented “The Massachusetts Independent Contractor Anomaly: What is it and how can it be managed?” to the M&A Club Boston. Mike and Matt discussed the unique and extremely difficult Massachusetts’ test for independent contractors, industries that have been specifically targeted (in addition to individual suits), and the substantial penalties for non-compliance.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that Kelly Aylward has joined the firm as a Senior Associate.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Kelly focuses her practice in the areas of tax and estate planning, asset protection, business administration and succession, estate and trust administration, special needs planning, and charitable planning.

full story

Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario Has Been Named a Partner in the Firm

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario has been named a Partner in the firm.

full story

Emily C. Shanahan Has Been Named a Partner in the Firm

Thursday, August 01, 2013

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that Emily C. Shanahan has been named a Partner in the firm.

full story

Jon Barooshian Joins TBHR Government Investigations and Tax Controversy Practice

Thursday, May 09, 2013

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that Jon Barooshian has joined TBHR and will work in the firm’s expanding criminal and civil litigation practice focusing on governmental investigations and tax controversies. Since his work as an Assistant District Attorney in Massachusetts, Jon has nearly fifteen years’ experience defending individuals and corporations being investigated by federal and state agencies and, when necessary, defending these clients in administrative proceedings and at trial in both civil and criminal proceedings.

full story

John D. Finnegan Elected Vice President of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association

Thursday, April 25, 2013

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce the election of John D. Finnegan to the Vice Presidency of the Massachusetts Municipal Lawyers Association. The MMLA, formerly known as the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association, is the oldest and largest bar association in the Commonwealth dedicated to the practice of municipal law.

full story

Mark S. Furman, Speaker at Massachusetts Bar Association, Lifecycle of a Business Series, “Cost-Effective Business Litigation”

Tuesday, February 19, 2013

On February 19, 2013, Mark Furman, along with Hon. Stephen E. Neel (Ret.) of JAMS, Boston, presented "'Cost-Effective' Business Litigation" as part of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Lifecycle of a Business Series. Before both a live and online audience, Mark discussed his over thirty years of business litigation experience and shared some tools he has learned in resolving these types of disputes in a cost-effective way for his clients.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., co-sponsors "Unlocking the Levers for Growth: Tools and Resources for Manufacturers to Grow."

Thursday, February 14, 2013

"On February 14, 2013, Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., co-sponsored a panel entitled "Unlocking the Levers for Growth: Tools and Resources for Manufacturers to Grow." The program included presenters from manufacturing companies that innovated using internal and external human, engineering and brand resources to develop new products and enter new markets.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Recognized in U.S. News - Best Law Firms Rankings For Real Estate and Trust & Estates Practices

Thursday, November 01, 2012

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is delighted to announce the firm has been selected for inclusion in The Best Law Firms, 2013 Rankings for its national real estate law practice, Boston real estate law practice, and Boston trust & estates law practice.

full story

Jeffrey P. Hart Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2013

Monday, October 22, 2012

Boston, MA - Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that Jeffrey P. Hart has been selected for inclusion in The Best Lawyers in America, 19th edition (2013) for his work in the area of Tax Law.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Hosts IBLC Annual Meeting with Focus on Challenges Facing International Family Businesses

Friday, September 21, 2012

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) recently hosted a three day meeting in Boston of the International Business Law Consortium (IBLC), an international alliance of select law firms from North America, South America, Europe, Australia, and Asia. Through the IBLC, its members cultivate legal knowledge and international professional skills to help them serve a global community and deliver independent legal counsel with effective transnational advocacy and representation.

full story

“How Entrepreneurship Keeps Family Business Competitive in a Changing Business Environment” program a success

Wednesday, August 08, 2012

Edward D. Tarlow, a partner at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (a founding sponsor of the Family Business Association), was delighted at the turnout last night for the Family Business Association program and panel discussion titled “How Entrepreneurship Keeps Family Business Competitive in a Changing Business Environment.”

full story

Greg D. Peterson interviewed for Boston Neighborhood Network News

Tuesday, August 07, 2012

Attorney Greg D. Peterson, a partner at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers and a volunteer mentor with the Boston Debate League, recently sat down with Boston Neighborhood Network News to discuss the BDL, its recent partnership with the Boston Bar Association, and the organization's need for volunteer judges and mentors.

full story

Richard P. Breed, III featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly

Monday, August 06, 2012

Richard P. Breed, III, recipient of the Boston Estate Planning Council's Estate Planner of the Year Award, was recently featured in Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly's "People in the Law" section.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. sponsors “Top Tools for Small Businesses” program at MassChallenge

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) recently sponsored a program and panel discussion titled “Top Tools for Small Businesses” at MassChallenge in Boston. The panel featured CEOs, founders and brand ambassadors from three exciting, local startup companies, including Ben Jabbawy of Privy, Dave McLaughlin from Vsnap, and Tom O’Keefe from PingUp and Boston Tweet.

full story

Greg D. Peterson of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. Spearheads Boston Bar Association – Boston Debate League Link

Tuesday, July 31, 2012

Following a campaign organized by Greg D. Peterson, a partner in Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.’s real estate and environmental practice groups, the Boston Bar Association (BBA) recently voted to establish an institutional partnership with the Boston Debate League. Under the program, the BBA will encourage lawyers and legal staff to serve as judges and debate team mentors with the Boston Debate League (BDL).

full story

Michael J. Radin to speak at American Bar Association Annual Meeting in Chicago

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Michael J. Radin, a partner in Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.’s corporate law, transactions and real estate groups, will be speaking at the American Bar Association's annual meeting, scheduled to be held in Chicago from August 2 - 7.

full story

TBHR & The Business Coalition promote ServiceSolutionsUSA

Friday, July 20, 2012

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) is pleased to announce that The Business Coalition, an organization the firm helped found, is now a recognized partner in the U.S. Commercial Service Strategic Partnership Program, a trade promotion arm of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration.

full story

Richard P. Breed, III and Greg D. Peterson Recognized in New England’s Best Lawyers® 2012

Monday, July 02, 2012

Boston, MA - Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that New England’s Best Lawyers® 2012 has recognized partners Richard P. Breed, III in the area of Trusts and Estates Law and Greg D. Peterson in Real Estate Law.

full story

Richard P. Breed, III quoted in the Boston Business Journal's article "Checked Out But Still Logged On"

Monday, July 02, 2012

Richard P. Breed, III was quoted in the June 29th issue of the Boston Business Journal in the article "Checked Out But Still Logged On."

full story

Lessons from Turner to Protect Against IRS Challenge to FLP By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq, and Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Within an estate planner’s bag of tricks, lays the much beloved, yet much feared, family limited partnership (or more recently, the limited liability company). On its face, FLP planning can provide our clients significant transfer tax savings as wealth is transferred to the next generation, while allowing our clients to retain somecontrol over gifted assets. However, these tax savings may be illusory if an FLP is implemented for the “wrong”client.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. hosts reception for delegates from the Seoul Metropolitan Government and Seoul Business Agency

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., recently hosted a private reception at its offices in Boston for South Korean delegates in Boston for the BIO International Convention and The Business Coalition (TBC), a non-profit organization that encourages and assists foreign-based companies to conduct business in the United States.

full story

Planning for Dispute When Things Are Going Well By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Friday, June 22, 2012

There is always the risk of conflict in business. But when family is involved the risk of dispute is even greater. Family business disputes generally center around governance, business management, ownership and succession (transition) and can be exacerbated by the personal dynamics and history among family members.

full story

John D. Finnegan moderates City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association seminar

Thursday, May 24, 2012

On Thursday, May 24, 2012, John D. Finnegan, Esq. of the Firm’s Municipal Law Group moderated the monthly meeting and seminar of the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association at the Tanner Tavern, 474 Main Street, Woburn, MA 01801.

full story

A Short Primer On Using Risk Analysis Techniques To Help Clients Evaluate Disputes

Thursday, May 17, 2012

Increasing numbers of business ownersand in-house counsel are requesting, in addition to a budget for the rendering of legal services, some evaluation of the uncertainties and exposure of a case even at the early stages of litigation.[1] Counsel defending a lawsuit are well aware that the process of dismissing a complaint or complying with discovery are costs which cannot often be recovered absent a showing that the matter was frivolous. This article addresses the risk/cost evaluative process.

full story

John D. Finnegan, Esq. Speaks on Massachusetts Municipal Tax Asset Investment Strategies

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

On Tuesday May 15, 2012, John D. Finnegan, Esq. of the Firm's Municipal Law Group participated in a seminar discussing the legal fundamentals concerning the acquisition of tax assets and land court foreclosure procedures in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

full story

Attorney Michael J. Radin Gives Presentation to IAMERS group in Washington, D.C.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Attorney Michael J. Radin spoke at the 19th Annual Meeting of IAMERS, the International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Services, held in Washington D.C. from April 24 – 27, 2012. Attorney Radin lead the legal portion of a panel discussion that addressed critical valuation issues in sales of privately held businesses. In his presentation, Attorney Radin focused on the role letters of intent play in the transition from planning to execution.

full story

Richard P. Breed, III, named 2012 Estate Planner of the Year

Monday, April 23, 2012

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers is pleased to announce that the Boston Estate Planning Council (BEPC) has selected partner Richard P.Breed, III, Esquire as its 2012 Estate Planner of the Year in recognition ofhis outstanding contributions to the estate planning profession. This award represents the highest honor that BEPC can bestow upon a member.

full story

Gentle Giant Moving Company Gentle Giant Moving Company receives kudos from the Wall Street Journal and Winning Workplaces as a Top Small Workplace

Monday, April 16, 2012

Customer satisfaction and a culture of excellence continue to propel the ongoing success of our multi-award winning client, Gentle Giant Moving Company. In the past six months alone, Gentle Giant Moving Company garnered three major awards

full story

Mass Truck Body & Trailer, Inc. For more than 50 years, Mass Truck Body & Trailer, Inc. has been known for its state-of-the-art truck repair, old school service and customer satisfaction. Yet more tha

Monday, April 16, 2012

For more than 50 years, Mass Truck Body & Trailer, Inc. has been known for its state-of-the-art truck repair, old school service and customer satisfaction. Yet more than its products or services, Mass Truck Body & Trailer is known as a true family business, starting with founder Anthony DiRocco.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers a Sponsor for the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum (MVVF) Educational Breakfast Program

Thursday, April 12, 2012

Robert Kerwin, General Counsel for International Association of Medical Equipment Remarketers and Servicers (IAMERS), and Member at Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C., will moderate a panel discussion on FDA legislative and regulatory changes at the MVVF meeting being held on April 16, 2010 at the Holiday Inn Tewksbury.

full story

Jeffrey P. Hart speaks at XPX Boston’s Summit 2012 at Babson College.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

On Friday, March 23, 2012, Attorney Jeff Hart participated in a panel presentation on “Pre-deal Planning: Minimizing Tax While Maximizing Wealth Transfer” at XPX Boston's annual summit held at Babson College in Wellesley, MA.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers welcomes Congresswoman Gwen Moore

Monday, August 15, 2011

On Friday, August 19, 2011, Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers will host a “Meet & Greet” breakfast with Congresswoman Gwen Moore (D - WI).

full story

Robert J. Kerwin moderates panel discussion on recent FDA regulations and issues at the FDA Medical Device Update presented by the Southern New England Entrepreneurs Forum

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

On January 19, 2011, the FDA announced a long awaited plan of action for implementation of steps to a smarter medical device program (click here to read more about this plan). New Guidances, as well as the Institute of Medicine’s Report, are expected this summer.

full story

Greg D. Peterson Recognized in Chambers USA 2011 for “Renowned” Environmental Permitting Practice

Thursday, July 07, 2011

BOSTON, MA - Greg D. Peterson, a partner at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., was recognized in the 2011 edition of the prestigious Chambers USA as a Notable Practitioner in the category of Environmental law in Massachusetts.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers joins Boston Bruins "Beardathon" ranks to cheer on Bruins during quest for Stanley Cup

Thursday, June 16, 2011

Like many other Boston Bruins hockey fans, attorneys and staff members at the Back Bay law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers showed their excitement and support for the hometown team by participating in the Bruins "Beardathon" during the recent Stanley Cup Playoffs.

full story

John D. Finnegan Assumes Board Positions at the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation and the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association of Massachusetts

Friday, June 10, 2011

BOSTON, MA - Boston law firm Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that John D. Finnegan, Of Counsel at the firm, has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Credit Union Share Insurance Corporation ("MSIC"), and was also re-elected to the Executive Board of the City Solicitors and Town Counsel Association of Massachusetts ("CSTCA").

full story

June 2, 2011 William R. Rodgers discusses business issues at SBANE Educational Series seminar: "Taking the Board Plunge...Five Essential Ingredients to Optimize Board Effectiveness"

Thursday, June 02, 2011

A Board of Directors' advice and guidance can be a critical component to your company that is ready to make that pivotal leap to further growth and profitability. Having a Board is one thing...capturing its potential and making it work "for you," is another!

full story

Richard P. Breed, III quoted in Wall Street Journal article, "Power Grab!"

Saturday, May 14, 2011

Richard P. Breed, III quoted in Wall Street Journal article, "Power Grab!"

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts, and Estate Tax Updates" at the Wayland Free Public Library on May 16, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and al

Wednesday, May 04, 2011

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Changing economic circumstances, along with changes to the estate tax laws, are making estate planning a topic of critical interest for many individuals and families.

full story

Jeffrey P. Hart quoted in Dow Jones Newswires Advisor article, "More Trusts Used As Families Get Complicated"

Monday, May 02, 2011

Jeffrey P. Hart quoted in Dow Jones Newswires Advisor article, "More Trusts Used As Families Get Complicated"

full story

Al DeNapoli to represent Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., at the 2011 New England Food Show, March 20th, 21st, & 22nd

Friday, April 15, 2011

Al DeNapoli, Chair of the firm's Hospitality Law Practice, will be an exhibitor at Booth # 2723 at the Massachusetts Restaurant Association's ("MRA") 2011 New England Food Show (NEFS), to be held March 20th - 22nd at the Boston Convention Center. The NEFS is the largest regional trade event serving buyers and suppliers in the foodservice and retail markets.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Participates in Nationwide IMLA Program on Bankruptcy Issues

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers attorneys Rob Kerwin and John Finnegan recently presented an International Municipal Lawyers Association (IMLA) "Hot Topic" interactive teleconference, "Protecting Your Community When Bankruptcy Issues Arise," where they addressed emerging issues for municipalities to consider when dealing with bankruptcy matters.

full story

"Poor Little Rich Pets" - Massachusetts Permits Use of Pet Trusts

Thursday, March 24, 2011

On April 7, 2011 a statute authorizing the use of Pet Trusts (M.G.L. c. 203 §3C) will go into effect, and Massachusetts will join a majority of U.S. states which permit the use of trusts specifically designed for the care of animals during - and after - the owner's life.

full story

Al DeNapoli appears in FOX25 News Segment on Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission Liquor License Rules and Regulations

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Al DeNapoli, chairman of the firm's Hospitality Practice Group, discussed the rules and regulations surrounding the issuance of liquor licenses in the state of Massachusetts by the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) in a segment on FOX25 News on February 28, 2011.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts, and Estate Tax Updates" at the Dover Town Library on March 8, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and also at th

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Changing economic circumstances, along with changes to the estate tax laws, are making estate planning a topic of critical interest for many individuals and families.

full story

Because I Said So! A Practitioner's Guide to Preserving the Client's Intent when Disposing of the Family Business to an Irrevocable Trust By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Joseph was a successful businessman during his lifetime and died owning a majority stake in a newspaper empire. Joseph provided for his estate to be held in trust for the benefit of his sons and then the remainder to be distributed among his descendants.

full story

Robert Kerwin to discuss FDA regulations and issues at the upcoming Medical Device Regulatory Update presented by the Merrimack Valley Venture Forum

Friday, February 18, 2011

On January 19, 2011, the FDA announced a long awaited plan of action for implementation of steps to a smarter medical device program (click here to read more about this plan). At the MVVF's upcoming Medical Device Regulatory Update, industry experts will discuss the implementation of the plan as well as other emerging issues such as device assurance practices, and reaction from the investment community.

full story

2011: A Year of Change at the FDA? By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Monday, January 31, 2011

Each year the U.S. Food and Drug Administration ("FDA") receives over four thousand applications are submitted for approval of medical devices. For thirty years, under the U.S. Food and Drug Cosmetic Act ("F.D.C.A."), medical device manufacturers have been required to demonstrate to the FDA that new medical devices are safe and effective.

full story

Jeffrey P. Hart quoted in Forbes.com article, "How to Write Your First Estate Plan"

Wednesday, January 26, 2011

Jeffrey P. Hart quoted in Forbes.com article, "How to Write Your First Estate Plan"

full story

Albert A. DeNapoli Recognized as Business Person of the Year by the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce

Friday, January 21, 2011

BOSTON, MA - Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce (NVCC) has named partner Albert A. DeNapoli the Business Person of Year for 2010. At the Chamber's Annual Awards dinner last night in Foxboro,

full story

Five Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. associates chosen as Rising Stars in Boston Magazine’s “Super Lawyers” issue

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - As part of the Massachusetts Super Lawyers segment in its November 2009 issue, Boston Magazine recognized five associates from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) as “Rising Stars”. Those selected include: Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario, of Somerville, previously named in 2008; Michael Dominick, of Boston; John D. Finnegan, of Pelham, New Hampshire, previously named in 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2008; Terrence M. Schwab, of Natick, previously named in 2008; and Emily C. Shanahan, of Wellesley, previously named in 2008.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Wayland Free Public Library on January 3, 2011 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and also

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

Robert Kerwin and John Finnegan address the issues of "Cloud Computing" at the Massachusetts Bar Association's recent 8th Annual In House Counsel Program

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - Robert Kerwin and John Finnegan recently participated at the MBA's 8th Annual In House Counsel Program, contributing their article "Cloud Computing: Do the Risks Outweigh the Rewards?" This article speaks to business and legal issues associated with the evolving technologies of "cloud" computing, and was included in the MBA’s presentation and educational materials.

full story

Cloud Computing: Do the Risks Outweigh the Rewards? By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq. and John D. Finnegan, Esq.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

"Cloud Computing" has recently become the catchphrase of those who look to this evolving area to assist their businesses in lowering technology budgets and operating costs. All manner of business is being conducted. Even recording studios are operating in the cloud. Indaba Music, a music social network company, recently launched a web based media recording studio.

full story

Six Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. associates chosen as "Rising Stars" in Boston Magazine’s “Super Lawyers” issue

Monday, November 01, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - As part of the Massachusetts Super Lawyers segment in its November 2010 issue, Boston Magazine recognized six associates from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) as “Rising Stars”.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. has eight attorneys selected as "Super Lawyers" in Boston Magazine

Monday, November 01, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - In its November 2010 issue, Boston Magazine recognized eight attorneys from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) in the 2010 Super Lawyers section.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Wayland Free Public Library on November 8, 2010 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm, and als

Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

Boston law firm donates school supplies to Josiah Quincy Elementary School

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Boston, MA - Employees from Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), a law firm located in Boston’s Back Bay, delivered schoolsupplies yesterday to 120 first grade students at the Josiah Quincy Elementary School in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood

full story

Richard P. Breed, III and Greg D. Peterson Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America 2011

Monday, August 30, 2010

Boston, MA - Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to announce that The Best Lawyers In America 2011 has recognized partners Richard P. Breed, III in the area of Trusts and Estates Law and Greg D. Peterson in Environmental Law and Real Estate Law.

full story

Robert J. Kerwin Appointed to International LL.M. Board of Advisors

Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Robert J. Kerwin of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., Boston, Massachusetts, has been appointed to the Board of Advsiors for the LL.M. in International Business Practice offered by the Center for International Legal Studies of Salzburg, Austria, and Lazarski University of Warsaw, Poland.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers steps up to join the ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge

Thursday, July 01, 2010

BOSTON, MA - Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers has stepped up to the plate once again to champion conservation efforts at their Boston office by joining the ABA-EPA Law Office Climate Challenge. The firm also recently achieved certification as a “Sustainable Business Leader” by participating in the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Mass Department of Environmental Protection (DEP)’s Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP).

full story

The Days of Short Term GRATs May Be Limited By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Thursday, July 01, 2010

Grantor Retained Annuity Trusts (GRATs) are among the most popular and powerful estate planning strategies. But they may soon lose some of their power. Legislation to restrict the use of GRATs has been passed by the House of Representatives in two separate bills, most recently on June 15, 2010 in the Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act of 2010.

full story

Jeff Hart presents at the 2010 New England Retirement Plan Symposium

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Jeff Hart recently presented to a group of fifty business owners and advisors at the 2010 New England Retirement Plan Symposium held at Bentley University on June 16th. Jeff spoke on the use of Phantom Stock Plans by businesses seeking to attract and retain key executives. For a copy of Jeff Hart's presentation materials

full story

Recovering and Preserving Public Records in the Age of Electronic Documents By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Tuesday, June 01, 2010

The Legislature long ago established that government records must be preserved, maintained and made available to the public in accordance with state law (M.G.L. Ch. 66, Sect. 8). The state’s Supervisor of Public Records, meanwhile, has required municipalities to implement policies governing the backup and archiving of electronic public records (SPR Bulletin No. 1-99).

full story

Kerwin’s work on pro bono project helps those in financial distress, Massachusetts Lawyers Journal (PDF)

Monday, May 10, 2010

Kerwin’s work on pro bono project helps those in financial distress, Massachusetts Lawyers Journal (PDF)

full story

Create a Green Team, Processor Magazine

Friday, May 07, 2010

Create a Green Team, Processor Magazine

full story

A certifiably green practice... Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. graduates from Sustainable Business Leader Program.

Thursday, May 06, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - In the spring of 2009, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) voluntarily joined the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and MassachusettsDepartment of Environmental Protection (DEP)'s Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP). After one year of employing greener practices at their 101 Huntington Avenue-based practice, the firm has been officially certified as a Sustainable Business Leader.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. sponsors April 29th Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) breakfast meeting, " The Value of Boards in Exit Planning."

Thursday, April 22, 2010

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is pleased to sponsor the upcoming Exit Planning Exchange Boston chapter breakfast meeting, "The Value of Boards in Exit Planning," on Thursday morning, April 29th, at the Babson Executive Conference Center. This will be a lively session with two veterans of the boards of private companies, Les Charm and Larry Stybel. Hollis Chase, of Chase & Associates, will moderate.

full story

Espinosa Bankruptcy Decision Offers Insight on Standards for Void Orders By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

On March 24, 2010, the United States Supreme Court in United Student Aid Funds, Inc. vs. Espinosa, 559 U.S. ___ (2010) unanimously affirmed the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeal"s decision to let stand an erroneous Order of a U.S. Bankruptcy Court.

full story

The Green Recession? Why Environmental Zeal Is Choking The Bay State Economy By Greg D. Peterson, Esq.

Tuesday, April 13, 2010

One of the icons of the early Earth Days was the Pogo poster: “We have met the enemy and he is us.” Forty years on, the time has come to face frankly whether we have moved from environmental renaissance to a baroque, self-defeating era of regulation.

full story

Can you say something nice about an ex… Does recommending former employees for social media and job sites open the door to possible litigation?

Monday, April 05, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - It's a natural occurrence in today's economy. Companies downsize and employees are let go. As a parting gesture, the supervisor or manager offers to write a recommendation on LinkedIn, Monster or another social media site. While this may seem harmless, does it make the company vulnerable to a possible wrongful termination suit? Or perhaps another kind of lawsuit (e.g. age, gender, reverse discrimination).

full story

On the Move - Greg D. Peterson (PDF)

Friday, March 26, 2010

On the Move - Greg D. Peterson (PDF)

full story

Putting green practices into practice…Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. accepted into Sustainable Business Leader Program; becomes a “leader” in sustainable business practices initiative.

Wednesday, February 03, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - Despite the explosion in the use of digital information, the legal industry continues to consume too much paper. As a profession, far too many lawyers believe that more words are better and that everything must be printed multiple times just in case. In an effort to change this behavior and reduce its carbon footprint, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) recently implemented a sustainability program developed with Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) and Mass Department of Environmental (DEP)’s Sustainable Business Leader Program (SBLP).

full story

Never too old to adopt…Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. helps play Santa for New England Center for Homeless Veterans’s “Adopt a Vet” program.

Monday, January 18, 2010

BOSTON, MASS. - We all have our wish list when it comes to gifts we’d like to receive for Christmas. The residents of the New England Center for Homeless Veterans, located at 17 Court Street in Boston, are no different—only that list contains some of life’s necessities, like warm clothing for the winter. As part of the Center’s “Adopt-a-Vet” program, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) helped make the wishes of two dozen homeless veterans come true.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Wellesley Free Library on January 5 and January 12, 2010 from 6:30pm to 8:30pm

Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C. has eight attorneys selected as “Super Lawyers” in Boston Magazine

Monday, December 21, 2009

BOSTON, MASS. - In its November 2009 issue, Boston Magazine recognized eight attorneys from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) in the 2009 Super Lawyers section.

full story

Clearing The Air: Massachusetts DEP Program Has Become An "Indoor Air Jihad" By Greg D. Peterson, Esq.

Tuesday, December 01, 2009

It’s hard to beat the ancient Greeks at turning a phase. Hippocrates, the Father of Medicine, once said “Man is an obligate aerobe.” In modern terms, no breath, no life. So the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection should care, and care deeply, about the quality of the air we all must breathe to live.

full story

Strictly Business, Except When It’s Not – Dealing With Disputes Within Family Businesses By Emily C. Shanahan, Esq.

Monday, November 30, 2009

A business dispute is a business dispute, at least until it becomes an intra-family dispute. As owners of family-owned businesses know, a business dispute between owners or shareholders can spill over into family relationships. Conversely, the breakdown of family relationships can precipitate disputes on the business side.

full story

Giving your employees a shot in the arm� Is offering your employees flu shots good business or opening the door to potential litigation?

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

BOSTON, MASS. - How does an employer prevent H1N1 flu (commonly known as swine flu) or your garden variety flu bug from infiltrating your workplace and your staff? The simple answer is: with caution.

full story

Jeffrey P. Hart to present at upcoming business seminar: "Selling Your Business - A Legal Perspective."

Monday, October 26, 2009

Attorney Jeffrey P. Hart of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. will be discussing the legal processes of selling a business, and covering all of the major steps with insight and advice.

full story

Noted Environmental Attorney Greg D. Peterson joins Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Attorney Greg D. Peterson, prominent for his role in shepherding complex brownfields and redevelopment projects throughout New England, has become a partner at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s Christopher Hunt presents at IT conference.

Wednesday, October 07, 2009

Christopher Hunt, director of information technology at Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), recently presented at the International Legal Technology Association (ILTA) 2009 Annual conference, held at the Gaylord National Resort in Maryland from August 23-27, 2009.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. welcomes its newest member, Greg D. Peterson.

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., is pleased to welcome Greg D. Peterson as a Member of the firm’s Real Estate Department. Greg was most recently a partner in the Boston office of DLA Piper, LLP, a global law firm, and previously Hill & Barlow, where he focused his practice on environmental impact review and permitting, purchase and sale of contaminated properties, brownfields re-development, hazardous materials response advice, complex land use, property structuring and title matters, and real estate financings and workouts. He will continue that practice at Tarlow Breed Hart and Rodgers, P.C. as a member of the Real Estate Department.

full story

John D. Stuebing appointed to MBA Probate Law Section Council.

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers attorney John D. Stuebing was recently appointed to the Massachusetts Bar Association (MBA) Probate Law Section Council, by MBA President, Valerie Yarashus. The work of the Section Council includes developing educational and professional development programs, analyzing and proposing legislation and producing articles for publication by the MBA.

full story

Attorney Lee Holland of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. urges consumers to learn how to protect themselves from investment fraud.

Thursday, July 30, 2009

Do you know how to protect yourself from the next Bernie Madoff when you choose a broker or make an investment? Attorney Lee Holland, of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA, firmly believes in the age-old adage that if an investment opportunity sounds too good to be true it probably is.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Wellesley Free Library on Saturday June 27, 2009 from 9:30 to 11:30 AM.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

The unkindest cut… How employers can take the sting out of employee pay cuts.

Monday, June 15, 2009

As an employee, it’s a choice you never want to have to make: take a pay cut or possibly lose your job. For employers, the impact can be even more severe. Not only does asking your workers to take a pay cut put a serious damper on morale in the present, it can permanently alter how your employees feel about the company—even if things do turn around.

full story

Attorney Richard P. Breed, III of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is awarded prestigious Accredited Estate Planner designation.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA has announced that Attorney Richard P. Breed, III has been awarded the prestigious Accredited Estate Planner (AEP) designation by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils (NAEPC).

full story

A different kind of executive strategy session… Jeffrey P. Hart featured on video presentation on estate planning strategies for corporate executives.

Wednesday, April 29, 2009

Estate planning for corporate executives can differ from that for the Average Joe. Not only might corporate executives draw a larger salary, but in many cases they hold stock or revenue-sharing interests in their company, including stock options or other forms of executive compensation. And that takes a certain expertise in creating a comprehensive estate plan.

full story

Common sense practices can lessen the liability of email evidence in a world gone viral.

Friday, April 24, 2009

Never underestimate the power of the written word - particularly if it is in an email. Emails have become so deeply embedded in today's business culture that little thought is given to the fact that they leave an electronic footprint that in litigation terms is akin to leaving DNA evidence at the scene of a crime.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Dover Library on May 20, 2009 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm, and also at the Wayland L

Friday, April 24, 2009

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

Can background checks go too far? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. provides background on what is and is not allowed in a background check.

Friday, April 17, 2009

Nowadays, with security being a concern of both employers and employees alike, a background check for employment candidates has become more the rule than the exception. Yet when does the background check cross the line from an employer covering its bases to invading privacy—or worse, engaging in discrimination?

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers a Gold Sponsor of the 2009 Massachusetts Family Business Awards

Wednesday, April 15, 2009

The Boston law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the 2009 Massachusetts Family Business Awards.

full story

"When is an irrevocable trust not really irrevocable?" By Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Wednesday, April 01, 2009

At the time, it was an appropriate estate planning strategy for your family to establish an irrevocable trust. You named your trusted friend, John, as trustee and purchased life insurance. At your death, the trust property would be distributed outright to your children at age 30.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers invites the public to attend a free seminar on "Wills and Trusts in Uncertain Times" at the Wellesley Free Library on April 15, 2009 from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Are you relying on yesterday's strategies to deal with today's issues? Uncertain times are leading to changing economic circumstances for many individuals and families, making estate planning a topic of critical interest.

full story

Is your line of credit next in your bank’s line of fire?

Monday, March 30, 2009

Business owners take out lines of credit for any number of reasons – to finance operations, fund the start-up of special projects, buy equipment, embark on an advertising campaign or even to act as a rainy day fund.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Sponsors 2009 SBANE New England Innovation Awards

Monday, March 23, 2009

We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2009 SBANE New England Innovation Awards. The Awards recognize companies that have distinguished themselves by transforming ideas into innovative products or services. Michael Radin, named to the SBANE Board of Directors in 2008, is a Co-Chair of this year's awards program. For more information, please contact Michael Radin at mradin@tbhr-law.com or visit www.sbane.org.

full story

Massachusetts-Based Non-Profit Created to Advance Family Businesses The Family Business Association, Inc. will recognize and cultivate the success of multi-generational family businesses

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Boston, MA - March 17, 2009 -- It takes hard work, determination and persistence for a family business to succeed. It also means being willing to take risks. The Family Business Association, Inc. (FBA), a non-profit corporation, was created to recognize that determination and promote the development of successful business practices within family businesses, as well as highlight their achievements.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. a Sponsor for Massachusetts Building Congress (MBC) Educational Breakfast Program "Where the Work Is."

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. was a sponsor of the recent MBC Educational Breakfast Program "Where the Work Is." Held on February 26, 2009 at the Radisson Hotel, the program featured presentations by Katherine Craven, Executive Director, Massachusetts School Building Authority, David Perini, Commissioner, Massachusetts Division of Capital Management (DCAM), Edward Adelman, Executive Director, Massachusetts State College Building Authority, and Stephan Chait, Director of Capital Projects, University of Massachusetts Building Authority.

full story

Legal and Civic Counselor Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers P.C. is tapped to be President of the New England Chapter of the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Monday, February 09, 2009

Leadership roles are second nature to Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq., of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. in Boston, who is not only a Massachusetts Super Lawyer, as cited by Boston Magazine for the past five years, but is also a super civic counselor on local, regional, and national levels.

full story

How keeping track of your employees is as simple as issuing a company phone.

Tuesday, February 03, 2009

Over the last few years, use of company-owned property by employees, such as vehicles and cell phones containing GPS devices, has become more widespread. While not the primary use of this property, it does enable an employer to track the whereabouts of the employee (or at least the company property) both during and after normal business hours. In its business law practice, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) has advised employer clients on the legalities of keeping tabs on their employees and offers some insights on the topic.

full story

How to keep your blog out of the courtroom

Wednesday, January 28, 2009

Businesses and individuals create blogs for a variety of reasons – to demonstrate their expertise on a particular topic; improve search engine rankings for their Web site; sell a product or service; or just to create a forum to express opinions. No one, however, starts a blog with the intent of being sued. Yet, according to Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), the potential for a lawsuit arising out of your blog is real and greater than you may realize.

full story

Will Flips Flop?

Sunday, January 18, 2009

Investment News - Perry Ganz was quoted in this article by Lisa Shilder, regarding a provision in President Obama's proposed estate plan legislation which would impose tighter restrictions on strategies designed to transfer wealth and reduce estate and gift taxes. Under the proposed legislation, only business assets would be eligible for a discount, and other traditionally-gifted assets - such as stocks, bonds or certain types of real estate - would no longer be eligible for discounting.

full story

A practice of putting family businesses first�Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has a long history of success in advising family businesses.

Friday, January 09, 2009

The Boston-based law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) has long embraced family businesses as an integral part of its practice. To that end, TBHR has been an active member and supporter of several family business-based organizations, including the Family Firm Institute’s New England Chapter, and also the Family Business Association, Inc., an organization established to recognize excellence in Massachusetts family businesses.

full story

Attorney Ed Tarlow of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is honored by the New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute.

Friday, December 12, 2008

The New England Chapter of the Family Firm Institute recently honored Attorney Ed Tarlow, a founding member of Tarlow, Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA, for his personal and professional generosity and leadership at the chapter's quarterly meeting held on December 4, 2008.

full story

Schwab pens “Plaintiff’s Perspective” on civil RICO.

Thursday, December 11, 2008

DATELINE: BOSTON, MASS. Terrence M. Schwab, a senior associate at Boston-based Tarlow, Breed, Hart, & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) recently authored a chapter in the Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) publication Federal Civil Litigation in the First Circuit. Schwab wrote the Plaintiff’s Perspective for Chapter 13 entitled “RICO in Federal Civil Litigation.”

full story

Wills and trusts aren't just for celebrities. Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers encourages dialogue for young families.

Friday, December 05, 2008

We've all heard about estate planning gone bad. The late James Brown, “the godfather of soul,” left family members singing the blues by not updating his will to include a young son and a new wife; or the late Leona Hemsley whose “mission statement” for her multi-billion dollar trust literally left everything to the dogs.

full story

Attorney Michael J. Radin of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. joins SBANE Board of Directors

Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers of Boston, MA has announced that Attorney Michael J. Radin has been chosen to serve as a member of the Board of Directors of SBANE, the Smaller Business Association of New England.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s “magnificent seven” selected for Boston Magazine’s attorneys “Super Lawyers” issue

Wednesday, November 12, 2008

As part of its November 2008 issue, Boston Magazine recognized seven attorneys from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) in their 2008 Super Lawyers special section. Those selected include TBHR Members Edward D. Tarlow of Concord, Mass., Richard P. Breed of Marblehead, Jeffrey P. Hart of Medfield, William R. Rodgers of Newton, Albert A. DeNapoli of Walpole, Mark S. Furman of Needham and Robert J. Kerwin of West Roxbury. This marks the fifth consecutive year all seven men have been selected.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s “super six” selected as Rising Stars in Boston Magazine’s attorneys “Super Lawyers” issue

Friday, November 07, 2008

As part of the Massachusetts Super Lawyers segment in its November 2008 issue, Boston Magazine recognized six attorneys from Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) as “Rising Stars”. Those selected include: Perry Ganz, a partner in the firm who resides in South Natick and who was previously named Rising Star in 2007, and five of the firm’s associates, Jennifer A. Civitella Hilario, of Somerville; John D. Finnegan, of Pelham, New Hampshire, previously named in 2005, 2006 and 2007; Karen L. McKenna, of Scituate, previously named in 2007; Terrence M. Schwab, of Natick; and Emily C. Shanahan, of Wellesley.

full story

Sometimes best business bet is to avoid litigation By Mark S. Furman, Esq.

Saturday, November 01, 2008

It goes without saying that costs associated with litigation can really add up. For some small businesses, even if they are in the right, a lawsuit can literally put them out of business. Having represented clients on both sides of the litigation table, what comes across loud and clear is that many of these lawsuits could have been avoided

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers P.C.’s Hunt receives honorable mention for Mass. Lawyer’s Weekly’s Unsung Hero Award.

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Christopher Hunt, director of information technology at Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR), received an honorable mention in the IT category of Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly’s ‘Unsung Heroes’ for 2008. Chris was one of the finalists in the IT category and was honored at an awards reception held at the Boston Convention Center on October 23.

full story

Why hiring an attorney is the best way to avoid a lawsuit. TBHR offers tips for businesses to steer clear of litigation.

Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Litigation can be enormously costly for a business. Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) has represented businesses on both sides of the litigation table and offers insights as to how, with proper legal counsel, many lawsuits can be avoided - or their financial impact reduced - before a dispute arises.

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. sponsors October 2nd Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) event

Monday, September 15, 2008

Arthur Maxwell, founder and Chairman of Affordable Interior Systems, Inc., will be the featured speaker at the Exit Planning Exchange’s next gathering on October 2. The Boston-based law firm of Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is the event’s sponsor.

full story

Going global. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. joins IBLC

Monday, July 14, 2008

The Center for International Legal Studies recently invited the law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. (TBHR) to join the International Business Law Consortium (IBLC).

full story

June/July, 2008

July 1, 2008

Commercial foreclosures and the chain reaction caused by non-performing tenants TBHR offers some precautionary tips for landlords looking to avoid foreclosure

Monday, June 30, 2008

For all the news on the number of residential foreclosures over the past few years, commercial foreclosures are quickly catching up. As counsel to both commercial property owners and tenants as part of its real estate practice, Boston-based Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. has some insights into the why this trend is likely to continue.

full story

What can you do when joint real estate ownership goes sour? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers attorney addresses the resolution of disputes among co-venturers at REBA Conference.

Friday, June 20, 2008

At the recent Real Estate Bar Association for Massachusetts (REBA) 2008 Spring Conference Attorney Mark Furman, chairman of the litigation department of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., outlined not only what can go wrong, but also how to approach the resolution of disputes among co-venturers. For a copy of Mark Furman's presentation materials

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers outlines the potential impact of upcoming Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court ruling on the state’s Consumer Protection Act.

Monday, June 09, 2008

An upcoming ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) has the potential to be a very significant case not only for consumers, but also for the Commonwealth as a whole according to Attorney Lee M. Holland of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers.

full story

State Death Taxes – Often an Afterthought – Often Big Bucks By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq. and Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Monday, June 09, 2008

As the federal estate tax exemption climbs, and as the 2010 repeal approaches, many families and their advisors are relieved that $2 million to $7 million of assets can be inherited federal estate tax-free. However, residents of most states must still plan for looming, and often substantial, state death taxes.

full story

Duplicating efforts can be a good thing. Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, Launches Franchise and Distribution Group.

Wednesday, June 04, 2008

The law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers (TBHR) announces the formation of a new Franchise and Distribution Group. The Franchise and Distribution Group draws on the talents of attorney’s in several departments to represent franchise and distribution companies, prospective franchisees, multi-unit operator, area developers, lending institutions, private investors and venture capital companies contemplating franchise and distribution system investment opportunities.

full story

Pass along your family business through gifting By Jennifer Civitella Hilario, Esq.

Sunday, June 01, 2008

Owning and operating a family business presents many challenges, perhaps none more daunting than planning for succession to the next generation. This challenge may become particularly complicated when not every member of the succeeding generation is or wants to be an active part of the business.

full story

Looking a gift card in the fine print… Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers outlines the gist of “gift card legislation.”

Thursday, May 08, 2008

To many, the gift card represents the perfect gift with very little chance of being “re-gifted.” It’s also a win for merchants who receive money up front for purchases not yet made. The law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers (TBHR) warns that even in an apparent win-win situation, there are some things merchants and consumers should know about gift card legislation to truly make it a win for everybody.

full story

Understanding the mediation 'process' By Kerry T. Ryan, Esq.

Thursday, March 27, 2008

The mediation is on for next week. Your attorney explains in detail the cost benefit analysis you will want to consider to prepare for the mediation. But did he explain the nuts and bolts of the mediation process itself? It's the process that may determine whether the experience is a great success or a colossal waste of time.

full story

Supreme Judicial Court to address “injury or loss” requirement of G.L. c. 93A

Thursday, February 21, 2008

“[W]hat constitutes an injury or loss for purposes of a G.L. c. 93A claim, where the plaintiffs had purchased automobiles with allegedly defective door latches, were nonetheless able to use the vehicles, and had not suffered any direct personal injury or economic injury?”

full story

Perry Ganz, Esq. on the rise, elevated to Member at Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Boston Magazine must have known what they were talking about when they named Boston attorney Perry Ganz a “Massachusetts Rising Star” in 2007. Perry, who joined Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA as an associate in 2004, was recently elevated to Member at the firm.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers is a Gold Sponsor of the 2008 Massachusetts Family Business Awards

Friday, February 08, 2008

The law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. of Boston, MA is pleased to announce its Gold level sponsorship of the 2008 Massachusetts Family Business Awards program, an annual competition designed to promote and highlight the many achievements of Massachusetts-based, family owned businesses.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Sponsors 2008 SBANE Innovation Awards

Friday, February 08, 2008

We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2008 SBANE (Smaller Business Association of new England) Innovation Awards. The Award recognizes companies that have distinguished themselves by transforming ideas into innovative products or services.

full story

Albert DeNapoli assumes chairmanship of the Board of Directors of the Neponset Valley Chamber of Commerce

Friday, January 18, 2008

Call out “Mr. Chairman” and Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers P.C. automatically responds.

full story

Michael Radin & Katie Ahern present a legal update to the New England Franchise Association

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Michael Radin and Katie Ahern, members of the firm's Business Transactions Group, delivered an update on emerging legal issues affecting franchising and distribution companies in the Northeast. This presentation is part of the firm's on-going involvement with the New England Franchise Association.

full story

.com, .net, .mobi. What's in a name? Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. reminds businesses to protect their IP by acquiring a .mobi domain name

Sunday, January 06, 2008

It’s one of those “omigosh” moments – how many businesses originally overlooked the need to acquire a dot com site years ago? Then the internet really took off, and they had to settle for some permutation of their company name to get a .com address.

full story

Massachusetts Study Commission on Corporate Taxation Releases Final Report

Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Last April, Governor Deval Patrick, Senate President Therese Murray, and Speaker of the House Salvatore F. DiMasi announced the creation of a Study Commission on Corporate Taxation, naming 15 members to review and offer recommendations for streamlining the current tax code. The mandate of the Commission was to study the modernization and simplification of the current business tax laws of the Commonwealth, to promote tax fairness and equity, encourage business growth and innovation, and strengthen the Commonwealth's global competitiveness.

full story

December, 2007

December 1, 2007

Insight on Estate Planning (PDF)

full story

SBANE Honors Ed Tarlow with 2007 Community Service Award

Monday, November 05, 2007

Boston, Mass. - The Smaller Business Association of New England (SBANE) awarded Ed Tarlow its 2007 Community Service Award at it recent Profitable Connections Leadership Awards program. Tarlow, a founder of the Boston law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C., has represented family businesses across New England for more than 30 years. He is the President of the Family Firm Institute’s New England Chapter and this year co-founded Massachusetts' first ever statewide awards program honoring family businesses.

full story

Ten Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Named 2007 New England Super Lawyers

Thursday, November 01, 2007

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is proud to announce that ten of its twenty-six attorneys have been named as among the best lawyers in New England. Partners Edward D. Tarlow, Richard P. Breed, III, Jeffrey P. Hart, William R. Rodgers, Mark S. Furman, Robert J. Kerwin, Albert A. DeNapoli, Geoffrey E. Norman, Kerry T. Ryan and of counsel John D. Stuebing were recognized in Boston Magazine as "New England Super Lawyers." Less than five percent of all attorneys are annually named "Super Lawyers."

full story

Jeff Hart presents at ROCG Business Transition Seminar

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Jeff Hart recently gave a presentation at a workshop for business owners and their advisors sponsored by ROCG, an international professional services and consulting firm. Jeff's presentation addressed succession planning for family businesses.

full story

Michael J. Radin presents at the New England Franchise Association Quarterly Meeting

Tuesday, September 18, 2007

Michael J. Radin recently gave a presentation at the New England Franchise Association (NEFA) Quarterly Meeting discussing recent legal and legislative developments affecting franchising and closely held businesses.

full story

August/September, 2007

September 1, 2007

Robert Kerwin recently appointed Co-Chair of the Business Law Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association for 2007-2008

Friday, June 22, 2007

Congratulations to Robert Kerwin who was recently appointed Co-Chair of the Business Law Section Council of the Massachusetts Bar Association for 2007-2008. As Co-Chair, Rob will preside together with Attorney Peter McDermott over monthly meetings of the Section Council and will serve as a member of the House of Delegates.

full story

Al DeNapoli wins re-election as a Selectman for the Town of Walpole

Friday, June 08, 2007

Congratulations to Al DeNapoli who was re-elected to his second three-year term as a Selectman for the Town of Walpole. Al was the top vote-getter in the election and was elected by the Board to be Chairman for the next year.

full story

Al DeNapoli spotlighted in bestseller, "The Boston Italians," by Stephen Puleo

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Al DeNapoli is spotlighted in a recently published book entitled "The Boston Italians" by well-known author Stephen Puleo. The book tells the story of the Boston Italians from the early years in Boston as they battled poverty, illiteracy and prejudice, explains their transformation into Italian - Americans during the Depression and WWII, and chronicles their history in Boston up to the present day.

full story

Crescent Ridge Dairy The family-owned, third-generation Crescent Ridge Dairy of Sharon, Massachusetts wins Family Business Award.

Saturday, May 26, 2007

Sharon, MA, United States, 05/26/2007 – “We’re positively thrilled to win this award—especially against such esteemed family businesses as The Beal Companies (bealco.com) and Vita Needle

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Named 2007 Rising Stars

Saturday, April 07, 2007

Five attorneys from Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. are recognized as 2007 "Rising Stars" by Boston Magazine's Super Lawyers. Associates John D. Finnegan, Perry Ganz, Karen L. McKenna, Melissa A. Potvin and Jennifer C. Roman were chosen by their peers to receive this notable recognition. This is the third consecutive year that John Finnegan has been selected.

full story

Massachusetts Family Business Award Featured in BBJ

Thursday, February 15, 2007

Congratulations to Edward Tarlow on his efforts to help create the first annual Massachusetts Family Business Awards Program. The new award, sponsored by the Northeastern University Center for Family Business and the Family Firm Institute - New England Chapter, Inc., was featured in a recent Boston Business Journal article entitled "Family-owned biz awards to honor excellence.

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Sponsors 2007 SBANE Innovation Awards

Tuesday, January 30, 2007

We are proud to be a sponsor of the 2007 SBANE (Smaller Business Association of new England) Innovation Awards. The Award recognizes companies that have distinguished themselves by transforming ideas into innovative products or services.

full story

Rob Kerwin and Jennifer Roman Participate in MBA Conference

Monday, January 29, 2007

Rob Kerwin, co-chair of the Massachusetts Bar Association's Fourth Annual In-House Counsel Conference held on December 12, 2006, participated in a panel presentation on the "Relationship between a company and its auditors".

full story

Arbitration Clauses: Will They Work for You? By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

To avoid costly and many times slower proceedings in our court systems, alternative dispute resolution provisions in contracts and sometimes as independent agreements have become very popular. Unfortunately, however, as these provisions have become more popular, they have become more complicated

full story

Borrower Beware: Manage Your Exposure in an Uncertain Real Estate Market By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Given the uncertainty of the 2007 real estate market, now might be a good time for business owners and developers with real estate mortgages to double check their mortgage covenants to see what obligations they might face should property values deteriorate. In a strong market

full story

Eleven Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Named 2006 Massachusetts Super Lawyers

Tuesday, December 26, 2006

Eleven Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers lawyers have been named as among the best lawyers in Massachusetts. Partners Edward D. Tarlow, Richard P. Breed, III, Jeffrey P. Hart, William R. Rodgers, Mark S. Furman, Robert J. Kerwin, Geoffrey E. Norman, Albert A. DeNapoli, Stephen Kutenplon, Kerry T. Ryan and of counsel John D. Stuebing were recently recognized in Boston magazine as "Massachusetts Super Lawyers," the best attorneys in Massachusetts.

full story

Two Tarlow Breed Attorneys to Present at Fourth Annual In-House Compliance Program for the Massachusetts Bar Association

Tuesday, December 12, 2006

Robert Kerwin and Jennifer Roman will be presenters at the Fourth Annual In-House Compliance Program for the Massachusetts Bar Association on December 12, 2006. Their presentation is on the new electronic discovery rules and developments in that area. Discussion will include the obligations of a party when it comes to electronic discovery

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers PC is proud to sponsor the 2006 Family Firm Institute 20th Anniversary Conference being held at The Fairmont San Francisco in California

Wednesday, October 25, 2006

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers PC is proud to sponsor the 2006 Family Firm Institute 20th Anniversary Conference being held at The Fairmont San Francisco in California

full story

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers is a Gold Sponsor of the 2007 Massachusetts Family Business Awards

Tuesday, October 17, 2006

The Boston law firm of Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the first Massachusetts Family Business Awards Program.

full story

Al DeNapoli and Michael Radin publish an article for Hotel Business Review - Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise's Good Name (PDF)

Monday, October 16, 2006

Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise’s Good Name By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq., Partner, Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

full story

Two Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers Attorneys Attend the 2006 ABA Forum on Franchising

Monday, October 16, 2006

Al DeNapoli and Michael Radin attended the 2006 ABA Forum on Franchising which was held this year in Boston at the Westin Hotel. The ABA Forum on Franchising is a group focused on the issues facing businesses that distribute goods and services. Each year, the forum devotes half a day to a charity that is local to the host city.

full story

Kerry Ryan Speaks at Fall ASFE Meeting

Monday, October 16, 2006

In October, 2006, Kerry Ryan spoke at the Fall ASFE Meeting in Chicago. Kerry's topic was "Information Technology Risk Identification and Mitigation" and explored both the risks and benefits of technology for the engineering community.

full story

Strategies for Brand Protection During Retraction (PDF) By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Monday, October 16, 2006

Strategies for Brand Protection During Retraction (PDF)

full story

When "irrevocable" doesn't really mean irrevocable By Perry Ganz, Esq.

Monday, September 04, 2006

At the time, it seemed an appropriate estate planning strategy: purchase life insurance; set up an Irrevocable Life Insurance Trust ("ILIT"); name trusted friends and advisors, John and Jane, as co-Trustees; and following the insured's death, authorize the Trustees to make outright distributions of principal to the children at ages 25, 30 and 35. But that was 1986 and this is 2006.

full story

Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise's Good Name (PDF) By Albert A. DeNapoli, Esq. and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Tuesday, August 15, 2006

Liquidated Damages: Protecting Your Franchise's Good Name (PDF)

full story

Jeffrey Hart & Robert Kerwin to speak at a Massachusetts Bar Association Seminar: Current Developments in the Law for In-house Counsel

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Jeff Hart and Rob Kerwin will be presenters for a Business Law Seminar entitled "Current Developments in the Law for In-House Counsel" sponsored by Business Law and co-sponsored by The American Corporate Counsel Association and Federal Communications Bar Association.

full story

Massachusetts Restaurant Association recognizes the work of Al DeNapoli at the 2006 New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition

Thursday, May 18, 2006

Massachusetts Restaurant Association recognizes the work of Al DeNapoli at the 2006 New England Foodservice & Lodging Exposition

full story

Perry Ganz to Speak at American Cancer Society Event

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

On May 16, 2006, Perry Ganz will be speaking at the American Cancer Society event "Celebrating Progress: 60 Years of Research." Mr. Ganz will be addressing the topic of "Avoiding Involuntary Philanthropy: How you can preserve your assets for your heirs and beneficiaries of YOUR choosing."

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is proud to sponsor Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts, Inc. programs.

Tuesday, May 16, 2006

Tarlow, Breed, Hart & Rodgers, P.C. is proud to sponsor the Associated General Contractors (AGC) of Massachusetts, Inc. programs on "Measuring Construction Productivity," "Winning the War on Talent" and "Do Owner-Client Relationships Still Matter?" The programs are designed for executives in the construction industry and are being held May 16 and 17, 2006 at the Blue Hill Country Club, Canton, Massachusetts.

full story

Robert Kerwin and Michael Radin Speak at the 14th IAMERS Annual Meeting

Saturday, April 29, 2006

A good document retention policy will save your business time and money. After the Arthur Andersen meltdown, Congress and the Securities Exchange Commission created laws making it a crime (including obstruction of justice) for public companies to destroy records, even if there are no pending proceedings. Protecting your company and its directors, officers and employees now requires that document retention policies be formalized and complied with before litigation arises. This is particularly important with electronic "documents."

full story

Electronic Document Retention: The Basics By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq.and Michael J. Radin, Esq.

Saturday, April 29, 2006

A good document retention policy will save your business time and money. After the Arthur Andersen meltdown, Congress and the Securities Exchange Commission created laws making it a crime (including obstruction of justice) for public companies to destroy records, even if there are no pending proceedings.

full story

One Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers Attorney Named 2006 Rising Star

Thursday, April 20, 2006

One attorney from Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers, P.C. was recently recognized as a "Rising Star" in Boston Magazine, associate John D. Finnegan. This is the second consecutive year John has been recognized as a Rising Star.

full story

Deferred Executive Compensation Faces Accelerated Taxes By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq. and Perry Ganz, Esq.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Nobody wants to pay income taxes on compensation they have not yet received. But many executives who are entitled to receive deferred compensation from their employers may soon have to do just that. The problem was created by new Section 409A which was added to the tax law by the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004.

full story

Family Businesses (PDF) An Interview with Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Sunday, April 16, 2006

Family Businesses (PDF)

full story

Tarlow Breed Hart & Rodgers an exhibitor at the 2006 Northeast Foodservice & Lodging Exposition

Sunday, April 09, 2006

The Northeast Foodservice & Lodging Exposition & Conference, the premier foodservice industry event in New England, provides a forum for the entire foodservice industry to connect with existing customers, launch new products, meet new buyers, evaluate trends and discover what is new in foodservice technology.

full story

Use of Condominium Form of Ownership can Facilitate Creative Development By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Thursday, March 16, 2006

Use of the condominium form of ownership can be a creative solution for problematic real estate development. A typical condominium regime vests ownership of a "unit" in the owner, and the places ownership of the common elements in a unit owners association. This arrangement can, in some cases, be employed when developing real estate by subdivision is problematic.

full story

John Blake named a Member of the Firm

Wednesday, February 01, 2006

Congratulations to John R. Blake, Jr. who became a Member of the Firm on January 1, 2006. John is an integral part of the Firm's Real Estate Group. His practice includes the acquisition/disposition of commercial real estate, commercial lending (both real estate and asset-based), commercial leasing, banking, environmental and land use law. John has represented both lenders and borrowers in commercial lending transactions, as well as developers of both residential and commercial real estate in Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

full story

Albert DeNapoli Appointed to the National Editorial Board of Hotel Business Review

Monday, January 30, 2006

Congratulations to Al DeNapoli who has been appointed to the National Editorial Board of Hotel Business Review. Hotel Business Review is an electronic newsletter recognized as one of the nation's leading hospitality industry news sources and serves more than 60,000 hospitality industry professionals through its website hotelexecutive.com.

full story

Review Lease Provisions to Make Sure They Address Big-Box Retail Issues By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Tuesday, August 16, 2005

The trend in retail toward big-box retainers presents several particular concerns for landlords in crafting leases. The size and configuration of a big-box retailers' space require the landlord to pay special attention to the lease provisions dealing with the tenant's operations and tenant turnover.

full story

By Addressing Third-Party Concerns Early On in Your Lease Negotiations, You Will Minimize Delays By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, June 24, 2005

When negotiating a lease, due consideration must be given to a prospective lender's and purchaser's objectives regarding the lease. Whether the lease is for retail, office or industrial space, at some point during the course of financing the property, or upon the ultimate disposition of the property, a third-party will want to hear from your lessee.

full story

Five Things You Need to Know about Buying or Selling an RFID System By Michael J. Radin, Es

Monday, June 13, 2005

RFID systems offer tremendous opportunities for businesses that have a clearly defined mission for the system. It is vital to have clear and realistic targets for the system, as well as a detailed understanding of its larger operating environment as it may evolve over time.

full story

Winds of Change are Blowing in the Banking Industry: Check Processing Overhaul Expected By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, February 11, 2005

As we hunker down to ride-out the winter doldrums, now might be a good time to review your banking cash management procedures, especially in light of a recent changes to the banking system intended to overhaul the way paper checks are processed.

full story

Reading the Fine Print: Standardized contracts ease purchase agreements By Robert J. Kerwin, Esq. and John D. Finnegan, Esq.

Thursday, December 16, 2004

Using standardized contracts in business is not a new concept. Although this notion is not a particularly innovative one, contract standardization has proved an invaluable resource in streamlining transactions while maximizing the legal protection for all parties involved.

full story

Estate Planning for Family Owned Businesses and LLCs (PDF) By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq. and Karen L. McKenna, Esq.

Thursday, September 16, 2004

Estate Planning for Family Owned Businesses and LLCs (PDF)

full story

Is Repeal Real? (And What To Do In The Meantime) By Richard P. Breed, III

Monday, August 16, 2004

By Richard P. Breed, III The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 ("EGTRRA"), in addition to its well-publicized income tax relief for many taxpayers, repeals the federal estate tax for persons dying in 2010.

full story

New Tax Bill Enhances Section 529 College Savings Plans By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Monday, August 16, 2004

The Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA), signed by the President earlier this summer, received much fanfare for its income tax rate reductions, marriage penalty relief and phased-out elimination of the estate tax.

full story

Protect Your Real Estate Project in a Rising Interest Rate Environment By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Wednesday, June 16, 2004

With the expected rise in interest rates looming, the cost of real estate projects will be more closely scrutinized. Perhaps the most critical factor in the cost equation with respect to interest rates is time. Identifying possible sources of delays and working to minimize the risks of delays maximizes the project proponent's chances of taking advantage of lower interest rates.

full story

Avoid Lender-Contractor Conflicts in the Construction Process By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, December 12, 2003

Financing a construction project presents a myriad of issues for the owner. In fact, it requires the owner to negotiate separate contracts with two parties that have differing, and possibly conflicting, objectives.

full story

Trusts as Real Estate Holding Entities in Estate Planning Can Yield Benefits During a Lifetime By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq

Friday, May 30, 2003

When property owners turn their attention to estate planning, a review of their real estate holdings and the manner in which title to their properties is held can yield beneficial results not only in terms of avoiding probate or succession planning, but also in terms of a present benefit from changing the manner in which title is held to a more advantageous form.

full story

Realizing Value out of Business Conflict By Mark S. Furman, Esq. and William R. Rodgers, Esq.

Monday, December 16, 2002

For as long as there has been business, there has been conflict between owners. While a robust conflict of ideas can lead to constant improvement, systemic conflict can be destructive to an operating business.

full story

New Tax Strategy Can Eliminate 10.5% Mass Financial Institution Excise Tax By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq

Wednesday, October 16, 2002

A tax ruling was just released in Massachusetts that accepts an innovative tax strategy that can eliminate the 10.5% financial institution excise tax now imposed on many mortgage companies.

full story

Planning to avoid the Massachusetts "Sting Tax" on Large S Corporations By Jeffrey Hart, Esq.

Tuesday, July 16, 2002

Massachusetts imposes a corporate tax at a rate of 3% - 4.5% on taxable income of S corporations such as XYZ with more than $6 million of gross receipts. Under Massachusetts regulations, a Massachusetts Business Trust (or corporate trust) that is an S corporation for federal income tax purposes does not qualify for treatment as an S corporation in Massachusetts and is, therefore, not subject to the special Massachusetts tax on large corporations.

full story

R.E. Orgs. Become Active in Lobbying Legislatures to Avoid Cutting Budgets (PDF) By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Friday, June 21, 2002

R.E. Orgs. Become Active in Lobbying Legislatures to Avoid Cutting Budgets (PDF)

full story

You, Your Estate Plan, and Your Pet (PDF) By Edward Tarlow, Esq

Monday, April 15, 2002

You, Your Estate Plan, and Your Pet (PDF)

full story

New Chapter 14 Rules Affect Buy-Sell Agreements By Richard P. Breed, III, Esq.

Friday, November 16, 2001

On November 5, 1990 Congress enacted the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990 ("OBRA"). Included within the myriad provisions of OBRA was Section 11601 which retroactively repealed the "estate freeze" provisions of Section 2036(c) of the Code which, of course, had caused great concern to estate planners and their closely-held business clients since its introduction in late 1987.

full story

Creative Succession Planning for Managing and Owning the Family Business By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq., Richard P. Breed, III, Esq., Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Tuesday, October 16, 2001

Owners of closely-held businesses require guidance from their business advisors to ensure continuity of management and ownership in succeeding generations during the life cycle of the business. Entrusting the management of the business to the proper person(s) may determine the ultimate success or failure of the enterprise.

full story

Estate Planning 101: Wills, Trusts and Estate Tax Planning - Two Case Studies By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Sunday, September 16, 2001

Thinking about updating your estate plan? Whether due to the birth of a child, the death of a friend, reaching retirement, the sale of your business, reaching a certain age, or hitting the lottery, whatever the reason, most people eventually decide to see a lawyer about preparing a Will or updating their old one.

full story

SERP Swaps - Tipping the Scale in Favor of Tax Savings by Integrating a Split-Dollar Policy with a SERP By Jeffrey P. Hart, Esq.

Thursday, August 16, 2001

With the surging growth of our economy, many executives are now finding themselves in a position of having either fully funded, or over funded, their anticipated retirement needs using various retirement vehicles, including qualified defined benefit plans and defined contribution plans, individual retirement accounts, and non-qualified deferred compensation plans.

full story

Useful Techniques in the Governance of Family Businesses By Edward D. Tarlow, Esq.

Monday, July 16, 2001

All corporations experience development cycles that are affected not only by their market area and the prevailing economic climate, but also by the personalities of the directors, officers and shareholders. This is especially true for closely-held corporations and, in particular, for family businesses. In the family business setting, the level of formality is often dictated by what stage of development the business has reached.

full story

Strengthening the Underwriter-Agent Relationship By John R. Blake, Esq.

Friday, June 22, 2001

This year has brought much economic uncertainty. Lenders and borrowers alike struggle to determine whether the real estate market is weakening. Curiously, however, mortgage rates are low, encouraging a large amount of refinancing. In a similar fashion, the title insurance market has been in flux.

full story

Registered Land Owners Find Relief in New Legislation By John R. Blake, Jr., Esq.

Wednesday, May 16, 2001

On January 12, 2001, Acting Governor Jane Swift signed into law legislation supported by both lawyers and Land Court judges which can provide significant economic relief for the owners of registered land, by allowing them to withdraw their property from the registered land system (also known as the Torrens system).

full story