Robert L. Lane, Of Counsel

Bob has a wealth of experience representing businesses from inception to becoming major giants in the business community. This starts with formation, setting up ownership, operational details, buy-sell agreements, employment agreements, leases and deferred compensation plans. All aspects are examined with continued recommendations.

Bob's business representation includes manufacturing, construction and management services. He also represents professional entities in accounting, law and medicine, from small groups to hospital based service groups in emergency medicine and hospitalists.

As a Certified Tax Specialist with the Arizona State Bar, Bob believes that tax planning is vital to the owners so that they can retain as much of the income as possible for working capital or distributions. Picking the perfect tax entity and tax election is essential when considering corporations, limited companies or partnerships.

Bob has always had an extensive estate planning practice which is necessary to protect the family and provide for proper succession and distributions. Many estate planning devices allow for gifts to children or charities and provide asset protection in the event of third-party lawsuits. The use of gift trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts, special needs trusts and charitable remainder trusts are often recommended in specific situations. Probate avoidance is essential but sometimes probate is necessary along with the administration of the estates.

Bob works closely with other professionals such as accountants and financial advisers outside of the Firm, and experts within B&C in real estate and employment law.

Education

• JD, Kent College of Law, Chicago, IL
• BBA in Business Administration and Accounting, University of Michigan

Admissions

• Arizona
• Illinois
• Michigan
• United States Tax Court
• United States Supreme Court

Practice Areas

• Business & Corporate Law
• Succession Planning for Businesses
• Estate & Wealth Preservation Planning
• Taxation and Tax Controversy
• Real Estate Investments
• Asset Protection

Areas of Concentration

• Corporate Representation
• Employment Agreements
• Buy-Sell Agreements
• Tax Structuring
• Corporate Finance
• Medical and Health Care Law
• Estate and Gift Tax Planning
• Probate and Estate Administration
• Trust Administration
• Wills and Trusts
• Employment Law
• Real Estate Law

Honors & Awards

• Martindale-Hubbell 5.0 Preeminent Attorney

Professional Leadership

• Certified Specialist in Tax Law, State Bar of Arizona
• Former Chairman, Tax Section, State Bar of Arizona
• Former Director & Speaker, Central Arizona Estate Planning Council
• Instructor in Estate Taxes at DePaul University Law School
• Instructor for IRS for Income and Estate Taxes

Professional Affiliations

• State Bar of Arizona
• American Bar Association