Burke Law Testimonial by Dave Westerman

Our company (and family) had reached a stalemate with regards to our succession plan. Being the younger generation, I wanted things to move faster whereas the senior generation was in no rush. So, for the first time, I was looking for an attorney to represent me and help “expedite” things. Judy suggested I call Jeff Warren of Burke, Warren, MacKay & Serritella, P.C.

Jeff listened as I told him the details of my story, and he asked questions until we were both comfortable and knew that he fully understood my situation. I was confident that Jeff would lay out a plan to bring a swift solution to the stalemate, and allow us to move forward.  But instead, Jeff told me something that I did not expect.

“Dave, this is going to be a process. You’re not going to have a deal tomorrow.” At first, I was disappointed at his comments, as it was not what I wanted to hear. But I had realized something in hearing him: he had done this before.

My situation was unique in many ways, to be sure.  But all the processes to arrive at a solution, which eventually included negotiations, valuations, term sheets, purchase agreements, leases, tax strategies, estate planning strategies, and last but not least, relationship management strategies, were ordinary work for Jeff and his team.

At the time of this writing, less than one week has passed since our company closed on a succession plan agreement that passes ownership to a third generation. I am happy to report that all parties were satisfied with the deal, and the family relationships are still intact (in fact, we had a nice lunch to celebrate!).

I’m especially grateful for Jeff’s efforts and the efforts of Jonathan, Rich, Rachel, Ricki, and all the other people at Burke Law.  As I look to the future, I’m comforted to now have a relationship with a “top-notch” lawyer and law firm.

-Dave Westerman, Carbit Paint




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