Phil has practiced law since 1987. He has a Masters of Law in Taxation degree. He also served as an adjunct professor at Capital Law School and taught their LL.M. Program on estate planning. His main experience is in the area of estate planning, especially focusing on high end tax planning for families with a net worth in excess of $3 million. This planning includes everything from basic wills to complex trusts of all types and often includes specialized tax and/or creditor protection planning. He is also well versed in setting up irrevocable and charitable trusts and family foundations for those clients with charitable desires.

Another significant part of Phil’s practice is handling probate estates. Along with Becker & Lilly’s paralegals, Beth Leyda and Nancy Forman, he handles all sizes of probate estates and has considerable expertise in federal estate, gift, and trust tax returns.

In addition, he also prosecutes trademark and copyright applications to help protect intellectual property for our clients.

In the business and corporate areas, Phil assists clients in establishing partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations. He likewise consults with and advises clients on various business and tax matters and is adept at drafting buy-sell agreements, business acquisition and sale documents, employment, compensation and non-compete documents, as well as employee handbooks and whatever is necessary for business and corporate clients. He also counsels clients in franchise opportunities and has represented numerous franchisees over the years.

Phil prides himself with dealing with clients on an individual basis. He strives to ensure that whatever is done for that client is individually tailored to that client’s specific needs.

ADMITTED TO PRACTICE

Ohio 1987
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. District Court – Southern District of Ohio

PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

American Bar Association

Ohio State Bar Association

Columbus Bar Association, Estate and Gift Tax Committee, Chairman 1995-1997

Columbus Tax Conference, Chairman 1998

PREVIOUS COMMUNITY ENDEAVORS

First City Bank, Board of Directors

Western Ohio Chapter of the ALS Foundation (Lou Gehrig’s Disease), Board of Trustees

Capital University Law School, Adjunct Professor teaching a course entitled, “Estate Planning Practicum”

HONORS

Martindale-Hubbell Highest Rating (AV) (20+ years)

The Best Lawyers in America, 2005-present

Listed in Ohio Super Lawyers

EDUCATION

B.S., Shepherd College, 1984 magna cum laude

J.D., Capital University Law School, 1987, Law Review

LL.M. (Taxation), Capital University, 1992