The law firm of McLane Middleton, Professional Association is pleased to announce that the firm received a Band 1 ranking in Chambers’ High Net Worth Guide – Private Wealth Law section. In addition, attorneys Alexandra T. Breed, Steven M. Burke, Christopher R. Paul, Robert A. Wells, and William V.A. Zorn received individual rankings.
On the firm’s Band 1 (highest) rank, the Guide comments: “McLane Middleton’s private client practice has a fantastic reputation in the New Hampshire market. One interviewee praises the firm’s ‘terrific strength across the board.’ Another agrees: ‘McLane’s strength is its deep bench of experienced attorneys.’ The firm can provide assistance with wealth transfer and business succession matters, and the team regularly represents clients in probate litigation. ‘The firm has some of the most highly respected and well thought-of professionals in New England,’ enthuses a source. A commentator adds: ‘They are a very sophisticated group that has a broad set of capabilities. It is one of the best full-service trust and estate departments of any full-service firm.’ A local attorney notes: ‘For as long as I can remember, McLane Middleton has been the powerhouse in the state of New Hampshire.’”
Individuals are ranked by Chambers in bands from 1-6 with 1 being the highest possible ranking. The qualities on which rankings are assessed include technical legal ability, professional conduct, client service, commercial astuteness, diligence, commitment, and other qualities most valued by the client.
Steve Burke, Bob Wells and Bill Zorn were given Band 1 rankings, while Alexandra Breed and Chris Paul received Band 2 rankings.
According to the Guide:
“The ‘extremely knowledgeable’ Steven Burke advises affluent individuals, family offices and fiduciaries on wealth preservation and trusts and estates administration. Burke is also a licensed CPA and has particular expertise in tax planning, with a peer noting that ‘his forte is estate and gift taxes.’ An impressed client comments: ‘Steve differentiates himself from other attorneys by managing to simplify the most complex information with regularity.’ A wealth adviser adds that ‘he has the breadth and experience to boil everything down to find the right solution.’”
“Robert Wells wins praise for his extensive experience advising clients on estate planning matters. ‘To start with he is just an outstanding adviser,’ enthuses an interviewee, adding: ‘He has got to be one of the best, if not the best in the state of New Hampshire. His talents are his knowledge and his expertise, but it’s wrapped in a wonderful personality in how he presents his advice. He is a very sensitive guy. He is an excellent and trusted adviser.’ ‘He just has a great way about him. He is plain-spoken and a pragmatic resource for his clients, who rely on him in a significant way. He is proactive in his estate planning,’ reports an observer. Wells is also praised as ‘very collaborative, helpful and patient.’”
“William Zorn advises clients on tax, trusts and estates matters. ‘Bill is an excellent attorney and has a very strong tax background. He has a huge practice and he represents a lot of the wealthiest people in New Hampshire,’ notes a source. Zorn also heads the trusts and estates department at the firm. ‘He is as good as you get and his ability to be a neutral voice of reason is amazing,’ remarks an observer, adding: ‘His talents are a blend of deep, deep technical skills and an understanding of clients’ emotional needs.’”
“Alexandra Breed is regarded as an ‘excellent attorney’ and can provide assistance with wealth preservation, estate planning and charitable giving. Breed also has expertise in guardianships and conservation easements. ‘She is considered by her peers as one of the best professionals for complex family land matters,’ enthuses a wealth professional, adding: ‘She has just got a spark about her. She’s cheerful and yet direct with the clients and helps them understand a complex problem in simple terms.’ A observer adds: ‘I think she is outstanding. She’s very knowledgeable and responsive.’”
“Christopher Paul focuses his practice on estate planning and the administration of trusts and estates. ‘He has impressed me greatly and he consistently expresses an expertise in estate planning matters, including an awareness of upcoming changes in the law and how they may impact us,’ reports an interviewee, adding: ‘Chris is also very strategic in his recommendations and is able to predict issues and respond to them before they become problems. His work is thorough and on-point. He is enjoyable to work with, he has a wonderful demeanor and he’s able to express ideas in a way that makes sense to non-practitioners.’ A market insider praises him as ‘an excellent communicator and very down to earth.’”
Alexandra Breed can be reached in the firm’s Concord office at (603) 230-4417 or alexandra.breed@mclane.com.
Steve Burke can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1454 or steve.burke@mclane.com.
Chris Paul can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1335 or christopher.paul@mclane.com.
Bob Wells can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1307 or bob.wells@mclane.com.
Bill Zorn can be reached in the firm’s Manchester office at (603) 628-1340 or bill.zorn@mclane.com.