The law firm of McLane Middleton, Professional Association is pleased to announce 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, Robert A. Wells, and William V.A. Zorn received individual rankings.
On the firm’s Band 1 (highest) rank, the Guide comments: “Sources praise the quality of estate planning work done at McLane Middleton, and the firm has strong working relationships with banks and wealth management firms in New England. ‘I’m very comfortable making a referral to them because of their depth,’ reports one wealth advisor. ‘I know my clients will be well served and their estate planning will be extremely well done.’ Another industry insider says that ‘their work has been exceptional; they are attentive, good at their response and thorough in their communication and services.’”
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, and Alexandra Breed received a Band 2 ranking.
According to the Guide, “Steven Burke ‘is one of the best tax attorneys in New Hampshire,’ says one source, adding: ‘He really knows his stuff.’ Burke is a CPA as well as an attorney. His clients include families, fiduciaries and individuals, and he often advises business owners on business succession and other matters. ‘His knowledge of business transition planning is, I would say, unsurpassed in New Hampshire,’ says an interviewee. Another describes Burke as ‘a consummate professional,’ continuing: ‘He has an extensive tax and legal background and he is a caring and trustworthy individual. His work is impeccable, he has a strong bedside manner which makes the clients feel comfortable, and he’s a good communicator and very accessible. He is certainly one of our go-to attorneys in T&E and really all legal matters.’”
The Guide states that “as well as trusts and estates work, Robert Wells has particular expertise in charitable planning and represents charitable organizations. Wells is highly regarded by lawyers and wealth managers alike. One source regards Wells as an ‘extremely experienced estate planning attorney’ who is ‘very well liked by his clients. He’s very thoughtful in his approach and knowledgeable.’ Another highlights ‘his knowledge of different strategies and ability to communicate that concisely,’ adding: ‘He covers the whole landscape of estate planning work.’ This interviewee also praises Wells’ work for charities, saying: ‘Bob is highly recognized in the non-profit area and provides that counsel at a level of excellence which is rare.’”
Regarding William Zorn, the Guide reads, “[He] is highly rated both for his technical expertise in tax matters and for his ability to apply this expertise to clients’ estate plans and wealth structures. ‘Bill has, and I think is recognized as having, the deepest and strongest understanding of New Hampshire as well as federal tax and estate matters,’ explains a local wealth professional. ‘In the HNW area my first point of contact is Bill Zorn,’ reveals another source, adding: ‘He’s a terrific attorney to work with – he’s knowledgeable, good at explaining complicated matters and good at listening to different points of view to come up with a final plan.’”
The Guide continues, “One source says Alexandra Breed provides ‘very capable and extremely competent estate work, particularly with respect to understanding family dynamics. She’s very easy to work with and very prompt and productive in terms of getting her work done in a timely manner.’”
This is the second year Chambers has included New Hampshire lawyers in this Guide.
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.
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.
To read full details from Chambers’ High Net Worth Guide, click here.