History
I graduated from college in 1975 with a degree in accounting, and was hired by the then-largest CPA firm in the world, and got my CPA certificate in 1977. After several years and a lot of valuable learning there, I moved back to my home town of Santa Rosa, and joined a large local CPA firm, when I led the accounting and auditing practice. In 1982 I left the local firm to start my own practice, concentrating on consulting and advice and on long-term high-quality clients. I went to law school at night, completing a 4-year program in 3 years, in 1999 and passed the Bar Exam, on my first attempt, also in 1999. In 2001 I added law to my existing CPA practice, and have continued to provide the highest quality professional services to a select group of clients.
Specialties
I am licensed as both a CPA and an attorney in California. I provide consultation and advice on: business transactions - (purchases, sales, mergers, split-ups, profitability, entity formation), real estate transactions, contracts and leases; estate planning - (wills, trusts, probate) and administration; income and estate tax planning and representation, and return preparation. I have practiced accounting for 44 years, and law for 18 years. My average client has been with me for 20 to 30 years and uses my services in a variety of the areas listed above. Since my services are customized to the client, I get to know my clients personally and many become friends. I insist on periodic face-to-face contact with all clients, plus frequent contact by phone, e-mail, etc. This results in good communication, few emergencies, and happy clients. My hourly rate is $400 for most things, although some extremely complex matters require a higher rate, and I periodically discount my rate 10% or more, depending on the circumstances and my relationship with the client. Most of my work is done on a retainer basis, especially for new clients. I an a native of Santa Rosa, involved in community affairs, and have a strong network of other professionals who send me clients and to whom I refer clients. So I am very successful in getting things done locally.