Biography

Karen has practiced for over 22 years in the areas of estate planning, probate, business and tax law.  She counsels individuals in the management and distribution of their property during their lifetime, at death and after death.  Karen also counsels business owners in the formation and operation of their businesses including the creation and implementation of succession plans to preserve the value of the business after death.  Karen’s previous experience as an independent business owner gives her an appreciation of the day-to-day concerns of business owners and the importance of having in place a plan to protect the business’ value and provide income to the owner during in retirement and to family members after the owner’s death.  Her initial years of practice focusing on the broad range of tax matters affecting individuals, estates, trusts, and businesses provide invaluable insights into the design of wealth transfer and succession plans for clients.  Karen’s experience in estate planning and estate and trust administration serves as a unique perspective in her representation of trustees, executors and beneficiaries in probate and trust litigation.

Karen frequently speaks to professional and client groups regarding estate planning, trust administration, business formation and business succession plans.  In 2007, 2008 and 2009, Karen was recognized by her peers as one of “Ohio’s Super Lawyers.”  Karen has been certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.  She is also a member of the Firm's Women's Professional Development Group.

Karen practiced in Dallas, Texas, from 1992 until 2004 when she returned to Cincinnati where she was raised and where most of her family resides.  Karen enjoys the smiles and laughter that she and her dog Rosie share with patients and residents at hospitals, nursing and retirement homes during their visits as members of a therapy pet organization.

Law School

J.D., magna cum laude, Indiana University School of Law, 1986
  -Order of the Coif
  -Indiana Law Journal, Managing Editor

Education

B.S., cum laude, Accounting, Butler University, 1983

Bar Admissions

State of Ohio
State of Texas
U.S. District Court, Southern District of Ohio
U.S. Tax Court
U.S. Court of Federal Claims

Affiliations

Ohio State Bar Association, Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law Section
Cincinnati Bar Association, Board of Trustees (2007 to present); Women Lawyers Committee, Chair (2007 to present); Estate Planning and Probate Committee
Cincinnati Estate Planning Council
Estate Planning Council of Northern Kentucky, Treasurer
State Bar of Texas