Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for Estate Planning & Business Law Solutions
Founded in 1992 by David F. Grams, our firm was built on a commitment to delivering high-quality legal services in a client-focused environment. With prior experience at prominent law firms and a CPA firm, David established a practice dedicated to trusts & estates and business law, serving clients across Madison and western/central Wisconsin. Over two decades, we cultivated a reputation for excellence, mentoring future leaders like Eric Christoffersen, who now leads our team alongside attorney Bailey Lagman. Our practice remains narrowly focused on these core areas to ensure deep expertise and personalized service.We operate with integrity, treating all clients and partners with respect while prioritizing accessibility and long-term relationships. Our attorneys, including tax specialist Matthew Atkins, combine legal and financial acumen to address complex estate and business needs. We measure success by our clients' trust and loyalty, striving to be their lifelong legal advisors. Our principles of excellence, integrity, and service guide every decision, ensuring we meet the highest professional standards while remaining approachable and transparent.
Services
Trusts & Estates
Business Law
Estate Planning
Business Formation
Succession Planning
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We specialize exclusively in trusts & estates and business law for focused expertise
- Our team includes attorneys with advanced financial and tax knowledge
- We prioritize long-term client relationships over transactional interactions
- We maintain transparent, respectful communication with all clients
- Our practice combines large-firm capabilities with small-firm personalization
What people say
Excellent service
Knowledgeable attorneys
Caring professionals
Thorough guidance
5-star experience
Services
Trusts & Estates
We provide comprehensive trust and estate planning services to protect your assets and ensure your wishes are honored. Our attorneys help clients create wills, revocable trusts, and irrevocable eldercare trusts tailored to their unique family and financial situations. With expertise in Wisconsin-specific laws, we guide clients through complex estate matters while maintaining clear communication and personalized attention.
Business Law
Our business law practice supports companies through formation, contracts, and succession planning. We assist with entity selection, partnership agreements, and buy-sell arrangements while providing ongoing legal counsel to minimize risks. Our team understands the intersection of law and business operations, offering practical solutions that align with clients' strategic goals and regulatory requirements.
Estate Planning
We help individuals create customized estate plans including wills, powers of attorney, and healthcare directives. Our approach considers each client's family dynamics and financial objectives to develop plans that ensure proper asset distribution and decision-making authority. We specialize in making complex legal concepts accessible through clear explanations and step-by-step guidance.
Business Formation
We guide entrepreneurs through selecting and establishing appropriate business structures, including corporations, LLCs, and partnerships. Our services cover drafting operating agreements, bylaws, and shareholder documents while advising on tax implications and liability protection. We ensure proper formation documents align with clients' long-term business objectives and compliance requirements.
Succession Planning
We develop strategic succession plans to protect business owners' legacies through smooth ownership transitions. Our services include creating buy-sell agreements, developing exit strategies, and implementing continuity plans for family succession or third-party sales. We help preserve business value while addressing tax implications and operational continuity concerns.
People
Eric D. Christoffersen
Managing Shareholder
Eric Christoffersen leads the firm with expertise in trusts, estates, and business law. Mentored by founder David Grams, he provides personalized legal solutions while maintaining the firm's commitment to excellence and client service.
Bailey B. Lagman
Shareholder
Bailey Lagman specializes in estate planning and elder law, offering compassionate guidance through complex legal matters. She helps clients protect assets while explaining options in accessible terms that support informed decision-making.
David F. Grams
Founder
David Grams established the firm in 1992 after gaining experience at law firms and a CPA firm. His vision of personalized service continues through mentoring successors who maintain the practice's specialized focus.
Matthew R. Atkins
Tax Specialist
Matthew Atkins combines legal and tax expertise to address complex estate and business matters. His specialized knowledge helps clients navigate intricate tax considerations within estate and business planning contexts.
Kyla Kowalski
Legal Assistant
Kyla Kowalski supports the legal team with administrative expertise, ensuring smooth client communication and efficient case management while maintaining professional standards in all firm operations.
Questions
What areas of law do you specialize in?
We focus exclusively on trusts & estates and business law, providing specialized expertise in estate planning, business transactions, and succession strategies.
Do you serve clients outside Madison?
Yes, we serve clients throughout western and central Wisconsin, including Dane, Columbia, Sauk, and Rock counties from multiple office locations.
How does your estate planning process work?
We begin with a detailed questionnaire, followed by personalized consultations to create customized plans using wills, trusts, and other appropriate legal instruments.
What business law services do you offer?
We handle business formation, contracts, succession planning, partnership agreements, and ongoing legal counsel to protect commercial interests at every stage.
How can I schedule a consultation?
Contact us via phone or email to discuss your needs and arrange an appointment at our Madison office or other convenient Wisconsin locations.
Are your attorneys licensed in Wisconsin?
All our attorneys hold active Wisconsin bar licenses and maintain professional credentials through continuing legal education programs.
