In today's legal environment, matching your needs with the correct firm is crucial to the successful outcome of your legal matters. Like so many other areas, in law, the pace of change can be overwhelming.

What follows is a brief description of the type of matters I successfully handle. I have made a solid commitment to these areas of the law so that I can assure you the best possible legal representation.

Estate Planning & Estate Administration- I handle matters which deal with the distribution of an individual's property at his or her death, taking into account wills, taxes, insurance, property, and trusts so as to gain maximum benefit of all laws and, at the same time, carrying out the person's wishes. Estate Administration includes the probate process as well as non-probate transfers of the deceased's assets. Probate is the court proceeding through which a will is proved to be valid and the estate of a decedent is administered. The process, generally, includes collecting a decedent's assets, liquidating liabilities, paying necessary taxes, and distribution of property to heirs. Individual state laws direct the probate court how to distribute the deceased's estate. State laws and procedures vary greatly, so, it is important to consult a firm with expertise in this area of the law to ensure that the deceased's assets are distributed correctly.

Asset Protection- I assist individuals and businesses that may be in a line of work that burdens them with exposure to potential lawsuits. Using traditional wills and trusts, and non-traditional strategies such as offshore banking, I develop a plan for the protection of assets in the event of a lawsuit or an adverse judgment.

Real Estate Law- I represent both commercial clients and individuals in all proceedings and transactions that deal with real property-land and the structures attached to it-including purchase and sale, construction, mortgages and foreclosures, leases, title examinations, quiet title actions, closings, and management. I routinely assist my business clients with commercial property acquisitions and leases.

Business and Commercial Law- I provide a wide variety of services to my business clients from assisting in selecting the type of organizational entity under which to operate, preparation of agreements, sale and purchase of businesses, obtaining financing and funding for business operations, and employee relations, to dissolution.

Business Organizations- The form of business chosen for a business entity potentially affects every aspect of its operations. I assist my clients in formation and business planning in deciding whether they want to operate as a closely held business, limited liability company, partnership, or corporation. I advise my clients about directors' and officers' liability, importing, exporting, dissolution, franchising, reorganization, trade association membership and activity, joint ventures, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, business successions, and shareholders' rights.

Contracts- I draft and monitor the execution of all manner of business and personal contracts. I represent clients in the resolution of contractual disputes, and litigate those disputes when necessary.

Securities Law- I assist clients, both individual and business, with public offerings and private placements, compliance with complex state and Federal laws and regulations, and in litigating arbitration claims against brokerage and investment firms accused of illegal conduct. Taxation - I represent individuals and commercial clients in matters with tax implications, identifying and addressing state and federal tax issues, structuring transactions in such a way as to minimize taxes and avoid inherent tax problems.

Family Law- In addition to helping families plan for the future, I assist them with immediate family crises. A divorce does not have to destroy your family. I have extensive experience guiding families through the difficult issues of child support, spousal maintenance, custody & visitation, and property division. I work hard to draft agreements that work with your family's particular circumstances. Although these arrangements are often reached in an amicable manner, sometimes it is important to have someone that is protecting you and your interests. Let my knowledge and experience work for you and your family.

Litigation and Appeals- I represent and advise clients on the litigation of disputes and the appeal of unfavorable decisions in civil and business law.

Please click on my contact page to send me an email or give me a call anytime.

Bernard H. Fishman
230 Park Avenue
New York City
Phone (212) 922-9191
Fax (212) 599-1759
Email bhflaw@verizon.net