Dorothy’s practice focuses on trusts and estates, real estate, and business and corporate law. She works with clients in preparing wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. Dorothy makes recommendations and implements strategies based on her review of the client’s assets, circumstances and personal desires. She counsels clients on the probate process, trust administration and the administration of assets upon one’s death.

In her real estate practice, Dorothy has experience in all areas of residential and commercial transactions. She also advises business owners in the formation, organization and management of business entities.

Prior to joining the firm in 2003, Dorothy practiced in both Miami and Milwaukee.

Personal

Dorothy has been a runner for many years and has completed 24 marathons. She loves spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as traveling.

Representative Experience

  • Representation of individuals in design of wealth transfer plans, including lifetime and testamentary transfers
  • Representation of individuals in the formation and reorganization of family businesses (corporate, partnership, and limited liability company) to achieve family wealth transfer objectives
  • Representation of individuals in the design of trusts benefiting family members
  • Representation of individuals in the design of private philanthropy
  • Representation of individuals and entities in construction and modification actions for wills and trusts
  • Advise individual clients on transfer tax reduction, probate avoidance, and post-mortem planning with disclaimers and elections
  • Representation of individuals in the formation of business entities and provide counsel regarding various business issues
  • Representation of individuals and businesses with respect to real estate matters, including purchase and sale of properties or businesses, easement matters, and title matters
  • Associate, Quarles & Brady LLP, Milwaukee, 1990-1993
  • Associate, Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Miami, 1988-1990
  • Florida Licensed Professional Engineer, Retired

Education

  • J.D., magna cum laude, University of Miami School of Law, 1988
  • B.S.E., University of Florida, Environmental Engineering, 1980

Bar Admissions

09/23/1988

Awards & Recognition

  •  AV Preeminent® Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

Memberships

  • Member, The Florida Bar
  • Member, Grievance Committee, The Florida Bar
  • Member (Inactive), State Bar of Wisconsin
  • Admitted to practice: U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida, All Florida State Courts
  • Past President, South County Division, Sarasota County Bar Association
  • Member, Charlotte County Bar Association
  • Member, Charlotte County Estate and Tax Planning Council
  • Member, Venice Area Estate and Tax Planning Council
  • Affiliate Member, Englewood Area Board of REALTORS®
  • Member, Englewood Women’s Council of REALTORS®
  • Member and Former Vice President, Englewood-Venice Business and Professional Women’s Group
  • Past Program Attorney, Guardian ad Litem

Community Involvement

  • Board Chair, YMCA of SW Florida
  • Past Board Chair, State College of Florida Foundation
  • Past Chair, Englewood United Methodist Church Finance Committee
  • Past Board Chair, Gulf Coast Community Foundation of Venice

Personal

Dorothy has been a runner for many years and has completed 24 marathons. She loves spending time with her husband, children, and grandchildren, as well as traveling.