Practice & Clientele

Business Entities and Owners: Earl has represented and continues to represent many business entities and business owners in various matters including sales and acquisitions, initial entity formation, development of organizational structure, preparation, review and negotiation of contracts, commercial and consumer debt collection, and general advice and representation.

Real Estate Matters: Earl has represented and continues to represent clients in a variety of real estate matters, large and small, including sales and acquisitions, 1031 exchanges, leasing and development, and foreclosure and receivership matters.

Tax-Deferred Real Estate Exchanges (1031 Exchanges): Earl has represented many owners of commercial, agricultural and investment real estate in structuring and documenting tax-deferred exchange transactions under Section 1031 of the Internal Revenue Code, including forward and reverse exchanges and build-to-suit exchanges.

Professionals: Earl has represented a number of real estate, legal, medical and other professionals in connection with organizing their business under the applicable licensing laws, acquiring appropriate office facilities and/or expanding their business via acquisition.

Governmental Entities: As the former County Attorney, Earl advised the Whitley County Board of Commissioners and a variety of county departments and agencies with regard to their official duties and  represented the County in its dealings with other entities. He also formerly served as the attorney for the local planning department, and both the County’s and the City’s plan commission and board of zoning appeals. Earl continues to serve as the attorney for the Whitley County Drainage Board and the Whitley County, Indiana Solid Waste Management District.

Nonprofit Organizations: Earl helped organize the Whitley County Economic Development Corporation in 1992 and continued to represent the WCEDC until he became County Attorney in 2005. In addition, he has represented and continues to represent a number of other nonprofit organizations, including charitable, religious and educational organizations and homeowners’ associations. Earl’s representation of nonprofit organizations typically includes forming an Indiana nonprofit corporation, developing the organizational structure of the entity and/or obtaining tax-exempt status.

Individuals: Finally, Earl has always represented, and continues to represent, individuals and couples in estate planning matters, including Federal Estate Tax planning, wills and trusts, powers of attorney and health care directives.