Karl L. Chen
Your Estate Planning and Business Succession Lawyer
Unique and Unconventional
For nearly thirty years, I've cultivated a rich and diverse legal career, beginning with a focus on securities law and corporate compliance for seventeen years. During this time, I honed my skills in navigating the complexities of financial regulations and transactions, ensuring compliance and protection for my corporate employers. Transitioning into a general practice for the subsequent thirteen years, I broadened my expertise across various legal domains, providing comprehensive counsel to individuals and businesses alike.
However, it was in the last five years that I found my true passion and calling in estate planning. Devoting my energy solely to this area, I've dedicated myself to guiding families through the intricate process of planning and managing their estates, offering tailored solutions to safeguard their legacies.
In addition to my legal practice, I've been actively involved in the legal community, particularly within the Estates and Trusts Section of the Maryland State Bar, as well as esteemed organizations such as the American Bar Association and the National Bar Association's Estate and Trust Sections. Serving in these capacities has not only allowed me to stay abreast of industry developments but also provided me with opportunities to contribute my insights and expertise to the legal community.
Beyond professional circles, I am committed to educating and empowering the community on matters of estate planning and administration. Through seminars and workshops, I strive to demystify complex legal concepts, equipping individuals with the knowledge and tools they need to make informed decisions about their estates. This dual commitment to legal excellence and community engagement defines my approach to practicing law, ensuring that I not only serve my clients' needs but also contribute positively to the wider community.
- University of Baltimore School of Law
- J.D. (1994)
- Editor in Chief, University of Baltimore School of Law – Law Forum
- Ohio University
- B.B.A. (1985) | Finance
- Managing Attorney
- CHEN Law, LLC
- - Current
- Estate Planning and Business Succession Planning
- Senior Counsel
- Towers Watson & Co. (f/k/a Watson Wyatt Worldwide)
- -
- Corporate Attorney responsible for securities reporting and compliance for publicly-traded company and lead counsel for investment adviser division. Served as part of the M&A team in the $3.5 billion merger of Towers Perrin and Watson Wyatt Worldwide.
- Associate General Counsel Securities Compliance
- Fannie Mae
- -
- Developed, Implemented and Monitored Compliance Plans for several business units within Fannie Mae.
- Special Counsel
- Nextel Communications, Inc.
- -
- Corporate Attorney handling securities reporting and compliance, transactional, marketing and advertising matters.
- Attorney-Adviser
- U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission
- -
- Attorney in the Division of Corporation Finance with responsibility of review of IPOs, M&A, shareholder proposals, proxy statement reviews and providing comments to registrants and their respective counsels to ensure disclosure conformed with securities rules and regulations.
- DC Bar Association
- Member
- Current
- National Bar Association
- Member
- Current
- American Bar Association
- Member
- Current
- Association of Black Estate Planning Professionals
- Member
- Current
- Anne Arundel County Estate Planning Council
- Member
- - Current
- District of Columbia
- District of Columbia Bar
- Maryland
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Free Consultation
We offer a FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION regarding all matters we handle. For planning consultation sessions fee is $350/estate planning and probate and $450/business for up to 1 hour. Fee is applied toward any legal work that firm is hired to perform. - Credit Cards Accepted
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Probate
- Probate Administration
- English: Spoken, Written