Bonnie J. Lawless

Bonnie J. Lawless has been practicing law in the DC metropolitan area for more than 30 years. She is a recognized expert in the field of estate and business planning for individuals, small businesses and exempt organizations with a focus on tax issues. She has extensive experience before both the estate tax audit and the collection divisions of the Internal Revenue Service. In addition to administration of estates in Maryland and the District of Columbia, Bonnie has managed, through contract or court appointment, assets and estates of the elderly and the disabled. She has served, or been nominated to serve, as trustee of both inter-vivos and testamentary trusts, and has represented estates, heirs and beneficiaries in various matters and disputes. She has served, or been nominated to serve, as trustee of both inter-vivos and testamentary trusts. She has represented estates, heirs and beneficiaries in various matters and disputes including complicated post-mortem matters, in litigation, and before the Internal Revenue Service.

Bonnie has structured plans and drafted documents for clients with closely-held business interests, extensive real estate interests, multi-state and international assets including property in community property states, intellectual property interests, and substantial deferred compensation plans. She has drafted inter-vivos and testamentary trusts for U.S. and foreign spouses, client asset protection, minors, disabled adults, and charities.

Bonnie’s business planning practice includes representing numerous small businesses in connection with business organization or re-organization and dissolution. She has served, and continue to serve, as outside general counsel for several local businesses.

Bonnie is the author of "Estate Planning Using Trusts," a volume in the RIA business planning series.

Bar Admission:
Maryland
District of Columbia

Education:
The George Washington University Law School, JD, Order of the Coif
The George Washington University Law School, LL.M Taxation
California State University, Fullerton, BA

Contact:
One Dudley Court
Bethesda MD, 20814
Phone: 301.530.8800
Fax: 301.530.6303
bjlawless@vesperlawless.com