The legal world can be very impersonal and quick to lose sight of the ultimate goal: a happy client. For L. Howard Payne, co-owner of the Payne Law Group in Sarasota, Fla., the primary objective is to make sure that client is comfortable. “We try to put the client’s interest first, and we respect the client and our fellow lawyers.”
The firm, which focuses on tax law, formed in 2005 when Payne decided that the larger firm he worked for was too rigid in its methodology. Today, Payne shares ownership of his independent firm with his son David. He stays sharp by attending multiple seminars every year and brainstorming ideas to generate savings for clients. Adaptability is paramount, since tax law is particularly unpredictable as legislation changes. “No tax lawyer sleeps soundly while Congress is in session,” he said.
For Payne, the biggest problem with today’s legal system is that greed often supersedes justice. He sees the problem affecting young lawyers mired down by heavy debts from college and law school. “They are extremely money-driven, and their first concept when they get a case is ‘How can I make the most money out of it?’ instead of ‘How can I resolve it for the least expense to my client?’” he said.
Payne has a focus in the areas of transfer tax, income tax and tax controversies. Although he says the field does not generally yield high-profile cases, notoriety and large settlements aren’t his objective. “Frankly to the client, any penny we can save is important to them,” he said.
www.thepaynelawgroup.com
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