Our People
Meet The Team
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Business Law
- J.W. Chris Chitty
- Thomas W. Cox
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Lawrence H. Freiman
- Robert H. Harris II
- Nathan T. Johns
- Audrey S. Jouve
- Roger A. Kirschenbaum
- Jeffrey J. Meek
- George D. Menden
- Kristen M. Nugent
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Christopher A. Steele
- James A. Tramonte
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Tax
- J.W. Chris Chitty
- Thomas W. Cox
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Lawrence H. Freiman
- Robert H. Harris II
- Nathan T. Johns
- Audrey S. Jouve
- Jeffrey H. Kess
- Roger A. Kirschenbaum
- Jeffrey J. Meek
- George D. Menden
- Kristen M. Nugent
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Christopher A. Steele
- James A. Tramonte
- Cassandra L. Tuchscher
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Tax Controversy & Collection
- J.W. Chris Chitty
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Jeffrey H. Kess
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Cassandra L. Tuchscher
- Harrison (Harry) B. Alex
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Estate Planning
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Lawrence H. Freiman
- Robert H. Harris II
- Audrey S. Jouve
- Roger A. Kirschenbaum
- Jeffrey J. Meek
- George D. Menden
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Christopher A. Steele
- James A. Tramonte
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Probate & Trust Administration
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Lawrence H. Freiman
- Robert H. Harris II
- Audrey S. Jouve
- Roger A. Kirschenbaum
- George D. Menden
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Christopher A. Steele
- James A. Tramonte
- Harrison (Harry) B. Alex
- J.W. Chris Chitty
- Thomas W. Cox
- L. Ashley Duel
- Lance G. Einstein
- Lawrence H. Freiman
- Robert H. Harris II
- Nathan T. Johns
- Audrey S. Jouve
- Jeffrey H. Kess
- Roger A. Kirschenbaum
- Jeffrey J. Meek
- George D. Menden
- Kristen M. Nugent
- Matthew S. Paolillo
- Christopher A. Steele
- James A. Tramonte
- Cassandra L. Tuchscher

Lawrence H. Freiman
Founding / Co-Managing Partner lfreiman@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
University of Florida, J.D., M.B.A., graduated first in his class, 1993 State University of New York at Albany, B.A., Economics, magna cum laude, 1989A cofounding partner of the firm, Larry Freiman has practiced law since 1993 and focuses his practice in the areas of tax planning, business law, estate planning and estate administration. He routinely advises private business owners on the tax and business implications of complex transactions, restructuring strategies and partnership agreements where multiple partners and businesses are represented. His estate planning practice is focused on finding the best overall solutions for each client’s unique situation. By integrating tax and business planning techniques, Larry is brilliant in devising sophisticated wealth-transfer strategies for his clients. Learn More

Lance G. Einstein
Co-Managing Partner leinstein@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Tax Controversy & Collection Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
University of Miami School of Law, LL.M. Taxation, 2007 University of Miami School of Law, J.D., 2006 University of Georgia, B.B.A., Accounting, 2002Lance Einstein is a partner in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy, tax planning and compliance, and estate planning practice areas. He joined the firm in 2019 and has extensive experience representing clients that have controversies and compliance issues with the Internal Revenue Service and various state tax agencies. His experience includes representing individuals and businesses during audits, collection issues (levies, liens, installment agreements, and offers in compromise), foreign asset reporting, penalty abatements, and appeals. He also works closely with clients and CPAs in devising strategies to minimize potential taxes, penalties, and interest. Learn More

Jeffrey H. Kess
Partner jkess@@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Tax Tax Controversy & CollectionEducation
Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1981 State University of New York at Buffalo, B.S., Business Administration, magna cum laude, with distinction, 1979Jeffrey Kess is a partner in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy and collection and tax planning practice areas. He joined the firm in 2019 and has practiced taxation and general business law for more than 35 years. He has achieved national recognition for his expertise in the field of tax controversy. Jeffrey has represented thousands of clients before the Internal Revenue Service, the State of Georgia, and other state taxing authorities. Jeffrey also works closely with CPAs in devising strategies to eliminate or minimize potential taxes, penalties, and interest for their clients. Learn More

Nathan T. Johns
Partner njohns@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law TaxEducation
University of Georgia School of Law, J.D., 2005 University of Georgia, M.Acc., 2000 University of Georgia, B.B.A., Accounting, magna cum laude, 1999Nathan Johns is a partner in MendenFreiman's business and general outside counsel practice area. He joined MendenFreiman in 2013 and previously practiced with Foltz Martin, LLC. Nathan is a strategic advocate providing outside general counsel services and regularly represents private entities on business and transaction structuring, mergers and acquisitions, capital investment and financing. He counsels clients on the development, negotiation and documentation of partnership, shareholder, joint-venture and limited liability company agreements, and also provides guidance on board, shareholder and other corporate governance issues. Learn More

Roger A. Kirschenbaum
Of Counsel rkirchenbaum@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
Emory University School of Law, LL.M., Taxation, 1986 Emory University School of Law, J.D., 1981 Brown University, B.A., Political Science, 1978Roger Kirschenbaum is a partner in MendenFreiman’s estate planning, trust and estate administration and business practice areas. His primary areas of practice include estate planning, probate and estate administration, general corporate and business law, and related tax-planning matters. He primarily works with high-net-worth clients and owners of closely held businesses to devise plans that achieve both fundamental and complex estate-related goals. Learn More

Jeffrey J. Meek
Partner jmeek@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate PlanningEducation
University of Alabama School of Law, LL.M.,Taxation, cum laude, 2011 Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., cum laude, 2003 Georgia State University, M.S., Marketing, 1998 Georgia State University, B.S., Urban Studies, magna cum laude, 1995As partner, Jeff Meek focuses his practice on business law, trust, tax and estate planning, and asset protection. He joined MendenFreiman in 2015 and was previously a senior associate attorney at Sanders Legal Group LLC. Jeff provides comprehensive legal counsel on business, tax and estate planning matters to high-net-worth individuals and families, as well as privately held businesses. Learn More

Christopher A. Steele
Partner csteele@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
University of Florida, LL.M. Taxation, 2012 Mercer University, J.D., 2011 Georgia State University, B.B.A. in Business Administration, 2002Christopher Steele is a partner in MendenFreiman’s estate planning, tax, estate administration, and business law practice areas. He serves as a trusted advisor to individuals, families, and business owners. He takes pride in building strong relationships with financial advisors, accounting firms, and family offices to ensure clients receive a comprehensive approach to their planning. Learn More

Robert "Bo" H. Harris II
Of Counsel bharris@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
University of Miami School of Law, LL.M., Taxation, 2007 Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, J.D., 2006 Birmingham-Southern College, B.S., Biological Chemistry, cum laude, 2003Bo Harris is a senior attorney in MendenFreiman’s estate planning and trust, estate administration and business practice areas. He joined the firm in 2018 and specializes in tax planning for individuals and business entities and provides clients with advanced strategies in estate planning. Bo routinely assists clients with the formation of wills and trusts, estate and trust administration, asset protection planning, probate matters, business formation and transactions, business succession planning, and nonprofit formation and planning. He previously practiced with Ingwerson & Taylor and Christian & Small LLP. Learn More

J.W. Chris Chitty
Partner cchitty@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Tax Controversy & CollectionEducation
University of Florida Levin College of Law, LL.M. Taxation, 2010 Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, with Highest Distinction, 2009 University of Georgia, B.A., Criminal Justice & Political Science, 2003Chris Chitty is a partner in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy and collection and tax planning practice areas. He joined the firm in 2019 and has experience representing individual and business clients during tax audits, tax appeals, and tax collection procedures before the Internal Revenue Service as well as various state tax authorities. Learn More

Matthew (Matt) S. Paolillo
Senior Associate mpaolillo@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Tax Controversy & Collection Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
Georgetown University Law Center, LL.M. Taxation, 2011 Wake Forest University School of Law, J.D., 2010 College of William & Mary, B.B.A., Accounting, 2007Matt Paolillo is an associate in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy and collection, tax planning, business law, and estate planning practice areas. He joined the firm in 2019 and has experience representing clients before the Internal Revenue Service as well as various state tax authorities. Learn More

Thomas W. Cox
Associate tcox@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law TaxEducation
Vanderbilt University, J.D., 2014 University of Georgia, B.B.A., Finance, magna cum laude, 2011Thomas joined MendenFreiman in 2018 and is an associate in the firm’s business law and outside general counsel practice area. He provides legal counsel to small and medium-sized businesses on a variety of corporate and transactional matters, including business and corporate representation, entity structuring, incentive plans, licensing agreements, employment law and related agreements, trademark and copyright clearance and related registration. Learn More

L. Ashley Duel
Associate aduel@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Tax Controversy & Collection Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., magna cum laude, 2014 University of Georgia, A.B.J., Public Relations, 2009Ashley Duel is an associate in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy and collection, tax planning, estate planning and trust, and business law practice areas. She joined the firm in 2019 and has experience which includes negotiating offers in compromise, filing requests for innocent spouse relief, establishing installment agreements, releasing federal and state tax liens, and representing individuals and businesses during administrative hearings and appeals conferences. She works directly with individuals and businesses to resolve their tax liabilities and devise strategies to reduce their tax costs, penalties, and interest. Learn More

Cassandra (Casey) L. Tuchscher
Associate ctuchscher@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Tax Tax Controversy & CollectionEducation
Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., summa cum laude, 2019 Arizona State University, B.A., History (Minor in Religious Studies), summa cum laude, 2009Casey Tuchscher is an associate in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy and collection and tax planning practice areas. She joined the firm in 2019 and is proficient in conducting extensive research on various civil and tax law matters and at evaluating and assessing complicated tax law issues. Casey enjoys helping clients better understand the laws that govern taxation and what is required of them to remain in compliance. Learn More

Kristen M. Nugent
Counsel knugent@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law TaxEducation
University of Virginia School of Law, J.D., 2008 University of Notre Dame, B.A. in Political Science, graduated first in her class, summa cum laude, 2005Kristen Nugent is Counsel in MendenFreiman’s business law and tax planning practice areas. She joined the firm in 2020 and provides legal counsel to small and medium-sized businesses on a variety of corporate and transactional matters, including business and corporate representation, entity structuring, incentive plans, entertainment law matters, licensing agreements, employment law and related agreements, trademark and copyright clearance and related registration. Learn More

Audrey S. Jouve
Associate ajouve@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Estate Planning Probate & Trust Administration Tax Business LawEducation
Georgia State University College of Law, J.D., 2018 Georgia State University, B.A. in Political Science, 2008Audrey Jouve is an associate in MendenFreiman’s estate planning, trust and estate administration, tax planning, and business law practice areas. She joined the firm in 2022 and focuses on drafting estate planning documents to meet each client’s unique needs and goals. In addition, she helps guide clients through the probate and estate administration processes with varying levels of involvement based on situational needs. Learn More

George D. Menden
Retired Co-founder, Of Counsel gmenden@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Law Tax Estate Planning Probate & Trust AdministrationEducation
Brigham Young University, J.D., cum laude, 1985 Brigham Young University, B.S., Accounting, with honors, 1980George D. Menden is a co-founding partner of MendenFreiman LLP. His practice focuses on the areas of business law, business tax planning, wealth planning, wills, trusts and asset protection. His expertise in highly complex midmarket transactions, combined with his extensive knowledge of business, tax and estate planning, provides his clients with world-class representation and wealth transfer strategies. George represents companies with domestic and international operations in manufacturing, distribution and service sectors. He often advises business clients throughout all stages of their development from business formation, growth, maturity and ultimately a sale, which results in financial freedom for his clients. Learn More

James (Jim) A. Tramonte
Of Counsel gmenden@mendenfreiman.comArea of Practice
Business Planning Estate Planning Probate & Trust Administration Tax PlanningEducation
New York University School of Law, LL.M. Taxation, 1977 Tulane University School of Law, J.D., 1976 University of New Orleans, B.S. in Accounting, 1973Jim Tramonte is Of Counsel in MendenFreiman’s estate planning, estate administration, tax, and business law practice areas. He joined the firm in 2021 and limits his practice to counseling closely held businesses and high net worth individuals on asset protection, wealth preservation, succession planning and income and estate/gift tax planning. He has previously served as General Counsel of a $200 million healthcare service provider and as Chief Legal Officer of its $40 million public company spin-off. Jim then served as General Counsel of a premier home service provider, making acquisitions that resulted in revenue growth from $22 million to $85 million. Learn More

Harrison (Harry) B. Alex
Associate Halex@Mendenfreiman.ComArea of Practice
Tax Controversy & CollectionEducation
University of Florida, LL.M. Taxation, 2020 Georgia State University, J.D., 2019 Wofford College, B.A. in Government, 2016Harry Alex is an associate in MendenFreiman’s tax controversy practice area. Prior to joining MendenFreiman, Harry was a tax associate at Grant Thornton’s Atlanta office. He regularly worked with clients in preparing tax filings, developing an understanding for explaining the intricacies of the forms, and identifying potential pitfalls in the filing process. Learn More
Partners
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J.W. Chris
Chitty Partner -
Lance G.
Einstein Co-Managing
Partner -
Lawrence H.
Freiman Co-Managing
Partner -
Robert (Bo)
Harris II Partner -
Nathan T.
Johns Partner -
Jeffrey H.
Kess Partner -
Roger A.
Kirschenbaum Partner -
Jeffrey J.
Meek Partner -
Christopher A.
Steele Partner
Of Counsel & Associates
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Harrison (Harry)
B. Alex Associate -
Thomas W.
Cox Associate -
L. Ashley
Duel Senior Associate -
Janet E.
Fortune Of Counsel
(Partner Emeritus) -
Audrey S.
Jouve Associate -
George D.
Menden Of Counsel
(Retired Co-founder) -
Kristen M.
Nugent Counsel -
Matthew (Matt) S.
Paolillo Senior Associate -
James (Jim) A.
Tramonte Of Counsel -
Cassandra (Casey) L.
Tuchscher Associate