PURCELL - Key Persons
BRIAN J. HERSHORIN practices in the areas of tax, estate and trust planning, asset protection planning, probate, and business law. He provides counsel to high net worth individuals and families, focusing on income, estate, and gift planning. He assists business owners, serving as counsel during formation, operation, and ultimately the effective distribution of business interests from one generation to the next. He assists physicians, real estate developers, and other professionals with estate and tax planning and asset protection.
Brian is active in professional organizations and frequently lectures on estate planning and asset protection. He received his B.A. in Business Administration from Franklin & Marshall College (2001), a J.D. and M.B.A. from Stetson University College of Law (2004), and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida (2005). He is a member of The Florida Bar, as well as the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of the The Florida Bar. He is the past President of the North Florida Land Trust, Inc., an organization designed to preserve and protect the lands of Northeast Florida.
CHRISTOPHER J. GREENE practices in the area of complex commercial litigation in state and federal courts, including shareholder and partnership disputes, franchisor/franchisee disputes, and disputes involving trusts, estates, and probate. He is Co-Chairman of the Probate and Trust Litigation Section of the Jacksonville Bar Association. He was admitted to The Florida Bar in 1985, and is also admitted to practice before the United States District Court, Middle, and Southern Districts of Florida. He received his B.A. in Economics from Stetson University in 1981 and his J.D. with honors from the University of Miami in 1985, where he was an Associate Editor of the Law Review.
In his community, Chris is a 1995 graduate of Leadership Jacksonville, past Chairman of the Judicial Nominating Commission for the Seventh Judicial Circuit, and past Chairman of the Board of Directors of Communities in Schools. He has also served on the Board of Directors of Ronald McDonald House Charities, the Ponte Vedra Municipal Service District, as its Chairman and Vice-Chairman, the Board of Directors of the Jacksonville Urban League, and the Board of Directors of the YMCA at the Bank of America Tower.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- of Counsel
- Member of the Florida
FARHAN N. ZAROU advises clients on a wide range of estate planning, trust and estate administration, business succession, and tax matters.
His practice focuses on the representation of high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely-held businesses on various complex matters involving estate, gift, income, and generation-skipping transfer taxes. Farhan also advises fiduciaries and beneficiaries regarding the administration of estates and trusts.
Prior to joining Purcell, Flanagan, Hay, & Greene, Farhan worked as an associate at McGuireWoods, LLP, advising clients on various estate and gift taxation matters, as well as general business matters and trust administration.
Farhan is a member of the Florida and District of Columbia Bars. He holds an L.L.M. in Taxation from Georgetown University Law Center, a J.D. from the University of Florida Levin College of Law, and a B.A. in Accounting and Economics from Florida State University.
Jennifer "Jenny" Gaffney focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and estate tax planning. Jenny earned her law degree from the University of Baltimore while working full-time as a law clerk for the Anne Arundel County State's Attorney's Office. After becoming licensed in Maryland and prior to relocating to Jacksonville, Florida, Jenny practiced at a boutique estate planning firm in Annapolis, Maryland.
Jenny earned her undergraduate degree from St. Mary's College of Maryland where she was also a starter on their nationally ranked women's Intercollegiate Sailing team. Jenny has a Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies, as well as minors in African and African Diaspora Studies and in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies. Jenny enjoys pulling from her studies of people and varying life experiences to assist clients in achieving their individual estate planning goals and navigating the administration phases of estates.
When Jenny is not in the office, she enjoys being on the water with her husband, two children, and their dog, Olive.
Job Titles:
- of Counsel
- Member of the Oklahoma
JOHN I. "JACK" FISHBURNE, III received his B.S. in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. He received his J.D. from Southern Methodist University in 1987 and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1992. Prior to joining the firm, Jack served as a briefing attorney for the Texas Court of Appeals, First Supreme Judicial District from 1987 until 1988. He also practiced with the law firm of Jenkens & Gilchrist, P.C. in Houston, Texas from 1988 until 1991 and with the law firm of Brant, Moore, Macdonald & Wells, P.A. in Jacksonville, Florida from 1992 until 1997.
Jack is a member of the Oklahoma, Texas, and The Florida Bars. He is also a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar and is a current member of the Board of Directors of Cerebral Palsy of Northeast Florida. Jack concentrates his practice in the areas of estate planning, including income, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax, probate, guardianship, trust administration, and corporate law.
JONATHAN L. HAY focuses his practice on the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, and advising owners of privately held businesses. The fact that he holds an advanced law degree (LL.M.) in Taxation and is licensed as a certified public accountant in the State of Florida has significantly enhanced his ability to concentrate his practice in these areas. Jon's experience has provided him with significant insight into his practice areas. He has been a tax manager for the international accounting firm, KPMG Peat Marwick, as well as a member of the tax department at one of Jacksonville's oldest and largest law firms.
Jon is a member of both The Florida Bar and the South Carolina Bar and is admitted to practice before the United States Tax Court. He is a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law, Tax, and Business Law sections of The Florida Bar and is a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association. Jon is a past President of the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida and is a member of the American Academy of Attorney-CPAs. Jon has been involved with numerous community and charitable organizations supporting causes ranging from cerebral palsy to the Jacksonville Symphony. He currently serves on the professional advisory committee for The Community Foundation.
JULIE A. SAIEG received her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1995, her J.D. from Nova Southeastern University in 1994, and her B.A. from Michigan State University in 1990.
Julie is a Florida Bar Board Certified Elder Law Attorney whose expertise lies in the areas of wealth preservation and public benefits qualification for adults and children with disabilities and special needs, estate planning, estate and guardianship administration, income, estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax, and other estate, trust and guardianship matters, including the representation of guardians, trustees, and other fiduciaries.
KEVIN A. KANE is a Florida Board Certified Tax Attorney who primarily advises entrepreneurs, professionals, executives and other financially successful people on the business and legal issues which result from financial success. Kevin assists a variety of clients with the design and implementation of sophisticated, yet understandable, wealth enhancement, protection, and transfer strategies. His estate planning practice includes the preparation of wills, revocable trusts and the many different varieties of irrevocable trusts, as well as creating family entities, charitable foundations and lifetime giving programs. This practice also includes advising fiduciaries and beneficiaries during the settlement of the affairs of deceased individuals. Additionally, Kevin frequently works with business owners to plan and achieve transfers of businesses to family, employees or outside purchasers and regularly assists founders and investors in closely-held businesses in the most effective structure of their operations, investments, and agreements. Further, Kevin regularly advises business owners and executives on matters of deferred and equity compensation, as well as charitable organizations on their tax-exempt status and operational challenges.
Kevin received his B.A. from Denison University in 1997. He then received his J.D. from Suffolk University Law School in 2000 and his LL.M. in Estate Planning from the University of Miami School of Law in 2001. Kevin is a member of The Florida Bar, as well as the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. He is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida and the former President of the Planned Giving Council of Northeast Florida.
KRISTINE M. SCOTT focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning. Her advanced degree in tax law allows her to assist high net worth clients seeking to efficiently transfer and preserve wealth from one generation to the next, and helps them achieve their goals by developing and implementing various estate planning structures tailored to their needs.
Kristine received her bachelor's degree in Political Science from Florida State University before attending Florida Coastal School of Law where she graduated in the top 10% of her class. She received numerous book awards while at Florida Coastal including Wills, Trusts and Estates, Professional Responsibility, Florida Constitutional Law and Federal Taxation of Personal Income.
She later earned her LL.M. in Taxation from the Levin College of Law at the University of Florida. In addition to graduating among the top 10 of her class, she also received the book award for Partnership Tax.
Kristine is a member of The Florida and Jacksonville Bar Associations, as well as the Tax Law section of The Florida Bar. She is also a member of the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida.
KYLE M. JOHNSON is a Florida Bar Board Certified Tax Attorney who focuses his practice on the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, asset protection, taxation, and advising owners of closely held businesses. After receiving his B.A. in Political Science from the University of Florida, Kyle received his J.D., cum laude, and his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida. While in law school, Kyle earned Book Awards (for most outstanding student) in Legal Research & Writing and Fiduciary Administration. He also served as Executive Research Editor for the Florida Journal of Law & Public Policy and as a Teaching Assistant to Professor Mary Adkins.
Kyle is a graduate of the Florida Fellows Institute of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC) and has lectured on topics such as estate planning and estate and trust administration. He is a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law, Elder Law, and Tax sections of The Florida Bar.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of Both the Florida Bar
LINDA R. WICKER received her B.A., cum laude, from Boston University's College of Liberal Arts in 1988 and her J.D., cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School in 1993. Linda served as an associate with the Boston law firm of Burns & Levinson, LLP from 1993 until 1995, practicing in the area of civil litigation. From 1996 through 2000, she performed trust administration and estate settlement services for First Union National Bank's Capital Management Group and Merrill Lynch Trust Company's Estate/Trust Settlement Group.
Linda is a member of both The Florida Bar and the Massachusetts Bar. She is a member of The Florida Bar's Real Property, Probate & Trust Law section and has served as Guardian Ad Litem, Fourth Judicial Circuit in the State of Florida. Linda concentrates her practice in the areas of estate planning, including income, estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax, probate, trust administration, and fiduciary law.
Lyudmyla Kolyesnik is a distinguished attorney whose professional expertise encompasses the intricate realms of trust and estate litigation, complex business disputes, and construction-related conflicts. With an unwavering commitment to her Ukrainian roots and a fervent dedication to the Ukrainian community, Lyudmyla's practice harmoniously blends a profound understanding of cultural nuances with a meticulous approach to legal advocacy.
As a trusted advocate, Lyudmyla has achieved remarkable success in representing clients in a diverse array of cases. Her astute comprehension of complex matters, including incapacity, undue influence, coercion, breach of fiduciary duties, and more, enables her to deliver nuanced strategies and secure favorable outcomes for her clients. Additionally, she excels in guiding businesses through intricate disputes, encompassing contractual conflicts, shareholder derivative actions, dissolution of business entities, and trade secret misappropriation.
Lyudmyla's proficiency extends beyond legal acumen. With a solid foundation in corporate finance, she possesses a discerning eye for scrutinizing the intricate financial dimensions often intertwined with her cases. This comprehensive perspective empowers her to navigate the most intricate aspects, ensuring that her clients' interests are protected with unwavering dedication and finesse.
Understanding the sensitivities inherent in litigation, especially within familial or business relationships, Lyudmyla approaches each case with the utmost empathy and sensitivity. She adeptly balances legal strategy with a deep appreciation for the intricate dynamics at play, creating an environment conducive to fostering meaningful resolutions. Her commitment to efficient and effective litigation paves the way for successful outcomes, earning her the trust and admiration of clients.
Lyudmyla's journey in the legal realm began at the esteemed Florida Coastal School of Law, where she obtained her Juris Doctor degree in 2019. Her exceptional academic performance positioned her within the top 5% of her graduating class, while her leadership skills flourished as the Managing Editor for the FCSL Law Review. Prior to her legal studies, she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Corporate Finance from the prestigious University of Massachusetts in 2016, further enriching her understanding of the financial intricacies that intersect with legal disputes.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lyudmyla is deeply entrenched in her Ukrainian heritage and actively engages with the Ukrainian community. Her cultural background infuses her practice with a distinct perspective and allows her to effectively serve Ukrainian individuals and businesses, delivering unparalleled legal support tailored to their unique needs.
For those seeking a seasoned litigator with a focus on trust and estate litigation, complex business disputes, or construction-related conflicts, Lyudmyla Kolyesnik, Esq., is the attorney of choice. With her remarkable legal prowess, unwavering dedication to Ukrainian heritage, and profound community commitment, she stands poised to secure the most favorable outcomes for her clients.
ROBERT H. "BO" TRUDEAU is Florida Bar Board Certified in both (1) Taxation and (2) Wills, Trusts, and Estates. Bo's practice focuses on the legal needs of business owners and high net worth individuals. Specifically, he focuses on the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, asset protection, taxation, business planning, and the preparation and negotiation of marital agreements for high net worth individuals.
Bo received his B.A. from Clemson University. He received his J.D., cum laude, from the University of South Carolina and was granted membership in the Order of the Wig and Robe and the Order of the Coif (each Order awarding membership for academic achievement). He received his LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida, and was admitted as a Graduate Tax Scholar. Bo graduated in the top 5% of his class in both his J.D. and LL.M. programs.
Bo frequently lectures on topics such as basic and advanced estate and tax planning, planning for owners of closely-held businesses (with a particular focus on buy-sell agreements), and asset protection. Bo is a past Chair of the Board Certification Committee (Taxation) for The Florida Bar, and he is a past President and board member for the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida. He is also a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law and Tax sections of The Florida Bar.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Alabama
S. JESSICA FARMER focuses her practice on estate planning, estate and trust administration, and estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer tax planning. She received her B.S. in Accounting from the University of Alabama, her J.D. from Samford University Cumberland School of Law, and her LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida.
Jessica was a member of the University of Alabama's Million Dollar Band Colorguard from 2013-2015. During law school, she was the Senior Associate Editor of the American Journal of Trial Advocacy, an Academic Support Mentor, and an Associate Judge on the Moot Court Executive Board.
Jessica is a member of the Alabama, Florida, and Jacksonville Bar Associations. She is also a member of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law and Tax Law sections of The Florida Bar, and the Estate Planning Council of Northeast Florida.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Member of the Tax
STEPHEN P. HOLMGREN practices in the areas of estate planning, estate and trust administration, asset protection, and tax planning. A long-time resident of northeast Florida, he attended Allen D. Nease High School in St. Johns County and graduated from the University of Florida with a B.A. in Economics and Political Science. He attended the University of Florida's Levin College of Law where he obtained both his J.D., cum laude, and LL.M. in Taxation. Today, he resides in Jacksonville's Northside with his wife, son, and two mutts.
While in law school, Stephen earned Book Awards in Estates and Trusts, Corporate Taxation, Taxation of Gratuitous Transfers, and Estate Planning. He also served as Editor-at-Large for the Florida Journal of International Law and Vice President of Intramural Competitions for the Alternative Dispute Resolution Team. Lastly, he earned an Estate Planning Program Certificate.
Stephen is a member of the Tax and Real Property, Probate & Trust Law sections of The Florida Bar.
Thomas K. Purcell co-founded the firm, with his colleagues after working for the Internal Revenue Service. The firm's co-founders brought similar significant experience to the table in establishing Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene. Timothy L. Flanagan was trust counsel for Florida National Bank. At the same time, Jonathan L. Hay had been a tax manager for the international accounting firm KPMG, and Christopher J. Greene later joined and brought with him extensive business- and estate-related litigation experience.
This combination of experience in a small firm setting gives Purcell, Flanagan, Hay & Greene the ability to provide personalized legal services to our clients. We appreciate the long lasting relationships we have established with the people and businesses we represent, which has allowed us to achieve tailor fit results.
TIMOTHY L. FLANAGAN received a B.S. in Accounting from Florida Southern College in 1978. He received his J.D. from Cumberland School of Law at Samford University in 1981 and an LL.M. in Taxation from the University of Florida in 1983. Tim served as Trust Counsel for Florida National Bank, acting as in-house counsel for its statewide Trust and Investment Division.
Tim is a Florida Bar Board Certified Tax Lawyer and has served on several committees of the Real Property, Probate & Trust Law Section of The Florida Bar. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Estate and Trust Counsel and is listed in The Best Lawyers in American and Florida Super Lawyers. Tim's expertise lies in the area of estate planning and administration, including income, estate, gift and generation skipping transfer tax, probate, fiduciary law, and other estate and trust matters, focusing upon estates of significant size and complexity. He also represents and advises clients with closely-held businesses on corporate matters, business successions, and related estate and tax planning issues.
He has earned Best Lawyers by his peers since 2007 and Best Lawyer in Jacksonville in either Tax Law or Trusts and Estates each year since 2016.