We are delighted to share exciting news about the future of Caldwell Law. For many years people have asked us “what happens when Tim retires?” Today we are happy to offer certainty: Caldwell Law is merging with Legacy Counsellors P.C. – a highly regarded law firm with offices in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Kevin Quinn, Legacy Counsellors’ senior partner, and Tim have been colleagues for over 25 years. To facilitate the merger, we have formed a new company, Legacy Counsellors North, PLLC (“Legacy Counsellors”) which will continue to operate as Caldwell Law.
The merger enables us to offer an expanded range of services across Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, while maintaining our focus on estate planning, tax planning, asset protection, long-term care planning, and estate settlement. You can expect the same personalized, high-quality service you’ve always received.
What Does This Mean for You?
- Expanded Expertise, Same Trusted Team: Legacy Counsellors brings additional depth in our areas of focus. The Caldwell Law team you trust remains unchanged, ensuring continuity in how we serve you.
- Our Vision: Approaching our 30th anniversary, the merger marks a pivotal milestone for Caldwell Law. It strengthens our foundation and positions us for future growth. We are all committed to making this transition successful—and Tim is not retiring yet! Renée Harvey, familiar to most of you, will manage our office starting January 1, 2025. Tim will continue working with Legacy Counsellors, doing business as Caldwell Law, through at least June 2027.
A Stronger Firm for You
The merger represents an exciting opportunity for our clients, colleagues, and team. Our core values—exceptional service, responsiveness, and client-centered care—remain unchanged. The dedicated Caldwell Law team will continue to provide the support and attention you rely on.
In accordance with our professional obligations, we are advising you that you have the sole right to decide whether Legacy Counsellors dba Caldwell Law will continue to complete or hold matters which are now being held by Caldwell Law. You can select any attorney you wish, or we would be happy to provide you with a list of local attorneys who practice in the area of law relevant to your legal needs.
If we do not receive notice from you within sixty (60) days, we will take that as your intent to remain a client of our new firm. Please note: you always retain the right to terminate that relationship at any time.
If you have any questions or would like more information about what this merger means for you, please join us for our annual client meeting next Spring. You will have the opportunity to meet members of Legacy Counsellors MA and CT teams, as well as visit with our Caldwell Law team members.
We are excited about the opportunities this merger brings and look forward to continuing to serve you with the same level of excellence you’ve come to expect.
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If you missed our e-mail with notice of our question and answer Zoom webinar this past Monday, the 25th, below you will find a summary of that discussion.
Summary of the Meeting: Caldwell Law and Legacy Counselors Merger Announcement
Key Themes:
- Merger Announcement and Team Continuity:
* Timothy Caldwell introduced the merger with Legacy Counselors, effective January 1, 2025, ensuring continuity for Caldwell Law’s operations, team, and client services.
* Legacy Counselors, led by Kevin Quinn and Michael Gove, operates a similar business model focused on estate planning, asset protection, and tax planning.
* The merger ensures succession planning for the firm, continuity for clients, and financial security for Tim and his family.
- Expanded Capabilities and Services:
* Legacy Counselors brings expertise in complex estate tax strategies, expanded asset protection services, and a larger team.
* The merger allows Legacy Counselors to extend services into New Hampshire and Vermont, complementing Caldwell Law’s practice in those states.
- Leadership and Staffing:
* Renée Harvey will manage Caldwell Law’s office, ensuring smooth operations and continuity for clients.
* Tim will remain involved as an attorney and trustee through at least June 2027, with a possible extension based on mutual agreement.
* Existing staff and office locations will remain unchanged.
- Licensing and Operational Logistics:
o Attorneys from Legacy Counselors are in the process of becoming licensed in New Hampshire and Vermont, with approvals expected by early 2025.
* Caldwell Law attorneys will not seek licensing in Massachusetts or Connecticut but will work collaboratively with the Legacy Counselors team in those jurisdictions.
- Client and Community Focus:
* The merger emphasizes maintaining the firm’s culture, values, and long-term client relationships.
* Legacy Counselors’ alignment with Caldwell Law’s client-focused approach was a critical factor in the merger decision.
- Future Client Engagement:
* An opportunity for clients to meet the Legacy Counselors team will be available at the next annual client meeting.
* Individual meetings can be scheduled for clients with specific concerns about the transition.
Q&A Highlights:
- Trustee Services: Clients expressed interest in continuity for trustee roles. Tim, other Caldwell Law staff, and Legacy Counselors attorneys will remain available as trustees.
- Succession Assurance: Clients valued the merger for ensuring a long-term succession plan and continuity of services, particularly for surviving spouses and Massachusetts-based family members.
- Facility Use: Caldwell Law’s offices in Lebanon and Lyme will remain operational and unchanged.
Closing Remarks:
- Tim reflected on the emotional and logistical journey to the merger, expressing gratitude for client support, staff dedication, and collaboration with Legacy Counselors.
- Kevin Quinn acknowledged the behind-the-scenes efforts of both firms’ teams to ensure a seamless transition for clients.
The meeting concluded with an optimistic outlook for the future of Caldwell Law and Legacy Counselors as a unified firm, emphasizing client care and team collaboration.