December 3, 2007 — Bodman LLP has augmented its Tax and Business Law practices with the addition of experienced practitioners Stephen L. Gutman and Jerrold M. Bigelman.
Gutman and Bigelman had practiced previously with Gutman & Bigelman P.C., a Southfield-based, tax-oriented business law firm founded in 1981.
Gutman, who is also a certified public accountant, represents businesses in tax matters (including tax litigation), retirement plans, contract negotiations, and mergers and acquisitions. He also represents individuals in estate planning matters. He is a former president of the Oakland County Estate Planning Council. He is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School.
Bigelman focuses his practice in income, estate and corporate taxation, estate planning, qualified and nonqualified employee benefit plans and exempt organizations. He has served on the adjunct faculties of the University of Detroit Law School and Walsh College, where he taught courses in partnership and individual taxation, tax exempt organizations, and related tax matters. He is a graduate of George Washington University Law School and earned a Master of Laws degree in Taxation from Georgetown University Law School.
Gutman and Bigelman will practice in Bodman’s Detroit office.
“Our move to Bodman was client-driven,” Gutman said. “As our clients have grown, their legal needs have become more complex. We had reached a crossroads – either hire more lawyers, or join a firm that could serve all of our clients’ needs.”
“We have been approached by several large law firms,” Gutman added. “We needed to join a firm that was the right fit for our clients and for us. Bodman was the right fit for many reasons.”
“Steve Gutman and Jerry Bigelman have a well-deserved reputation as two of Michigan’s finest tax attorneys,” said Bodman LLP Chairman Larry R. Shulman. “We are thrilled to have them at Bodman. Their years of experience and strong client relationships are a great addition to our practice.”