Fred Chaiken and Stephen Klorfein met while representing mutual clients. After being encouraged by several of those clients to join forces, they did so in a larger-firm context in the early 1990s. They formed their current firm in May, 2004 to more effectively and efficiently serve their clients' interests.
The relationships that have developed between Mr. Chaiken and Mr. Klorfein and their clients are typically longstanding. One of the reasons for this is their ability to integrate their different core competencies to serve most, if not all, of their client's legal needs.
States Mr. Chaiken: "Clients know that we put their interests first. If it is a matter of intense 'bet the company' litigation or sensitive tax or estate planning, clients count on us."
Steve Klorfein adds: "Our individual clients stay with us because we take care of them as if they were the biggest corporate client, while our corporate clients have been with us sometimes for twenty or more years because we know they are made up of individuals and we treat them like family."
Chaiken Klorfein, LLC was formed to provide individuals and businesses with trusted, highly skilled legal representation in a personable, friendly, small firm atmosphere and quickly succeeded in that objective. Harvey Linder joined the firm as Of Counsel in May 2007, further broadening the firm's already extensive core competencies. We welcome the opportunity to serve you.
Legal Representation of Note:
Litigation :
-Successfully defended local tire retreader of speed-rated tires against claims of trademark infringement claims brought by large, national manufacturer, obtaining summary judgment as to all damages.
-Successfully represented national trucking company in securing insurance benefits under the Georgia Insolvent Insurance Company Statute.
-Successfully obtained, through mediation, substantial damage award for a nurse/teacher who sustained a closed head brain injury.
-Successfully obtained substantial settlement during litigation involving a dispute over the proceeds of a large estate, working alongside partner, Stephen Klorfein, who provided the key tax analysis.
-Successfully defended plastics distributor against complex claims of fraud and breach of contract in connection with the sale of substantially all of its assets.
-Successfully assisted as local counsel in numerous cases involving trademark infringement, obtaining monetary and injunctive relief against large, national manufacturers of sporting goods equipment.
-Obtained a seven figure judgment against a major bank that served as trustee of a trust for breach of its fiduciary duty by failing to take into account estate tax consequences of its investments.
Corporate Transactions :
-Represented a limited liability company with foreign affiliates in a tax free trade "merger" with an unrelated corporation.
-Represents business clients in both the seller and buyer capacity in numerous taxable and non-taxable transactions.
Tax Matters :
-Defended a corporation and its major shareholder against the Internal Revenue Service's claim for additional taxes and penalties of a substantial seven figure amount. Resolved case for $.10 on the dollar.
-Represents individual clients against the Criminal Intelligence Division of the Internal Revenue Service. In one case, not only were the criminal charges dropped, but a settlement with the Civil Section of the IRS was obtained for nominal amount.
-Obtained numerous installment agreements and offers in compromise favorable to the taxpayer with both the Internal Revenue Service and state taxing authorities.
Estate Planning :
-Set up family limited liability limited partnerships and limited liability companies, as well as defective grantor trusts and charitable remainder trusts which result in substantial estate and gift tax savings.
Employment & Labor Law, Human Resources :
-Successfully represented employers in hundreds of employment arbitrations.
-Taught thousands of employees in sexual and other harassment training.
-Negotiated concessionary labor agreements with national and local unions.
-Created human resources departments for various sized companies.
