F E AT U R E
L egacy BUILDING ON A
LAGERLOF LLP HAS HELPED CLIENTS SUCCEED IN LEGAL MATTERS FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY BY KAMALA KIRK
Partner Jonathan D. Primuth
Partner Thomas S. Bunn III
Partner William F. Kruse
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agerlof LLP, Pasadena’s largest law firm, is grounded in tradition and focused on innovation. The result of a strategic merger in 2020, the firm continues its mission of helping clients succeed in a complex legal world with its diverse team of trusted legal advisors and their combined experience and knowledge. Last year, Primuth, Driskell & Terzian LLP; Lagerlof, Senecal, Gosney & Kruse LLP; and the Phelps Group APC merged to form Lagerlof LLP. “Each firm brought a unique set of skills to the table, but they all shared a similar approach to the practice of law, as well as their values, integrity and focus on being a team,” says managing partner Joshua Driskell. “Lagerlof, Senecal, Gosney & Kruse had been around the longest and had built a reputation for their great work and their tremendous focus on the clients. The Phelps Law Group were experts on special subjects like special needs trusts and highly specialized elder law matters. Primuth, Driskell & Terzian was a younger firm focused on transforming client experiences through the fundamental values of integrity, hard work, excellence and team. Our combined specialties and backgrounds have been a great match and we all solve problems for each other.” While the three firms were all within a short distance of one another, after the merger they relocated to a new office building on North Lake Avenue so they could work together under one roof. “We designed and built a beautiful, brand-new location that was unique and new to all staff members,” Driskell explains. “We really wanted everyone to feel like this was an opportunity for them to start fresh. Company culture is extremely important to all of us and is the key component to client happiness and success. Our team is like one big family.” Driskell, who joined Primuth, Driskell & Terzian in 2014, specializes in the areas of tax, business law and estate planning. For years he has worked with individual clients, as well as small businesses and corporations, to help them achieve their goals. “I love that I get to set the strategy and build the firm from a business perspective while also getting to practice law,” Driskell says. “Estates, trusts and corporate law are the lifeblood of what goes on in our community and one of the most exciting areas in law. I love the ability to impact people’s lives in a positive way. Whether it’s from an estate planning or litigation perspective, being able to help people achieve their goals and make a difference is so important. It’s what I love to do.” Lagerlof LLP has multiple specialties including all areas of corporate and tax law, estate and trust and public agency representation. They work with families, local businesses and public agencies, providing clients with strategic support through all stages of their business, from acquisitions and intellectual property to business litigation and more. Estate planning is another important service the firm offers to clients, helping them with various aspects including will and trust preparation, asset protection and powers of attorney, among others. “There isn’t a single area of the estate and trust world that we don’t cover,” Driskell says. “We have certified specialists in estate continued on page 8
Photos by Luis Chavez
Partner Vanessa M. Terzian
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