BUILDING ON A LEGACY

Partner Vanessa M. Terzian

Partner Jonathan D. Primuth

Partner Thomas S. Bunn III

LAGERLOF LLP HAS HELPED CLIENTS SUCCEED IN LEGAL MATTERS FOR MORE THAN A CENTURY

BY KAMALA KIRK

Lagerlof 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

Partner Rebecca J. Thyne

Partner Andrew D. Turner

Managing Partner Joshua R. Driskell

planning, and our team includes attorneys and partners that have written the book on special needs and special needs trusts. We’re well-regarded in the litigation area for trust and estate work. We also have a corporate practice which encompasses real estate, tax and bankruptcy. We have state experts in water law, and represent some of the state’s best water agencies and districts. We really practice as a team, not a group of lawyers sharing space.”

The diverse team at Lagerlof LLP consists of more than 70 people, 32 of whom are attorneys. The firm, which is the largest in the San Gabriel Valley that specializes in trusts and estates, is focused on continuing to grow a team of diverse and dynamic legal professionals. They also place great emphasis on providing an exemplary client experience and customer service.

“Usually, to get this kind of expertise, you’d have to go to Downtown Los Angeles or Century City,” Driskell points out. “We have a robust client services group, which isn’t typical of a law firm of our size. We are unyielding in our desire for clients to be satisfied with our work and the people they’re working with. We tirelessly work to make the experience of dealing with the court system and legal matters easier and more tolerable.”

Despite its size, Lagerlof LLP offers the personalized experience of working with a smaller firm so that clients never feel lost in the shuffle.

“We’re big enough in that we have the capabilities to do everything you want, but we’re small enough to be able to talk to you about what it is you want to achieve,” Driskell says. “That’s something that we work really hard at by making sure that no client feels left behind, ignored or unheard.”

One of the things that clients enjoy about working with Lagerlof, LLP is the accessibility and efficiency of the experience they have whenever they need to connect with members of the team.

“Our clients are never kept waiting long when they need information or help with various matters,” Driskell says. “That’s one area where we really shine, we’re focused on getting our clients the answers they need right away. We’re always going to work as hard as we can to make sure that we take care of and handle all of the variables that we can control.”

When the pandemic occurred shortly after the merger took place, Lagerlof LLP was already several steps ahead and geared for success.

“We used COVID as an opportunity to expand our capabilities for remote work and remote client service,” Driskell says. “We transitioned our phone system and technology to a virtual environment pre-COVID, so we were really poised to perform well during the pandemic. We were fully operational without any issues during the whole shutdown.”

Looking ahead, Lagerlof LLP plans to grow its team of attorneys as it continues to expand in Pasadena and Southern California. Giving back and being involved in the community is also another big area of focus.

October 25, the firm is hosting its first golf tournament fundraiser for Lagerlof Cares, the firm’s recently formed nonprofit organization. It will give back through fundraising, community-based volunteerism, pro bono work and active nonprofit board leadership. All proceeds from the fundraiser will benefit The Boys & Girls Club of Pasadena.

“Not only do we support and work with many nonprofits regularly, but we really put a focus on our staff and attorneys being part of those nonprofits,” Driskell shares.

“Being a lawyer and helping your clients is important, but it’s just as important to give back to the community. After this past year with everyone staying at home due to the pandemic, we’re excited to welcome everyone back at this event, announce Lagerlof Cares and raise money for a good cause while having a great time. We see it as the beginning of a longstanding tradition for our firm to give back and we look forward to the next hundred years in Pasadena.”