Education
Oberlin College
- B.A. 1974
Northeastern University School of Law
- JD 1979
Bar and Court Admissions
- Massachusetts 1979
Practice Focus
Janet has concentrated her practice in the areas of estate planning and the administration of trusts and estates, with particular focus on issues affecting entrepreneurs, owners of businesses, and owners of real estate. She advises individuals and families regarding estate planning, tax planning, business succession planning, charitable gift techniques, conservation restrictions, and asset conservation and management. She also counsels professional and family executors and trustees in the administration of estates and trusts. Janet serves as executor and trustee upon client request.
Notable Experience
Janet’s clients often view her in the tradition of the family counselor and rely on her for sage legal, tax, practical and personal advice in the conduct of their lives and financial affairs. Clients appreciate her responsiveness and ability to translate complex matters into language that they can understand. Janet has been involved in drafting and promoting various changes in tax and probate laws over the years to improve tax laws and probate issues.
Background
Joined RS&B in 1984 as an associate, Director 1988-2008
Served as Chairperson of the firm’s Trusts and Estates Department for 10 years
Served as Member of the firm’s Executive Committee for 10 years
Associate with Haussermann, Davison & Shattuck, Boston, 1979-1984
Professional Activities
- Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel since 1990
- Listed in The Best Lawyers of America for over 10 years
- Chairperson of Boston Probate and Estate Planning Forum (2002)
- Member of Executive Committee of the Boston Estate Planning Council (1990–1993)
- Chairperson of the Legislation Committee of the Massachusetts Bar Association Probate Section (1983-1985)
- Chairperson of the Wellesley Women’s Business Network (1994-1995)
- Adjunct professor of law in estate planning at Northeastern University School of Law - 2000
- Frequent lecturer on estate topics before other tax and estate planning professionals and civic groups
- Elected a Massachusetts Super Lawyer, 2004-2009
- Trustee of Northeastern University (1996–2006)
- Elected Northeastern University Lifetime Trustee Emerita 2009
Publications
Contributing author to Drafting Wills and Trusts in Massachusetts (1990) published by Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education, Inc. (MCLE), (will and trust provisions dealing with the disposition and management of real estate)
Author of chapter on wills and probate proceedings in Crocker’s Notes on Common Forms 8th ed. (MCLE 1995 & Supp. 1997, 2000)