Michael is a co-founder of Bourdow, Bowen & Ellis, P.C. He is a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar Association and the Chesterfield / Colonial Heights Bar Association. Michael is admitted to practice law in all state courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as the United States District Court, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.
Since 1986, Michael has practiced primarily in the areas of business, tax and estate planning. While his extensive experience in these areas allows him to confidently advise clients of any size on nearly any issue within his areas of practice, he has placed particular emphasis on assisting closely held businesses, their owners, and employees. He regularly works with business owners on choice of entity, tax classification, shareholder and operating agreements, purchase and sale agreements, lease review, contract drafting and review, employment and non-competition agreements, independent contractor agreements and dispenses general advice regarding ongoing business matters including all aspects of employment law.
Michael's tax practice includes preparation of income tax returns for individuals, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trusts, estates, and tax planning advice. Michael's tax strategies are based upon not only his extensive experience as a lawyer and accountant in the practice areas noted above, but also as a small business owner in his own right. He routinely assists clients on a wide variety of issues such as like kind exchanges, offers in compromise, sales and use tax compliance, and IRS and Virginia collection issues. Michael's tax litigation practice includes handling both administrative and judicial tax controversies which may arise with the IRS and Virginia Department of Taxation as a result of audits, appeals and collection matters.
Michael's estate planning practice is fueled by his close relationships with his clients. He does more than merely draft wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and powers of attorney. Michael advises individuals and their families on the best way to handle complicated succession issues while minimizing probate, estate, and income taxes where appropriate.
Education:
B.A. : University of Nebraska
J.D. : University of Nebraska School of Law