Brian L. Champion is admitted to practice in the state and federal courts of Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, and the District of Columbia in Washington D.C. He is also admitted to The First Circuit Court of Appeals and The United States Supreme Court.
Trusts & Estates: Mr. Champion believes that the caring for one’s family and loved ones begins with careful and thoughtful planning. Besides planning for one’s death, careful planning includes advanced preparation for periods of potential incapacity, whether caused by an accident, disease or illness. The best way for one to do so is to have in place, at a minimum, a will, a durable power of attorney, and a health care directive or proxy. Mr. Champion works closely with clients to understand their concerns, thoughts, and desires so that the client and their families are prepared to meet life’s challenges. Mr. Champion represents individuals, trustees, and personal representatives in the administration of trusts and estates. He is also a member of the Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Maine Trust & Estate Bar Sections.
Mr. Champion is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA). He advises seniors and those assisting seniors in the making of important life decisions such as: delegating decision-making authority through the use of durable powers of attorney, trusts, conservatorships and guardianships. He also develops estate plans designed specifically for seniors, using wills, trusts, healthcare directives and proxies.
Business Law: Mr. Champion advises clients and assists them in creating small corporations. He works closely with clients to help them develop the best form of organizations for their needs and desires; such as: Limited Liability Companies (LLC), or a traditional C-Corporation.
For clients with existing small companies, Mr. Champion advises and assists them in modifying corporate documents as circumstances change; how best to wind down, or divide a small company into separate entities. Often a client’s estate plan will develop a succession plan. Mr. Champion assists those clients with the development of various Trusts or Buy-Sell Agreements to meet the client’s needs. He is in favor of creating a “Team” approach for complex circumstances, and will suggest including a client’s accountant and financial planner to most efficiently achieve a successful result.
RECENT PUBLICATIONS AND SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
- Author, Where There’s a Way – There’s a Will (June 2020)
- Author, “Don’t Let the Tail of the Increased Federal Exemption Wag the Estate Planning Dog,” New Hampshire Bar News, Vol 28, No. 10 (March 2018)
- Lecturer, “Estate Planning and Administration – Probate Process,” NBI Seminar, Portland, ME (December 2017)
- Author, “Longer Living Seniors Means Thoughtful Planning Now!” (May 2016)
BAR ADMISSIONS
STATE COURTS
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
District of Columbia Court of Appeals (Washington, D. C.)
FEDERAL COURTS
Maine
Massachusetts
New Hampshire
District of Columbia (Washington, D. C.)
First Circuit Court of Appeals (Boston, MA.)
United States Supreme Court (Washington, D. C.)
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Maine Bar Association
Fellow, Maine Bar Foundation
New Hampshire Bar Association
New Hampshire Bar Association, Trust & Estate Section
Massachusetts Bar Association
Boston Bar Association
District of Columbia Bar Association
National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA)
Massachusetts Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
New Hampshire Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys
EDUCATION
University of Maine, with Distinction and with Honors (B. A.)
University of New Hampshire School of Law (J. D.)
COMMUNITY PUBLIC SERVICE
Former Treasurer and member of the Board of Directors, Kennebunk Land Trust
Former member of the Board of Trustees, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter
Organizer of the MS Harborfest Sailing Regatta, Tugboat and Lobster Boat Races, and charity events, Casco Bay, Maine
Sponsor, Mary’s Walk, Maine Cancer Foundation
Member, Portland Yacht Club (PYC)
HONORS
Marion Austin Barrows Memorial Award, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter
Exceptional Service Award, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Maine Chapter
Fellow Maine Bar Foundation
MILITARY