Roy R Morris

Roy’s passion is supporting entrepreneurs and emerging companies in all stages of business formation, financing, growth and eventual merger or sale. The industries he serves resemble a cross-section of the Washington DC metro economy: information technology, government contracting, real estate development and management, private equity, construction, light manufacturing, publishing, distance learning, hospitality, design, marketing, consulting, professional services. He serves as outside general counsel and as a trusted sounding board for all types of business decisions with legal implications.
He has a particular interest in equity sharing in the closely-held corporation context. He shares “lessons learned” with owners wanting to deploy an effective equity incentive plan in their unique privately-held company environment. One lesson is that the psychological aspects of implementing the plan are even more important than the legal framework of the incentive. In other words, execution is more important than vision.
He has substantial experience assisting minority owners of closely-held companies assert their rights to fair treatment by their former partners. Often a negotiated buyout is the best solution when partners part ways, and a buy-sell agreement is not in place.
His tax background and knowledge of closely held business issues informs his work in estate planning for business owners and executives. Such planning should go beyond estate tax savings, and implement comprehensive succession plans for both the owners and the business. In addition, such plans should include appropriate provisions for family and creditor protection.
Roy co-founded a business-focused law firm which served the metropolitan Washington area for 34 years before combining with Dunlap, Bennett & Ludwig, so he knows what it is like to start and manage a small business.
Since 1999, he has been an enthusiastic sponsor and resource for Entrepreneurs’ Organization-DC, a peer-to-peer learning and support group composed of entrepreneurs in the metro Washington DC area. See to learn more about EO-DC.
He is a former Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 106 in Arlington, Virginia and proud parent of two Eagle Scouts. You might think this has nothing to do with legal qualifications, but Roy tries to practice the Scouting values of integrity and service on a daily basis. “A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful….”
Roy majored in history at the College of William & Mary; obtained his law degree from Georgetown University, and his Masters in Taxation from George Washington University.