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Christopher James Topa

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  • East Lansing, MI
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About Christopher

Practice areas

OtherEstate planningContracts and agreementsBusinessTax
  1. Tax: 67%

    Majority of practice in this area consists of free tax preparation through the VITA program and pro bono representation of clients attempting compliance with the IRS or state tax authorities.

    14 years

  2. Business: 7%

    14 years

  3. Contracts and agreements: 5%

    14 years

  4. Estate planning: 4%

    14 years

  1. Wills and living wills: 3%

    14 years

  2. Real estate: 2%

    14 years

  3. Corporate and incorporation: 2%

    14 years

  4. Health care: 2%

    14 years

  5. Employment and labor: 1%

    14 years

  6. Wrongful termination: 1%

    14 years, 2 cases

  7. State, local, and municipal law: 1%

    14 years

  8. Election campaigns and political law: 1%

    14 years

  9. Employee benefits: 1%

    14 years

  10. Land use and zoning: 1%

    14 years

  11. Limited liability company (LLC): 1%

    14 years

  12. Medical malpractice: 1%

    14 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Advocatus Law Firm, PLC

6110 Abbot Road
Suite D
East Lansing, MI, 48823

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      MINot authorized to practice-Administrative200611/22/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers0
      Legal guides0
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Recognition for Community ServiceInternal Revenue Service - SPEC2007
      St. Thomas More Scholarship for Academic AchievementAve Maria School of Law2003
      Outstanding Professional AwardIndiana Wesleyan University fellow students2000
      Distinguished Service KeyAlpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity1993
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Managing MemberAdvocatus Law Firm, PLC2007 - Present
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      State Bar of MichiganMember, Former Chair of Student Section2003 - Present
      American Bar AssociationMember2003 - Present
      Knights of Columbus4th Degree Knight, Former Chancellor and Warden1998 - Present
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Wayne State University Law SchoolLegum Magister - Candidate2012
      Ave Maria School of LawJuris Doctoris2006
      Indiana University - Kelley School of BusinessMaster of Professional Accountancy2002
      Indiana Wesleyan University Master of Business Administration2000
      Indiana University - Hutton Honors CollegeBachelor of Science1993
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      How can a business entity protect an owner from personal liability.Selection of Business Entities2009

      Reviews

      (3)5.0 stars
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
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      Review Christopher Topa

      Great Experience

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Mr. Topa worked very closely with us over the course of setting up our business. He navigated us though all the challenges from writing a business plan, setting up the legal entity, arranging financing with the bank, to navigating all the mess of forms to be filed with the state and federal governments. I would highly recommend him. Only problem was keeping in touch. He was frequently out of the office visiting other clients and we spent most of our time communicating through email.
      More

      Great experirence

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      I used Mr. Topa to help with tax questions. He spent a great deal of time going over the material with me, helping me to understand the different "elections" and the effects they would have. I was very pleased with the outcome. I was, however, disappointed with some of the waiting. I wish he would call more often to update.

      Great Lawyer

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Chris worked with me very closely. He took the time to explain all the proceeding and the different options available to me. He came out to me on several occassions and would even meet with me on weekends when my work scheduled prohibited me coming by the office during normal office hours.

      Attorney endorsements

      (3)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      Lawyer Brian Harold Jean

      Brian Jean, Tax Attorney on Mar 30, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Beverly M. Griffor

      Beverly Griffor, Tax Attorney on May 13, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Chris has his ear to the ground on new tax laws and the latest potential changes to the code. He has demonstrated a knack for the incredible detail required in this kind of work which is to be commended.

      Lawyer Brian Harold Jean

      Brian Jean, Tax Attorney on Mar 30, 2018
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Beverly M. Griffor

      Beverly Griffor, Tax Attorney on May 13, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Chris has his ear to the ground on new tax laws and the latest potential changes to the code. He has demonstrated a knack for the incredible detail required in this kind of work which is to be commended.

      Lawyer Christopher Allyn Sevick

      Christopher Sevick, Tax Attorney on Aug 17, 2008
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      I endorse this lawyer's work. Christopher and I worked together on a case for which I directed one of my clients to him for. His skill set and expertise was effective in assisting the client and providing peace of mind for the client. At all times he was communicative and concerned about the best interests of the client.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates $205-$425/hour
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.5%-30%
      • Pro-bono Many lawyers provide free legal help to low-income clients. The percent listed indicates how much of a lawyer's practice is pro bono work.33 %
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check