Christopher James Topa

Christopher James Topa

5.0
Rating: 7.4

Licensed for 18 years

Tax Lawyer at East Lansing, MI
Practice Areas: Tax, Business, Contracts & Agreements ... +13 more

6110 Abbot Road, Suite D, East Lansing, MI

About Christopher

Practice Areas

16

Practice Areas

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.

18 years

67%
Business 7%

18 years

7%
Health Care 2%

18 years

2%
Real Estate 2%

18 years

2%
Wrongful Termination 1%

18 years | 2 cases

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 205-425 per hour

Contingency

5%-30%

Pro bono

33 %


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in Michigan for 18 years

State: Michigan

Acquired: 2006

Not authorized to practice-Administrative

No misconduct found

Location

Advocatus Law Firm, PLC

6110 Abbot Road, Suite D, East Lansing, MI, 48823

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Christopher James Topa's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

3 Client Reviews

5 star (3)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | December 25, 2009

Great Experience

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 governme...nts. 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.

Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2009

Great experirence

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 woul...d call more often to update.

Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2008

Great Lawyer

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.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher James Topa's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Brian Harold Jean headshot
Brian Jean

Tax lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Beverly M. Griffor headshot
Beverly Griffor

Tax lawyer | May 13

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."

Christopher Allyn Sevick headshot
Christopher Sevick

Tax lawyer | Aug 17

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."

View All Endorsements
Christopher Allyn Sevick headshot
Christopher Sevick

Real estate lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.4 (Very Good)

Honors

2007

Recognition for Community Service, Internal Revenue Service - SPEC

2003

St. Thomas More Scholarship for Academic Achievement, Ave Maria School of Law

2000

Outstanding Professional Award, Indiana Wesleyan University fellow students

1993

Distinguished Service Key, Alpha Phi Omega National Service Fraternity

Work Experience

2007 - Present

Managing Member, Advocatus Law Firm, PLC

Associations

2003 - Present

State Bar of Michigan

Member, Former Chair of Student Section

2003 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

1998 - Present

Knights of Columbus

4th Degree Knight, Former Chancellor and Warden

Education

2012

Wayne State University Law School

Legum Magister - Candidate

2006

Ave Maria School of Law

Juris Doctoris

2002

Indiana University - Kelley School of Business

Master of Professional Accountancy

2000

Indiana Wesleyan University

Master of Business Administration

1993

Indiana University - Hutton Honors College

Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2009

How can a business entity protect an owner from personal liability.

Selection of Business Entities

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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