Overview
Roger is the former chair of the firm’s Estate Planning Practice Group. He focuses his practice on estate planning, probate and trust administration, charitable planning, succession planning for middle-market and closely held businesses, and individual and fiduciary income taxation.
He is a frequent writer and speaker on a host of estate planning, charitable, tax, and probate issues. Roger is accredited by the Ohio State Bar Association as a Certified Specialist in Estate Planning, Trust and Probate Law.
Roger earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in 1976. He received a B.A., with distinction, from Manchester College in 1972.
Representative Cases & Matters
- Represents and counsels individuals and families in estate and wealth transfer planning; assists fiduciaries and family members in estate and trust administration and estate tax reporting.
- Counsels charitable organizations on charitable gift planning and governance issues.
- Advises closely held business owners on transitioning ownership and control.
Honors & Recognition
"AV” Peer Review Rated by Martindale-Hubbell
Diamond Advisory Group's Distinguished Advisor Award (2008)
Selected for inclusion in Ohio Super Lawyers (2004-2023)
Named one of the Best Lawyers in America, Trust and Estates (1991-2023)
Named "2005 Distinguished Estate Planner" by the Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
Strathmore's Who’s Who in American Law
Strathmore's Who’s Who in the Midwest
Credentials
Education
Case Western Reserve University School of Law
Manchester University
Admissions – State
- Ohio
Professional & Civic
Professional Activities
Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
The Estate Planning Council of Cleveland
- Vice-President (1989-1990)
- President (1990-1991)
Ohio State Bar Association (Estate Planning, Probate and Trust Law Section)
American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Member of Technology in the Practice Committee (1988-present)
- Member of Charitable Planning and Exempt Organizations Committee (2003-present)
Kingdom Advisors – Chartered and Certified Member
Community Involvement
Cleveland Museum of Art, Planned Giving Advisory Committee
The Cleveland Pregnancy Center
Commissioned Centurion (2010)
Salvation Army Advisory Board (1986-present, Chair 2002-2004)
CWRU Estate Planning Advisory Council (2002-present)
University Hospitals Diamond Advisory Group (1992-present)
Ohio Living Foundation Board of Trustees (1991-1998)
Ohio Living Board of Trustees (1988-1992)
Breckenridge Village Council (1982-98)
News & Insights
External News & Publications
"Are Your Digital Assets Organized?" RBMA Monthly Legal Update Digest June 2012
Cleveland Bar Journal, June 2004 – “Charitable Lead Trusts”
Co-Author, “Tools and Techniques of Charitable Planning,” National Underwriter Co., November 2001 (3rd Edition 2014)
Events
Speaking Engagements
"Forced Innovation: Rethinking contributions of Highly Appreciated (Closely-Held) Property in Light of Higher Tax Rates," Think BIG Innovations in Philanthropy – 22nd Annual NOPGC Planned Giving Day, May 2, 2013
"Estate Planning in Uncertain Times," SS&G Webinar, November 16, 2012
"What's Top of Mind in Charitable Planning – What to Do in Anticipation of Higher Taxes in 2013," The Cleveland Foundation, November 15, 2012
"Wealth Transfer and Philanthropic Planning in Anticipation of 'The Big Event,'" The Pathology Institute's G2 Intelligence – M&A Workshop, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, February 2012
"Technology Update: Time Travels Fast, Heckeling Institute on Estate Planning," 2008
"Reducing Estate Taxes by Discount Planning," Creative Estate Planning Seminar, hosted by the Planned Giving Committee of Ronald McDonald House of Cleveland, Ohio, May 2005
Panelist, "Legal Issues For Donors," program for Northern Ohio Council Planned Giving, November 2004
“Bits And Bytes Meet GRITS And GRATS – Alphabetizing Estates By The Numbers,” ABA Tech Show, March 2004, Chicago, IL (TechShow is considered the leading law-related technology conference and expo)