Bio

Terry Carlton is a partner whose practice focuses on business transactions, estate planning, and succession planning for closely held businesses and their owners. With more than three decades of experience, he advises entrepreneurs, family-owned companies, and professional practices on business structuring, acquisitions and dispositions, and other significant transactions that shape the lifecycle of a company. Terry also works closely with clients on estate and asset protection planning, helping them preserve and transfer wealth while supporting long-term business continuity. 

Terry approaches each matter with a practical, client-focused mindset, taking time to understand each client’s goals and designing strategies that achieve those objectives efficiently. Clients value his responsiveness, straightforward advice, and ability to balance business considerations with thoughtful legal planning. Whether assisting with a complex transaction or developing an estate plan, Terry focuses on providing clear guidance that helps clients move forward with confidence.

Experience

  • Represents closely held businesses and their owners in acquisitions and sales of companies across a range of industries, including transactions typically ranging from $10 million to $100 million.
  • Advises business owners on corporate structure, governance, and key operational matters throughout the lifecycle of their companies.
  • Designs comprehensive estate and asset protection plans, including revocable and irrevocable trusts, family limited liability companies, and other planning tools.
  • Provides succession planning guidance to help business owners transition leadership and ownership to the next generation.
  • Serves as outside general counsel to numerous closely held businesses, assisting with day-to-day legal and operational matters.
  • Advises clients on strategies to preserve assets, minimize tax exposure, and protect long-term family and business interests.