Areas of Practice

J. Keith Phifer is a founding partner in the firm of Phifer Pinkham, LLC.  Keith concentrates his practice on advising clients in the areas of estate planning, corporate law, taxation, and non-profit organizations, with a specific emphasis on business succession planning for business owners.

Work for Clients

Keith has advised high net worth individuals and those owning and operating closely held businesses regarding income, estate, and gift tax treatment of both business and personal assets, as well as a broad range of corporate matters. In the business succession planning realm, Keith focuses on the coordination of estate plans with business ownership and business succession plans, incorporating asset protection, and minimizing income, estate, and gift taxes. Keith also provides trustee services for various families and organizations. In the corporate realm, Keith represents businesses and their owners in all areas of business and corporate law, including mergers and acquisitions, incorporations, executive compensation, shareholder agreements, and financing. Keith also represents non-profit organizations in a wide range of matters from incorporation, tax exemption recognition and maintenance, to operation and compliance. Keith also holds an LL.M. degree in taxation from Boston University, enabling Keith to work closely with clients and their tax advisors to maximize tax efficiency in all of his practice areas.

Professional Activities

Keith is admitted to the Bar of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar Association. Keith has spoken on many occasions regarding estate planning, business law, and charities including as a featured guest on the Radio Program Money Matters and as a lecturer at the Boston University School of Management Certified Financial Planning program. In addition, Keith serves as a member of the board of directors of several local not for profit organizations. Keith also has experience as a commercial business owner in various fields and brings that knowledge and experience to all of his practice areas.

Awards

Received the Top Lawyers award from Boston Magazine in 2022.

Education

LL.M. Boston University, 2010

J.D., Suffolk University Law School, 2004 (cum laude)

B.A., Colby College, 1999

Personal

Keith resides in Cohasset, Massachusetts, with his wife and four children. When he is not in the office, he is typically driving his children to various sporting events and social activities and generally spending time with his family.