E. Joseph LaFave
612/341.9704
jlafave@bestlaw.com

Joe LaFave is a member of the firm's Private Wealth Planning section.   He provides personalized service to individuals and families in managing the wealth transfer process.   Joe works regularly with family entities, including operating companies.   Joe recognizes the importance of family culture and is attentive to the needs of each family member and generational group.  

In addition to traditional estate planning for individuals and couples, Joe also handles estate and trust administrations.  He works on fiduciary investment issues and has extensive experience with family investment and business entities, often multi-generational.   Joe advises trustees on the scope of their fiduciary duties and when necessary works with his litigation colleagues on resolving fiduciary disputes.

Working with colleagues from the Best & Flanagan Business Section, Joe has advised family members who hold minority positions in their family business and has helped family businesses reach decisions on corporate governance matters and dividend policies.   Joe has assisted a family that owns timber with another extended family, a project that involved multiple family partnerships and generation skipping trusts.   He routinely helps families reorganize their corporate structures to streamline business operations.

PROFESSIONAL ACTIVITIES AND MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association

Minnesota State Bar Association (Probate and Trust Law Section)

American College of Trust & Estate Counsel

HONORS & DISTINCTIONS
Named "Best Lawyer" by Minnesota Monthly, 2008

EDUCATION
J.D., University of Minnesota, 1979

B.A., cum laude, Philosophy, Creighton University, 1976

BAR ADMISSIONS
State of Minnesota, 1979