Bruce A. Fowler is Managing Director at Fairfield and Woods and is the chair of the firm's Wealth and Succession Planning Department. Bruce aids his clients in defining and implementing family wealth transfer goals, structuring estates in a manner that minimizes the estate tax impact and maximizes asset protection, and transferring family-owned and closely held businesses in a tax-efficient manner. Bruce helps many of his clients implement their philanthropic goals, and represents several large family foundations. Bruce also provides advice to beneficiaries and trustees regarding their rights and responsibilities, and is experienced in probate and litigation proceedings.
Bruce also represents clients in tax controversies, most specifically in the state and local tax area. He represents clients during tax audits, and has successfully negotiated many favorable settlements of tax assessments. In cases where a settlement was not feasible, Bruce has represented clients in the protest and litigation of tax assessments. In a recent case, Bruce successfully argued for a reversal of a $2.5 million sales tax assessment.
Prior to becoming an attorney, Bruce practiced for five years as a CPA with Deloitte & Touche, LLP, and as a state and local tax specialist for a Fortune 500 company. Immediately after law school, Bruce practiced in the areas of tax litigation and estate planning with several national and regional law firms before joining Fairfield and Woods.
