Pierce Atwood Providence Attorneys Participants in 2025 Rhode Island Bar Association Annual Meeting

Firm attorneys Steve MacGillivray, Vivian Karian, Lawrence Hunt, and Brooks Magratten will participate in the following programs:

Litigation, real estate, and tax partner Steve MacGillivray will moderate the panel, “Mastering Mediation: Strategies to Settle Your Case.” The panel of experienced mediators will participate in a Q&A on achieving success in modern mediation. Topics will include when to mediate, managing power imbalances, breaking an impasse, and enforcing agreements. Attendees will hear how to secure the best possible outcomes for clients while navigating ethical challenges.

Trusts & Estates associate Vivian Karian will moderate the panel, “Succession and Tax Planning for Closely Held Businesses.” Firm Trusts & Estates partner Larry Hunt will join the panel to discuss tax-efficient strategies for transferring control and interest, and how business owners can protect their interests during life and ensure security for their families after death. This session will also highlight last-minute business succession tax planning strategies to consider before the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 exemption sunsets. Vivian is also a member of the annual meeting planning committee.

Litigation partner Brooks Magratten will be a panelist in the session, “Litigation Academy: The Art of Direct and Cross-Examination.” The panelists, mostly comprised of judges and experienced trial counsel, will address ethics issues and critique actual direct and cross-examinations.

Please click here for the full agenda.