Supporting Families Around the U.S.

GSR — Fri, 02 Nov 2018 15:26:55 +0000

GSRJ is proud and enduring supporter of the Austin community – but world events often compel us to reach beyond our borders and extend a helping hand to families navigating situations far beyond their control. That is why we have become a proud supported of the Autism Hope Alliance, an organization that embodies hope for families facing an autism diagnosis. AHA provides education, support and financial assistance to families facing the challenges of autism.

Did you know that 1 in 59 children in the United States is diagnosed with an autism spectrum disorder? Or that the diagnosis costs caregivers an extra $60,000 per year through childhood. Moreover, mothers of children with ASD earn 56% less than mothers of children without health limitations. Families need help and AHA provides that; to date, the Autism Hope Alliance has helped more than 55,000 families and provided more than $2 million in assistance.

The organization has recently launched its Support Autism Hope campaign in collaboration with Tony Robbins. He will match every dollar donated to the AHA to ensure families around the country can get the support they need while living with autism. Learn more and donate today!

GSRJ Says Goodbye to Peggy Ugent

GSR — Sat, 05 May 2018 15:32:32 +0000

With a mixture of fondness and heavy hearts, we recently sad goodbye to Peggy Ugent, who retired in April after nearly 12 years with the firm. As GSRJ’s Director of Tax and Accounting, Peggy used her extensive expertise and background in U.S tax matters to counsel firm attorneys on income and transfer tax considerations with regard to proposed business transactions, choice of entity structure, and investment in pass-through entities. She has not disappeared from the industry completely, though; as the current chair of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants’ Trust, Estate and Gift Tax Technical Resource Panel, she continues to share her deep knowledge of complex domestic and international tax issues.

Chesner Makes Second Appearance at Tony Robbins’ Platinum Partnership

GSR — Sun, 25 Feb 2018 22:47:27 +0000

On Saturday, February 24^th, COO and Finance Director Bob Chesner once again presented at Tony Robbins’ Platinum Partnership event, held this year in Sun Valley, Idaho. Bob’s presentation highlighted the power of private placement life insurance in creating abundant tax-free retirement income. We’re thrilled that Bob was once again extended the incredible opportunity to share his passion among such distinguished company.

Welcoming Therese Gansle to the GSRJ Family!

GSR — Fri, 02 Feb 2018 02:52:28 +0000

We are excited to welcome Therese Gansle to our team as GSRJ’s newest legal assistant. Therese brings more than 20 years of legal and paralegal experience, having worked for prestigious firms in both Austin and Washington, D.C. In her role with the firm, she will support partners Derry Swanger, Amy Jetel, and Steven Baker, and associate Lauren Fitte. She will also play an important role in helping conceive and plan the firm’s social functions. Please join us in welcoming Therese to the team!

GSRJ Associate Lauren Fitte Named Texas Rising Star

GSR — Thu, 01 Feb 2018 22:42:03 +0000

For the first time ever, GSRJ associate Lauren Fitte has been selected for inclusion in the 2018 Texas Super Lawyers Rising Stars list! Lauren has been with GSRJ since early 2017. She specializes in designing tax-efficient structures for U.S. and non-U.S. families and advises with regard to both inbound and outbound investment planning, inheritance planning, asset protection, tax compliance matters, international trust and estate planning, and pre-immigration planning. Ms. Fitte is a certified mediator who has published several articles on international estate planning and taxation. She is also a contributing editor to the four-volume treatise Asset Protection: Domestic and International Law and Tactics, published by Thomson/West group and updated quarterly.

Super Lawyers is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The selection process includes independent research, peer nominations and peer evaluations. No more than 2.5% of up-and-coming lawyers in Texas are named to Rising Stars, as determined by Thomson Reuters.

Welcome J. Ross Buchholtz, CPA, to GSRJ!

GSR — Sun, 21 Jan 2018 23:13:57 +0000

We are excited to announce the addition of J. Ross Buchholtz, CPA, to our practice. Ross joins GSRJ after 25+ years of tax and accounting experience, including four years at the helm of his own private accounting firm. In his role as Director, Ross leads the firm’s U.S. tax and related compliance work with clients and attorneys on income and transfer tax matters. He is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and the Texas Society of CPAs.

GSRJ Bids Farewell to Coordinator Tracy Costello and Legal Assistant Caral Morgan

GSR — Fri, 05 Jan 2018 23:15:40 +0000

After gracing us with 20+ years serving a range of various roles through the years, Tracy Costello departed the firm on December 15, 2017 to pursue her passion in life – photography. Caral Morgan retired on December 13, 2017. We thank them both tremendously for all of their contributions, and wish them the best in all that is to come!

GSRJ Says a Sad Goodbye to Jeanne Schulte

GSR — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 22:35:04 +0000

As we leave 2017 behind, it is with heavy hearts we have said goodbye to Administrator, Jeanne Schulte. Jeanne retired on December 31, 2017. Serving as the primary administrative manager, Jeanne kept the firm running like a well-oiled machine for 15+ years. We will truly miss her, and we wish her the best in all her future travels and adventures! Our very own Amy D. Quinones will be taking over Jeanne’s duties as Administrator, in addition to her current duties as Coordinator in the insurance group.

Peggy Ugent Presents at AICPA Conference

GSR — Wed, 21 Jun 2017 02:50:02 +0000

On June 13, Tax and Accounting Director Peggy Ugent was a featured speaker at the American Institute for Certified Public Accounts’ 2017 Advanced Estate Planning Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada. Her presentation, entitled “Looking Beyond our Borders – U.S. Income, Estate and Gift Tax Implications,” examined the complexities surrounding U.S. taxation and the reporting requirements of individuals and businesses with cross-border activities. You can click here to download her presentation.

Ms. Ugent, who is the Vice-Chair of the AICPA’s Trust, Estate and Gift Technical Resource Panel, also joined other members of the panel on the morning of June 15 for the AICPA Trust, Estate & Gift Tax Policy & Advocacy Update.

Hailey Bobella Promoted to Paralegal

GSR — Tue, 16 May 2017 03:26:47 +0000

In the wake of Sandra Bonham’s retirement earlier this year, Hailey Bobella has taken over as the paralegal for the estate planning department. She works primarily with Derry Swanger and Steven Baker to help clients create and maintain domestic estate planning structures and administer decedents’ estates. Ms. Bobella will also continue to act in her capacity as business development specialist, focusing on the firm’s business development, marketing, and branding efforts, and offering administrative support to Edgewater Consulting Group, Ltd.