The firm of Brown & Karosen, and its predecessor firms, has been practicing law in Essex County for over 60 years.

The firm's predecessor, Joyce & Brown, was started in l946/47 in Bloomfield by Vincent J. Joyce and Harold J. Brown. Vincent Joyce concentrated his practice in real estate and was well-recognized in his field. Harold Brown concentrated his practice in estate work and litigation, and was also well-recognized for his legal ability. Harold Brown had the distinction of being a Master in Chancery and also served as the municipal court judge in Glen Ridge for years. Laurence E. Karosen clerked for Harold Brown, then became an associate, and eventually a partner in 1976. He and Harold Brown remained partners until Harold Brown's retirement in 1999, at the age of 93.

Most of the firm's clients live in Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Montclair, Belleville, Nutley, Newark, the Oranges and the Caldwell area. The firm handles wills, estates, real estate closings, etc. throughout the state of New Jersey.

Brown & Karosen takes pride in representing all of its clientele to the best of their ability and at a reasonable cost. The firm's work ethic entails prompt and efficient handling of estate, real estate, elder law and related matters. The firm's dedicated and friendly staff is also present to assist its clients, and make them feel right at home.

The majority of the firm practice involves the drawing of Wills and Trusts, the handling of estates, preparation of inheritance and estate tax returns, estate planning, real estate closings, and elder law. It also includes the probate of probate wills, representing estates where there are no wills, dealing with Trust Departments of local banks, preparing powers of attorney, living wills, and representing parties concerning estate litigation, including will contests. Laurence E. Karosen, prior to his obtaining a law degree, worked as an accountant for a large corporation. He, therefore, possesses a unique background that enhances his ability to solve complicated estate tax scenarios. He has represented taxpayers and estates before the Internal Revenue Service and the New Jersey Inheritance Tax Bureau for over 30 years. He is also licensed to practice before the U. S. Tax Court.

Brown & Karosen is a small firm practice because it is felt that is the best way to give clients the personal service and attention that they deserve. The firm does not emulate the practice of many large law firms that have lavish offices and high overhead. Brown & Karosen is located on the first floor of a professional office building that is listed in the National Historic Register. The firm considers themselves a down-to-earth firm that represents clients at an affordable price. Clients are not billed for the high overhead of a large firm practice. Brown & Karosen is committed to providing excellent service to its clients. If firm clients are in nursing homes, hospitals or confined to their home, an attorney will go there to provide whatever service is needed. Because that is what Brown & Karosen does - provides its services, however they can. The firm's clients can count on the firm to be there for them, no matter where they are. If documents have to be signed at a hospital, Brown & Karosen is there. If a form has to be notarized in the nursing home, Brown & Karosen is there. If a Will has to be signed at a client's home, Brown & Karosen is there.

Some specific services that Brown & Karosen provides are:

• Preparing Wills and Codicils
• Probating Wills
• Administering estates (representing executors and administrators)
• Representing beneficiaries of estates and trust
• Preparing NJ Inheritance Tax returns
• Preparing NJ Estate Tax returns
• Preparing Federal Estate Tax returns
• Preparing estate or trust accountings
• Preparing Powers of Attorney
• Preparing Living Wills/Medical Directives/Medical Powers of Attorney
• Preparing revocable Trust Agreements
• Preparing Personal Residence Trusts
• Preparing Special Needs Trusts
• Representing the buyers of houses, condos, co-ops
• Representing the sellers of houses, condos, co-ops
• Preparing fiduciary income tax returns (for estates and trusts)
• Preparing individual income tax returns
• Representing estates where there is no Will (administration)
• Estate Planning
• Litigation of estate and trust matters
• Litigation of will contests
• Representing landlords
• Representing tenants
• Preparing/reviewing contracts
• Incorporating businesses
• Representing clients involved in civil litigation
• Representing clients in guardianship proceedings
• Preparing gift tax returns
• Preparing deeds and mortgages for real property
• Preparing promissory notes

The firm represents clients of all ages - young, middle-aged, and senior citizens. It has a good relationship with the trust departments of local banks. Brown & Karosen has litigated cases against the biggest law firms in New Jersey, and has achieved excellent results for its clients. The firm does not back down when the going gets tough.

Laurence E. Karosen has an enviable track record and work ethic, and he returns phone calls promptly and within a reasonable time. He has the highest legal ability rating (A) from Martindale-Hubbell, as well as the highest ethical rating (V). He has served on the local District Ethics Committee, and presently serves as a panelist on the Probate Early Settlement Panel for the Essex County Surrogate's Court. He has volunteered his services to various charities and non-profit organizations for over 30 years, and has a true sense of community involvement.