Work for Clients
Mr. Kaufman has extensive experience with wealth transfer tax issues and expertise in the related planning techniques designed to minimize estate and gift tax for high-net-worth individuals. These include various techniques such as the establishment of qualified personal residence trusts (QPRTs), charitable remainder trusts, and private foundations. He also engages in specialized planning for unique family situations such as second marriages, special needs children, and other family circumstances, as well as business succession planning and asset protection. In addition, he has significant experience in guiding families through the probate and estate tax matters that arise on death, including fiduciary income tax.Mr. Kaufman has a diverse client base, from young families needing a simple plan, to the high-net-worth client who needs an intricate tax-sensitive plan, to the closely-held business owner transitioning the business to the next generation.Education
- LL.M. (tax), Boston University School of Law, 2003
- J.D., Suffolk University Law School, 1999
- B.A., University of Massachusetts-Amherst, 1995
Bar Admissions
- Massachusetts
Publications
- Mr. Kaufman is a frequent lecturer in his areas of expertise, which include seminars for Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education (MCLE) and is an adjunct faculty member at American International College, where he taught a course in Elder Law.
- Wealth Is In The Details Podcast: Episode 54: How to Design and Implement Your Estate Plan – With Brett Kaufman
Professional Activities & Affiliations
Mr. Kaufman is Past President of the Norfolk and Plymouth County Estate and Business Planning Council. He is the former chairman of the Western Massachusetts Leadership Committee for the Alzheimer’s Association and has served on the board and volunteered for many charitable organizations, including the Jimmy Fund and the United Way.Awards
Mr. Kaufman had been honored with the distinction of Massachusetts Super Lawyer in the area of Estate Planning for 2024 and 2023, which was published in Boston Magazine. Super Lawyers are identified by a research team and are selected for their background, professional achievements, and peer recognition. There is no opportunity to pay for a listing. Only 5% of New England’s lawyers are Super Lawyers. Mr. Kaufman had been also honored with the distinction of Massachusetts Super Lawyer Rising Stars in the area of Estate Planning for 2006 through 2013. The Rising Stars are under 40 years old or have been practicing law for fewer than 10 years. Only 2.5 percent of Massachusetts lawyers are named as Massachusetts Rising Stars. .Mr. Kaufman is certified as an Accredited Estate Planner® (AEP®) designee by the National Association of Estate Planners & Councils. The AEP® designation is a graduate-level specialization in estate planning, obtained in addition to already recognized professional credentials within the various disciplines of estate planning. It is awarded to recognize estate planning professionals who meet stringent requirements of experience, knowledge, education, professional reputation, and character.