Counsel that sounds like a person, not a firm.
For thirty-eight years, Elm + Oak has practiced as a deliberately small firm — three partners, two associates, and the people we represent know each of us by name. We take the work seriously and ourselves a little less.
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Three things, done thoroughly.
We don't dabble. The firm works in three connected areas of practice — and refers anything outside that scope to lawyers we trust.
Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, advanced directives, probate avoidance — for individuals and families with complex situations or simple ones done right.
- Revocable & irrevocable trusts
- Wills & pour-over coordination
- Powers of attorney
- Probate & trust administration
Business Counsel
Outside general counsel for small and mid-sized businesses — formation, contracts, governance, succession. We bill flat or by retainer; rarely by the hour.
- Entity formation & restructuring
- Contracts & vendor agreements
- Employment & HR counsel
- Succession & sale planning
Trust Litigation
When trust or estate matters become contested. Most cases resolve in mediation; we prepare every one as if it won't.
- Trust contests & defense
- Beneficiary disputes
- Trustee accountings
- Mediation & trial counsel
For complex estate matters in the region, Elm + Oak is the firm I send people to. They're careful, current, and they don't run up the bill.
Three lawyers. Same office. Same names on the door.
Henrik Oak
Forty-one years in practice. Founded the firm in 1987 with one assistant and a borrowed conference table. Lectures occasionally at the local bar.
Nora Elm
Joined as an associate in 2002, made partner in 2009, took the keys in 2018. Holds the firm's relationships with most of our long-standing business clients.
James Marquez
Trial counsel, eighteen years. Came to us from a regional firm in 2016. Calm in mediation, prepared for trial, never the loudest person in the room.
Quietly noticed.
Best Lawyers in America
Henrik Oak — Trusts & Estates, 14th consecutive year.
Super Lawyers
Nora Elm & James Marquez listed.
Martindale-Hubbell AV
Preeminent rating, firm-wide.
Best Law Firms
U.S. News & World Report — Tier 1 regional, Trusts & Estates.
Probate Bar Service Award
Henrik Oak, lifetime contribution.
Selected by clients
Most of our work continues to come by referral from the clients we've served.
An hour to understand the matter.
Initial consultations are sixty minutes, in our offices on Maple Street. We charge a flat $250 for the meeting — credited toward representation if we proceed together.
If we're not the right fit, we'll tell you who is. We refer about a quarter of inquiries to other counsel each year.
Schedule a Consultation