James L. Hatzell

In the realm of legal services, particularly when navigating the intricate areas of estate planning, elder law, and business matters, finding a reliable and experienced attorney is paramount. For residents in Cherry Hill Township, NJ, and the surrounding areas, James L. Hatzell emerges as a prominent figure within the "Nearby Lawyers" platform category. Specializing in a comprehensive range of services, Mr. Hatzell offers professional guidance designed to safeguard clients' interests and ensure their peace of mind.

James L. Hatzell's practice is located at 4 Munn Ave, Cherry Hill Township, NJ 08034, USA. This address places his office conveniently within a well-established community, offering easy access for local clients seeking legal assistance. Cherry Hill Township is a vibrant and accessible area in New Jersey, known for its suburban charm and proximity to major metropolitan centers. The office location suggests a professional and accessible environment, conducive to client consultations and legal work. While specific details about the interior ambiance are not publicly available, legal offices typically maintain a decor that fosters a sense of trust, privacy, and professionalism. Clients can expect a comfortable and confidential setting for discussing sensitive legal matters, reflecting the serious and personal nature of estate planning and other legal services provided. The ease of access, combined with a professional setting, contributes to a positive client experience.

James L. Hatzell, operating as part of Bernetich Hatzell & Pascu, LLC, offers a broad spectrum of legal services with a particular emphasis on estate planning, estate administration, and business transactions. His practice areas are extensive and cater to individuals, families, and business owners looking to manage their assets, plan for the future, and resolve disputes.

• Estate & Trust Planning: This core service involves assisting clients in creating comprehensive plans for the distribution of their assets and care of their loved ones. This includes drafting wills, establishing various types of trusts (such as revocable living trusts, irrevocable trusts, and special needs trusts), and advising on strategies to minimize estate taxes and avoid probate. The goal is to ensure clients' wishes are honored and their beneficiaries are protected.
• Estate & Trust Administration: Following the passing of a loved one, Mr. Hatzell provides guidance and representation to executors, trustees, and beneficiaries through the often-complex process of estate and trust administration. This can involve probate proceedings, managing assets, settling debts, and distributing inheritances in accordance with the deceased's will or trust.
• Elder Law & Medicaid Planning: As individuals age, legal needs evolve. Mr. Hatzell offers elder law services, including planning for long-term care, asset protection strategies, and navigating Medicaid eligibility requirements. This is crucial for clients seeking to preserve their wealth while ensuring access to necessary healthcare and living arrangements in their later years.
• Guardianship & Special Needs Trust Planning: For individuals who are unable to make decisions for themselves, or for families with loved ones who have special needs, Mr. Hatzell assists in establishing guardianships and creating special needs trusts. These legal tools are vital for ensuring the well-being and financial security of vulnerable individuals without jeopardizing their eligibility for essential government benefits.
• Estate & Trust Litigation & Dispute Resolution: Unfortunately, disputes can arise during estate and trust administration. Mr. Hatzell provides representation in litigation matters related to wills, trusts, and estates, working to resolve conflicts efficiently and effectively while protecting his clients' interests. This can involve challenging a will, addressing breaches of fiduciary duty, or resolving beneficiary disagreements.
• Residential & Commercial Real Estate: Beyond estate-specific matters, James L. Hatzell also handles residential and commercial real estate transactions. This includes assisting clients with the buying, selling, and leasing of properties, providing legal review of contracts, and addressing any potential legal issues that may arise during real estate dealings.
• Business Succession Planning: For business owners, planning for the future of their enterprise is critical. Mr. Hatzell provides expertise in business succession planning, helping clients create strategies for the orderly transfer of business ownership and management, whether due to retirement, disability, or other circumstances.
• Tax Planning for Family Businesses and Individuals: Given his background as a former Certified Public Accountant, Mr. Hatzell offers valuable insights into tax implications related to estate planning and business matters. He assists clients in developing tax-efficient strategies to minimize liabilities for both individuals and family businesses.

James L. Hatzell's professional profile is distinguished by his extensive experience and educational background. He has been in private practice since 1993, focusing primarily on estate planning, estate administration, and business transactions. Before embarking on his legal career, he worked in Public Accounting from 1987 to 1990 and held a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license from 1993 to 1999. This dual background in law and accounting provides him with a unique and comprehensive understanding of the financial and legal aspects of his practice areas, offering clients a more holistic approach to their legal needs.

Mr. Hatzell holds a B.S. in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University (1987), a J.D. from Rutgers Camden School of Law (1993), and an LL.M. (Master of Laws) with a specialization in taxation from New York University School of Law (1996). His advanced legal education in taxation further underscores his expertise in helping clients navigate complex financial and legal landscapes.

He is an active member of several professional organizations, including the New Jersey State Bar Association, the Camden County Bar Association (where he previously served as chairman of the Tax Committee), and the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys. These memberships demonstrate his commitment to staying current with legal developments and best practices in his field. Furthermore, his past role as President and a twelve-year member of the Collingswood Board of Education highlights his dedication to community involvement.

The firm, Bernetich Hatzell & Pascu, LLC, emphasizes its commitment to providing experienced guidance and full-service estate planning. Their promotional message highlights their dedication to working closely with clients to develop effective estate plans and ensure loved ones are protected. The website itself serves as a promotional tool, detailing their extensive services and the expertise of their attorneys.

Customer reviews offer valuable insights into the client experience. One review describes James Hatzell and his staff as "exceptional," highly recommending him and praising his "competent and friendly" associate attorneys and staff. This reviewer particularly highlights Jim's honesty, stating, "You are in good honest hands with Jim." This feedback suggests a positive overall experience for clients who have worked with Mr. Hatzell and his team, emphasizing professionalism, expertise, and a trustworthy approach.

However, it's also important to acknowledge all feedback. Another review mentions a call regarding a contract matter that did not receive a timely response via email or phone call after about a week. While this represents a single instance, it suggests that communication responsiveness could be an area for improvement for some clients. It is crucial for any legal service provider to ensure consistent and timely communication, especially in matters that may be time-sensitive for clients.

Despite this isolated comment, the overwhelmingly positive sentiment from the detailed review suggests a high level of client satisfaction with the quality of legal services and the demeanor of the staff. The emphasis on "good honest hands" is particularly compelling for potential clients seeking trustworthy legal counsel for sensitive personal and financial matters.

In conclusion, James L. Hatzell, as a lawyer featured in the "Nearby Lawyers" category, offers a robust suite of services primarily focused on estate planning, estate administration, and related legal areas. His strong academic background, extensive experience, and positive client testimonials (with one exception regarding communication) position him as a reliable and knowledgeable legal professional for individuals and businesses in Cherry Hill Township, NJ, and beyond. His combination of legal acumen and accounting insight provides a distinct advantage for clients facing complex financial and legal challenges.