When Russ Cook founded his Brentwood-based law firm in 2007, he set out to handle the most complex estate, probate and business planning matters. Through 40 years of combined legal experience and certifications, his team now assists various types of Middle Tennessee clients, all while maintaining their utmost privacy.
“Tax laws are evolving so quickly, we’re seeing an industry shift from general practitioners providing trusts and estates services to those who must specialize in this area of law,” Russ says. “Tennessee trust laws are so advantageous, it would be a disservice to not have the knowledge, and therefore the ability, to pass those benefits on to clients.”
Russ was the first attorney to be recognized as an estate planning specialist by the Tennessee Board of Certification and Specialization. Additionally, he holds the Accredited Estate Planner and Estate Planning Law Specialist designations with the National Association of Estate Planners and Councils. He’s also a member of the Middle Tennessee Estate Planning Council and the Tennessee Bar Association.
He received his bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Albany and his Juris Doctor from the Washington College of Law at American University, Washington, D.C. He also was enrolled in the International Business Studies program in Denmark.
The Russ Cook & Associates, PC, law firm staff handles all aspects of estate planning (wills, trusts, powers of attorney), probate and trust administration, corporate formation and business general counsel services.
The lawyers there even lead complimentary seminars for clients, colleagues and the community. In fact, Russ is a continuing education sponsor with Certified Financial Planners and so provides seminars eligible for continuing education credits.
“We strive to stay up-to-date on new estate planning trends and look forward to sharing that information with financial planners and others who benefit from the important details. We’re always open to questions from community advisers looking to provide comprehensive financial and estate planning services for their clients,” Russ says. “It’s a good arrangement.”
In his spare time, Russ enjoys activities with his children, Dylan and Evie, as well as motorcycles and CrossFit. He is a frequent guest on Channel 5’s Retirement Report television show and has appeared on 99.7 WWTN, 1510 WLAC and 107.9 WMSR radio.
“As specialists, we have the unique opportunity to offer a wide range of estate and business planning services, from basic wills for newlyweds and new parents to the most sophisticated plans for entertainers, entrepreneurs, blended families and non-traditional households,” he says.
Russ Cook & Associates law professionals conduct various seminars for clients, financial consultants and other attorneys, with founder Russ Cook certified to provide seminars for continuing education credits.
THREE BUSINESS MILESTONE DATES:
2013 – Russ Cook conducts first board-approved continuing education seminar for Certified Financial Planners.
2018 – Russ celebrates 30 years as licensed law practitioner.
2018 – The firm prepares its 5,000th estate planning package.