History & Growth

Katz, Bernstein & Katz was founded in 1980 by Senior Partners Robert Katz and Edwin A. Bernstein. The law firm, which was originally known as Katz & Bernstein, built its practice with a concentration in taxation and estate and succession planning. However, each of the founding partners brought an expertise beyond the scope of the conventional attorney.

Mr. Katz, who has a graduate law degree (LLM) in taxation, provided a strong tax background in all facets of income, as well as estate and trust taxation planning. When combined with his direct experience at the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), he proved a formidable advocate for clients in a wide range of areas including both IRS and New York State taxation matters. Complementing his background was the real estate, Securities and Exchange and business formation experience of Mr. Bernstein. This diversity, along with Mr. Bernstein's experience providing legal services in Central and South America, made him a valuable asset to the firm and its clientele.

In 1991, Managing Partner Neil D. Katz joined the firm. Not only did he represent the second generation of the Katz family in the firm, but also the next phase in the firm's evolution. In addition to strengthening KBK's resources in the areas of taxation, estate planning, strategic business planning and transactions, he fostered an analytical approach in problem solving and the firm's further entry into a broader arena of corporate legal services.

Today, KBK is recognized throughout the New York-Metropolitan region as a pro-active, value-added law firm, whose client relationships exceed the traditional attorney client engagement. Whether involved in a succession plan for a family-owned business, a merger for a closely-held company, the formation of a medical group practice or an estate plan for an individual; KBK establishes a relationship built on its technical prowess, legal ethics and commitment to the highest standards of professional service.

KBK's taxation, estate and succession planning and legal acumen in various business related matters has not been lost on its professional peers in the accounting, financial planning and legal fields. They know the firm's partners can be relied upon as valuable allies capable of addressing even the most complex legal issues.