Karen Schaefer, Business Attorney in Rochester, New York
Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Partner, Chair of the Business Succession Planning Practice Group, Member of the law firm's Manageme
Rochester, NY
Practicing business in Rochester since 1980.
- 46+
- Years practicing
- 4.8 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Karen Schaefer?
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Quick answer
Karen Schaefer is a partner, chair of the business succession planning practice group, member of the law firm's manageme based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Rochester, NY
- Experience
- over 46 years
- Known for
- Business · Elder Law · Estate Planning
- Handles Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning matters from Rochester, NY.
- Over 46 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About Karen Schaefer: Karen Schaefer is a partner, chair of the business succession planning practice group, member of the law firm's manageme based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Karen's practice areas in Rochester
Karen concentrates on business, elder law, estate planning, probate, and tax. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Business
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Elder Law
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Estate Planning
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Probate
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Tax
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Trusts
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Business cases in Rochester, New York
Karen takes business matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Elder Law cases in Rochester, New York
Karen takes elder law matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Estate Planning cases in Rochester, New York
Karen takes estate planning matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Probate cases in Rochester, New York
Karen takes probate matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Tax cases in Rochester, New York
Karen takes tax matters in Rochester, New York. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Karen agrees to represent you.
Biography
Karen Schaefer, business attorney serving Rochester
Karen Schaefer is a partner, chair of the business succession planning practice group, member of the law firm's manageme based in Rochester, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Estate Planning. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review. Karen works from Rochester, New York and takes on business matters across the region.
Karen Schaefer is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts, estate administration and 6 other areas of law. Karen received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Karen practices in Rochester, NY.
Working with Karen on a business matter
Karen Schaefer is a lawyer practicing estate planning, trusts, estate administration and 6 other areas of law. Karen received a B.A. degree from Michigan State University in 1976, and has been licensed for 46 years. Karen practices in Rochester, NY.
Who Karen represents
Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and estate planning matters in Rochester and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Karen studied and practices
Albany Law School
J.D. · 1979
Michigan State University
B.A. Economics · 1976
Jurisdictions
Karen's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1980 · ACTIVE
New York
1980 · ACTIVE
Karen studied at J.D. in Albany Law School and B.A. Economics in Michigan State University.
Law school and academic background
Karen completed J.D. in Albany Law School and B.A. Economics in Michigan State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Karen runs in New York is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Karen's legal honors and published work
Karen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
Karen's professional memberships and bar associations
Monroe County and New York State Bar Associations Greater Rochester Association of Women Attorneys
membership
Locations
Karen Schaefer's office in Rochester
Karen's primary office is at 110 Linden Oaks, Rochester, NY, 14604. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Karen Schaefer — 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Karen. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing business attorneys in Rochester.
4.8
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Karen Schaefer claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Karen Schaefer — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new business attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Karen usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Karen charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Karen will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a business attorney in Rochester, New York
A short list to run through before you commit: How many business matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Karen
Karen discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in business practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every business matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Karen confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Karen's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many business practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Karen Schaefer
How much does it cost to hire Karen for a business case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Karen walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Karen offer a free consultation?
Karen charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Karen's office. Some business attorneys offer free consults — check Karen's current terms during booking.
How long do business cases in New York typically take?
Simple business matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Karen gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Karen take my case if I'm outside Rochester?
Karen is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Karen will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Karen?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Karen will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Karen accepting new business clients right now?
Karen's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Business attorneys serving Rochester and Albany in New York
Karen handles business matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified business attorneys in that community.
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