Karen Schaefer

Karen Schaefer, Business Attorney in Pittsford, New York

Over 46 years of legal practice · focused on Business, Elder Law, and Tax · 4.8/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Partner, Chair of the Business Succession Planning Practice Group, Member of the law firm's ManagemeatLacy Katzen LLP

Pittsford, NY

Practicing business in Pittsford since 1980.

46+
Years practicing
4.8 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

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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 Pittsford, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Tax. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lacy Katzen LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Pittsford, NY
Experience
over 46 years
Known for
Business · Elder Law · Tax
  • Handles Business, Elder Law, and Tax matters from Pittsford, 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 Pittsford, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Tax. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lacy Katzen LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Karen Schaefer

Karen concentrates on business, elder law, tax, trusts, and probate. Each area below outlines the kind of case Karen handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Business cases in Pittsford, New York

Karen takes business matters in Pittsford, 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 Pittsford, New York

Karen takes elder law matters in Pittsford, 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 Pittsford, New York

Karen takes tax matters in Pittsford, 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.

Trusts cases in Pittsford, New York

Karen takes trusts matters in Pittsford, 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 Pittsford, New York

Karen takes probate matters in Pittsford, 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

About Karen Schaefer — Over 46 years of New York business experience

Karen Schaefer is a partner, chair of the business succession planning practice group, member of the law firm's manageme based in Pittsford, NY. The practice focuses on Business, Elder Law, and Tax. Karen has over 46 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Lacy Katzen LLP. Rated 4.8 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Karen Schaefer is a lawyer practicing estate and trust planning, business succession planning, tax structuring and planning and 3 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 at Lacy Katzen LLP in Pittsford, NY.

Karen's approach to business cases

Karen Schaefer is a lawyer practicing estate and trust planning, business succession planning, tax structuring and planning and 3 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 at Lacy Katzen LLP in Pittsford, NY.

The kind of cases Karen takes

Karen reviews new inquiries case-by-case for business, elder law, and tax matters in Pittsford and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Karen Schaefer's legal education and bar admissions

  • Albany Law School

    J.D. · 1979

  • Michigan State University

    B.A. Economics · 1976

Jurisdictions

Karen's state bar admissions

  • New York

    1980 · ACTIVE

  • U.S. District Court,

    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

Awards, publications, and recognition of Karen Schaefer

Karen has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Locations

Karen Schaefer's office in Pittsford

Karen's primary office is at 1175 Pittsford-Victor Road, Building 2 Suite 240, Pittsford, NY, 14534. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Lacy Katzen LLP

1175 Pittsford-Victor Road, Building 2 Suite 240

Pittsford, NY 14534

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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 Pittsford.

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.

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Hiring 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 Pittsford, 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 Pittsford?

    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 Pittsford 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.

More counsel

If Karen's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these business attorneys in Pittsford handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.