John Lessel
Partner
: (501) 954-9000
: (501) 954-9005 (facsimile)
: [email protected]
: 11601 Pleasant Ridge Road, Suite 301
Little Rock, Arkansas 72212
Background
John Lessel is an experienced attorney at RMP Law, specializing in a variety of legal areas. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Oklahoma in 1970. He later attended the University of San Diego, where he received his Juris Doctor degree with Honors in 1976. John continued his legal education at the same university and obtained his LLM in Taxation in 1981.
John’s practice areas include Estate Planning and post-death estate administration, tax planning for corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), partnerships and individuals, private placement securities offerings, entity organization and operation, and business sales, acquisitions and financing. He is licensed to practice law in the state of California since 1976, and in the state of Arkansas since 1978.
John is a compassionate attorney who enjoys helping clients to meet their personal, financial, and family needs. He finds it rewarding to provide assistance to clients in a time of need and help them achieve their goals. When he is not practicing law, John enjoys pursuing his hobbies such as photography, woodworking, and instructing at Porsche Club of America high-performance drivers’ education and BMW Club of America drivers’ school weekends.
Education
- Juris Doctor. with Honors, University of San Diego 1976
- LL.M., Taxation, University of San Diego 1981
- B.S., Aerospace Engineering, University of Oklahoma 1970
Practice Areas
- Estate Planning, Trusts and Post-Death Estate Administration
- Tax planning for Corporations, Limited Liability Companies, Partnerships and Individuals
- Private Placement Securities Offerings
- Entity Organization and Operation
- Business Sales, Acquisitions and Financing
Community & Recognitions
- Designated naval aviator, 1972, and served in Navy Judge Advocate General’s Corps 1976-1981. Attained rank of LCDR, JAGC, USNR.
- Served as Program Chairman, Tax Awareness Institute, AICLE. Chairman, Taxation Section, Arkansas Bar
- Recipient of Best of CLE award, Arkansas Bar Association, 1994 and 1995.
- Recipient of Meritorious Recognition for Continuing Professional Education, Arkansas Society of Certified Public Accountants, 1994, 1995 and 1996. C.M. “Mac” Angel Discussion Leader of the Year award, 1997.
Chairman, Arkansas Tax Liaison Committee, 2000-2001, continued as member until 2013. - Selected for Best Lawyers in America since 1993.
- Elected a Fellow of The American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), 1996.
- Speaker at tax programs for lawyers, bankers, accountants and other professionals.
- Hobbies include photography, woodworking and instructing at Porsche Club of America high performance drivers’ education and BMW Club of America drivers’ school weekends.
Associations & Memberships
- Association, 1988-1989. Member, House of Delegates, Arkansas Bar Association, 1993-1997. Has provided technical assistance to Arkansas General Assembly on state tax legislation.
- Charter member of Arkansas Chapter of National Council on Planned Giving, 1993; President, 1997.
- Member, Community Advisory Board, Donald W. Reynolds Institute on Aging, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, 2002-2013, Chairman 2012-2013.
Admissions
- 8th Circuit Court of Appeals
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- U.S. District Court (Western and Eastern)
Most Rewarding Aspect of Work
- I really enjoy working closely with my clients and getting to know their goals and dreams for the future. This allows me to provide the best guidance to reach their personal, financial, and family needs.