Christopher James Topa JD, MBA, MPA
Advocatus Law Firm, PLC
- Practice Areas
- Business Law
- Business Contracts, Business Dissolution, Business Finance, Business Formation, Business Litigation, Franchising, Mergers & Acquisitions, Partnership & Shareholder Disputes
- Estate Planning
- Guardianship & Conservatorship Estate Administration, Health Care Directives, Trusts, Wills
- Tax Law
- Business Taxes, Criminal Tax Litigation, Estate Tax Planning, Income Taxes, International Taxes, Payroll Taxes, Property Taxes, Sales Taxes, Tax Appeals, Tax Audits, Tax Planning
- Fees
-
Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
$205/hr.
- Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
- Michigan
- State Bar of Michigan
- ID Number: P70306
- Since 2006
-
- Languages
- English:
Spoken, Written
- Professional Experience
- Managing Member
- Advocatus Law Firm, PLC
-
2007 –
Current
- – Conduct research, evaluate law and regulations, offer opinions, draft legal documents and handle litigation
– Hire, supervise and schedule employees
– Prepare, analyze and review billing, financial statements and tax returns
- Site Coordinator
- Internal Revenue Service – Volunteer Return Preparation Program
-
2003 –
Current
- – IRS Certified Tax Preparer for Individual, Pension, Military, and Foreign Student Returns (Tax Years 2003-2008)
– TaxWise Train-the-Trainer Certified (Tax Year 2006-2007)
– Train, supervise and schedule tax preparers
– Prepare and audit tax returns, e-File administrator
– Certify and assure compliance with IRS regulations and standards
- Office Manager
- Huron Valley Pediatric & Adolescent Medicine
-
2003 –
2006
- – Handle patient intake, respond to patient inquiries and grievances
– Conduct research, evaluate medical law and regulations, offer opinions and draft forms for doctor
– Hire, supervise and schedule employees
– Prepare, analyze and review billing, payroll, financial statements and tax returns
– Coordinate computer operations and network management
- Office Manager
- Ming Enterprises
-
1994 –
2003
- – Performed legal research and prepared corporate documents and leases, participated in landlord-tenant litigation
– Supervised and scheduled employees
– Prepared, analyzed and reviewed financial statements and tax statements
– Converted existing paper journal/ledger system to self-developed accounting software system
- Education
- Wayne State University Law School
- LL.M | Taxation
-
2007
–
present -
- Ave Maria School of Law
- J.D
-
2003
–
2006 - Honors: Full-Tuition Scholarship for Academic Achievement
-
- Indiana Wesleyan University
- M.S | Master of Business Administration
-
1997
–
2000 - Honors: – Elected by faculty and fellow students for highest honor, “Outstanding Professional Award”
-
- Indiana University – Indiana University-Bloomington
- B.S. | Public & Environmental Affairs / Criminal Justice
-
1987
–
1993 - Honors: – Hutton Honors College
– Alpha Phi Omega Distinguished Service Key - Activities: – Alpha Phi Omega
– Alpha Theta Tau Commons Club
– Indiana University Student Association -
- Indiana University – Indiana University-Bloomington
- M.S | Master of Professional Accountancy
-
2001
–
2002 - – Performed Activities Based Costing and Inventory Control projects for national textbook dealer
– Performed Stock Valuation project for national retail clothing chains -
- Professional Associations
- National Association of Tax Professionals
- Member
-
2007 –
Current -
-
Michigan State Bar
 # 70306
- Member
-
2003 –
Current - Activities: Taxation Section, Administrative Law Section, Consumer Protection Law Section, Healthcare Law Section, Business Law Section, Former Chair – Law Student Section
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- American Bar Association
- Member
-
2003 –
Current - Activities: Taxation Section, Administrative Law Section, Business Law Section, Law Practice Management Section, Solo and General Practice Section
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- Websites & Blogs
- Website
- Website
- Contact & Address
- Rate This Lawyer