The Law office of Sherwood Guernsey has decades of experience advising and representing businesses of all sizes on the many issues and challenges they face daily. From small local businesses to multi-million dollar companies, this practice area has long been a foundation of the firm.

We will review your facts and help you anticipate unexpected issues that might arise in the future, with common sense, practical solutions. It is this “forward thinking” that will reduce tomorrow’s problems, protect your interests and save you money and aggravation after the documents are signed. We create, maintain and, if necessary, dissolve a wide range of business entities. We will advise you on all types of financing, contract issues, purchase and sale agreements, option agreements,  leases, zoning and permitting, licensing, employment issues, intellectual property, tax planning, and compliance with federal, state, and local laws and regulations.

“Sherwood Guernsey and his colleagues have provided invaluable legal counsel for both my family and family farm. They are passionate about their work, professional and bring a care for their clients that makes working with them a pleasure.  Knowing that I have Sherwood and his team in my corner gives me confidence as I navigate the intricacies of daily life and small business ownership.”
-Topher Sabot,  Cricket Creek Farm

“NBT Bank purchased some former Legacy Bank branches associated with a divestiture required by the U.S. Justice Dept. related to the acquisition of Legacy by Berkshire Bank.  NBT retained Sherwood Guernsey`s firm to help transfer all loans purchased in that transaction to NBT Bank as well as the personal and real property or leases associated with the transaction, including negotiating some terms of the contract.  The process was quite involved and Sherwood and his team worked fast and efficiently to accomplish the task working with multiple parties, including NBT personnel, customers, town and city officials and Berkshire personnel.  Since the branch acquisitions,  NBT has continued to retain Sherwood`s firm on routine as well as complicated transactions, commercial and residential mortgages, a bond financing transaction, commercial work out and collection actions and general banking representation in Berkshire County and beyond.  Sherwood and his staff are great to work with.  They understand the goals and the processes of the Bank, work to protect the interests of the Bank at the same time as promoting the interests of the general community, work extremely well with staff of the Bank and provide expert advice, timely delivered and at reasonable rates.  The Bank feels they have more than an attorney/client relationship with the Sherwood Guernsey Law Firm; we feel we have a true partnership with the firm.  The Bank is very pleased with our on-going relationship.”
– F. Sheldon Prentice, Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, NBT Bank

Representative Matters

• Represented a limited partnership in a $50 Million loan secured by a first mortgage on a residential apartment building
• Represented an institutional lender on a $12 Million loan bonded by the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency
• Counsel to Cricket Creek Farm
• Counsel to Mezze, Inc.
• Counsel to Henry V. Rabouin, Inc.

The Litigation Practice is a multi-disciplinary practice with the resources to serve the needs of both individuals and businesses. We know the difficulties of litigation, but we bring strong investigative, analytical, and advocacy skills to our representation of your interests.

We serve individual needs in a variety of matters, including  business disputes, wrongful termination, discrimination and sexual harassment, wage and overtime claims, personal injury (for example, automobile accidents, slip and fall injuries, dog bites), estate and fiduciary cases, real estate and land use matters, and consumer protection.

Our Litigation Practice has years of experience in handling a wide range of cases in a variety of courts both at the state and federal level.  Our goal is to resolve our clients’ cases as expeditiously and efficiently as possible.

REPRESENTATIVE MATTERS:

• Obtained judgment in a wrongful demolition case against the City of Pittsfield.
• Obtained judgment in a limited partnership dispute concerning the control of real estate in Williamstown.
• Obtained judgment, multiple damages, and attorneys fees in claim against home contractor.
• Obtained six-figure settlements in numerous personal injury claims.

 

Our Estate and Probate Practice serves clients by evaluating and analyzing existing estate plans and preparing new estate plans from simple wills to complex trusts, family limited partnerships, health care proxies and powers of attorney. Client needs are assessed based on the client assets, family composition, and the existing tax climate.

Our expertise also allows us to efficiently process the administration and probate of all estates, from inception to conclusion. Our focus is on protecting and preserving assets, as well as quickly and efficiently transitioning assets to beneficiaries. In addition to our estate and probate work, our litigation practice handles disputes on behalf of trustees, executors or other fiduciaries.

In our Real Estate Practice, we serve commercial and private clients in matters ranging from acquisition and development, financing, environmental and permitting, zoning, and construction. We represent entrepreneurs and developers of subdivisions, retail stores, and industrial facilities.

In addition, we assist landlords and tenants in all aspects of commercial and residential leasing and licensing.

If clients want to protect their land against development, we can assist with the placement of conservation restrictions and agricultural preservation restrictions.

We also have a vibrant residential real estate practice. From an initial offer to a purchase and sale agreement and through to closing, we help our residential clients in buying and selling their homes. Also, we can guide homeowners through the foreclosure process, and help negotiate a resolution between the homeowner and their lender.

And, if there is a real estate dispute or zoning or permitting problem, our Litigation Practice attorneys are there to represent our clients before local and state boards, and represent our clients’ interests in the courts.