Louis A. Silverman
Bernard Justice Johnsen
Silverman Law Offices and Bernard Justice Johnsen have merged operations, effective Jan. 1, 2024. The company’s new name is Praesidium, Law, PLLC. Praesidium is the Latin word for protection.
The firm, which focuses on estate-planning and probate and estate administration, will be directed by senior attorneys Louis A. Silverman and Bernard Justice Johnsen. The team includes Silverman’s associates, Tomi Farr, and Bernie Owens, former commissioner for the Maricopa County Superior Court covering probate, juvenile and family law. They will be supported by Jessanne Grant, Ann Wagner, Cheyenne West, Diana Fernandez, Kerri Webb, Shelby Lee and Kyersten Zettel.
“This merger is at the right time and for the right reasons: our clients,” Silverman said. “Our merged team of experienced, talented professionals expands our resources and enhances our ability to serve our growing base of clients.”
“I fully agree with Lou,” Johnsen said. “The merger will allow us to rely on our years of experience to find the right resolution in a cost-effective manner.”
The firm will operate out of former Silverman Law Offices in Tempe at 4450 S. Rural Road, Suite C-120 and at 1820 E. Ray Road, Suite A101 in Chandler.
Silverman has been practicing law in Arizona since 1981. In addition to providing legal counsel and support to clients, Silverman has been writing a monthly estate-planning column for The Arizona Republic and AZ Central since 2010.
Johnsen has been in private practice in Arizona for 10 years with his primary focus on estate planning, business succession planning and probate and trust litigation.
