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Douglas Carlson

Douglas C. Carlson

Partner

200 Public Square
Suite 2800
Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Primary Practices

Douglas C. Carlson has extensive experience in corporate, partnership, individual and estate tax matters. The primary emphasis of his practice is on transactional planning, including acquisitions and dispositions, reorganizations and limited partnership syndications, liquidations and executive compensation, including stock options and deferred compensation. He has substantial experience in compliance activities, controversy matters, and state and local tax matters.

As a business law attorney, Doug focuses his general corporate practice on privately held corporations, including incorporations, acquisitions, dispositions, reorganizations and liquidations.

Doug has a wide breadth of experience in estate planning and probate. His work in the planning and administration of estates has a particular emphasis on family business planning in connection with control of privately held corporate businesses and charitable gift planning. In addition, he is experienced in the formation, organization and operation of public charities and private family foundations. He is also involved with planning and compliance for a wide range of tax matters affecting nonprofits.

Professional History

  • Partner, Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP, 1981-present; Associate, 1979-80
  • Supervising Tax Specialist, Coopers & Lybrand, 1977-79; Tax Specialist, 1975-76

Accolades

Credentials

Education
  • Case Western Reserve University School of Law, J.D., 1975
    • Honors & Activities: Associate Editor, Case Western Reserve Law Review, 1973-74
  • Kent State University, MPA, 1972
  • Kent State University, BBA, magna cum laude, 1971
    • Honors & Activities: Beta Alpha Psi; Beta Gamma Sigma
Community Involvement

Western Golf Association, Evans Scholars Foundation, Director

 

Elyria Country Club, Member; Board of Directors 2003-08; President, 2005-08; Caddie Committee, 1993-present, Chairman, 2010-present; Hotsey Caddie Scholarship Foundation, Trustee; Golf Committee, Member, 1993-present

 

Cleveland Rowing Foundation, Director, 2003-2011

Awards & Distinctions

The Best Lawyers in America®, Nonprofit/Charities Law, 2025, Trusts and Estates, 2018-25, Tax Law, 2023-25

 

AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell

 

Ohio Super Lawyers, 2004-05

Bar Admissions

State of Ohio, 1975

 

State of Florida, 1982

 

U.S. Tax Court, 1979

Memberships & Affiliations

Ohio Bar Association, Member

 

Florida Bar Association, Member

 

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Member

Accreditations

Certified Public Accountant (Inactive)