Bret M. Kanis
Bret Kanis represents closely-held businesses and their owners in all aspects of general business and tax law, including the formation of business entities and the acquisition and disposition of businesses. In addition, Mr. Kanis advises clients in structuring real estate transactions from a tax perspective, including structuring tax-free like-kind exchanges. He also represents clients in federal and state tax controversies. Mr. Kanis devotes a significant portion of his practice to assisting his clients with estate planning, wealth preservation strategies and probate and trust administration.
Mr. Kanis' practice also includes sports law, primarily representing professional athletes in contract negotiations, contract disputes and their off-the-field business ventures. He is certified as an agent by the National Basketball Players Association. Mr. Kanis has also represented ownership groups in their potential purchase of professional sports franchises and student-athletes in issues relating to their National Letter of Intent.
Areas of Practice
- Business Organizations
- Taxation
- Business & Commercial Law
- Estate Planning
- Probate and Estate Administration
- Sports Law
Bar Admissions
- Missouri, 1996
- California, 1996
- District of Columbia, 1997
- Florida, 2007
Education
- New York University School of Law, New York, New York
- LL.M, Taxation - 1996
- Pepperdine University, Malibu, California
- J.D. (Magna Cum Laude) - 1995
- Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri
- B.S.B.A. - 1992
Published Works
- "Buy/Sell Agreements: Planning for the Future", Kansas City Small Business Monthly, March, 2001
- Co-author, 'Sports and the Law,' a bi-weekly sports column published in the law school newspapers of Pepperdine University, George Washington University and Hofstra University, 1996-1998
- "The Utility of Personal Service Corporations for Athletes", Pepperdine Law Review, Vol. 22, issue no. 2 (1995)
Professional Associations and Memberships
- National Basketball Players Association, Certified Player Agent
- Escambia-Santa Rosa Bar Association, Member
- Bar Association of Metropolitan St. Louis, Member
Ancillary Businesses
- Athlete Agent - Florida
- Certified Public Accountant - Maryland ( Inactive)
