George Runstadler was a shareholder at Berry Moorman P.C. and headed the Firm’s Tax Law Practice Group and was an adjunct professor for a number of institutions of higher learning including Thomas Cooley Law School (LLM program), Walsh College, and Detroit College of Law (now Michigan State University Law School).
Mr. Runstadler authored and presented material for the Michigan Bar Association, International Institute of Certified Financial Planners, Michigan Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Michigan Institute of Continuing Legal Education and numerous other organizations, both professional and private.
Throughout his career, he had successfully represented numerous business concerns involved in joint ventures, licensing, manufacturing, retail, service and insurance sales. His material involvement included tax planning, mergers and acquisitions, entity organization, agreements among owners as to succession, taxes, contract negotiation with employees and other concerns, and financial aspects of operations of both emerging and distressed companies.
Mr. Runstadler has also had extensive involvement with tax controversies at the audit, appellate and tax court stages. A major component of his practice was his estate planning practice which included the design and preparation of estate plans, succession planning, charitable planning, probate and trust administration, taxes and litigation.
His numerous achievements and accolades included being named a Top Lawyer in Corporate Law by dBusiness, “Best of Detroit-Metro Detroit” in Estate Planning by Hour Magazine, a Leading Lawyer by Michigan Leading Lawyers for his work in the area of Tax Law, and was consistently rated “AV” by Martindale Hubbell.
Donald Carney, a longtime friend and colleague said: “George and I were shareholders together for many years now at Berry Moorman and went through dozens of legal matters together, some of which were very challenging. George was always strong, smart, and confident. And he had great stories to tell, often sharing them with me and others in the office. He was open and free with his experience and knowledge. If you had a problem, you could go to George and receive guidance. George was a mentor to many and guided countless clients to successful results,”
Mr. Runstadler enjoyed having his children and granddaughters spend the summers with him on Lake Shinanguag. George enjoyed sailing, and was an avid golfer who greatly enjoyed traveling the world with his wife.
George Runstadler is survived by his wife Cecilia, two daughters and one son, and three grandchildren
