Founded in 2017, The Wilson Firm was organized to provide premier legal services to Georgia’s smal
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The Wilson Firm was founded on the philosophy that the areas of business and tax are inseparable, therefore, the modern transactional attorney needs to be well-versed in both in order to adequately address a client’s needs and put them in the best position possible. Too often a business or corporate attorney beautifully crafts a document or forms a business, conforming to all legal requirements, b
ut fails to address or capture the IRS’s treatment of the transaction and the client’s ultimate bottom-line. Of course, this is not done intentionally, most attorneys are not trained to understand the economics of a business transaction, they just know the law. However, The Wilson Firm is able to address the complete picture by looking at the legal, business, and tax issues all at once.
The The Wilson Firm, LLC welcomes Associate Attorney, James Hamraie, to our team. Many thanks to Ron Daniel of the Douglas County Sentinel for publishing this piece.
https://www.douglascountysentinel.com/archives/hamraie-joins-the-wilson-firm/article_2d4b29b0-74ef-5875-82d3-2130729a8f48.html
SPECIAL to THE SENTINEL
This is a full circle moment. I'm honored to return to my Alma Mater, Georgia State University, and teach the very graduate course that I not only excelled in but that also inspired me to attend law school. Many thanks to Beth Cianfrone, Kelcey Roegiers, and Michael Drucker for believing in me.
In addition to working with for profit businesses, my law practice consists of representing a lot of non-profit organizations as well. Many thanks to Lauren Peck and the good people at Super Lawyers for the interview and feature in the article below. If you are active in the non profit space or considering starting a non-profit, be sure to read this article for some free legal tips.
A Few Taxing Questions on Starting a Nonprofit - an article appearing in Super Lawyers Magazine March 2021
Special thanks to the legendary actor and comedian, Michael Colyar, for the invitation to speak on his morning show today. I'm so blessed to have another platform to expose the brand. In our very short but productive existence, Magnate Sports Management's reception and reach has exceeded my expectations. 🙏
Many thanks to my colleagues for selecting me to the 2021 Georgia Rising Stars list. Being named to a Rising Stars list is a prestigious distinction that only 2.5% of attorneys receive. Its an honor to be in such an elite class of Georgia attorneys. Im so blessed to have a practice, business and tax law, that excites me. And thanks to all the clients who have supported my law firm and professional development. This is only the beginning!
July 2007 (can't remember the actual day) is when I had the vision (or maybe it was just an idea that I embraced and ran with) to work in sports. I went grad school and I obtained my masters in Sports Administration. No one gave me an opportunity in sports. I obtained to law degree. No one gave me an opportunity in sports. I obtained a post/advanced law degree in Taxation from one of the better schools/programs on the planet. No one gave me an opportunity in sports. I never stopped working on my vision despite rejection after rejection. I just shut my mouth and put my head down. 13 years later to the month, I launch Magnate Sports Management.
After nearly 18-months of planning, I am happy to announce the official launch and first event of Magnate Sports Management. Over 20 people contributed to the birth of Magnate. It was a true team effort and I couldn't be more excited about our staff. I invite you all to visit our website, follow us on Instagram & Twitter, and of course join us this Sunday, August 2, 2020 as we host a FB Live event featuring two retired NFL players and a celebrity host.
I'm not saying this because the Founder of Talley & Twine, Randy Williams, and I go way back to freshman orientation at Albany State University (shout out to the illustrious HBCU, BTW ... that Freshman Class of 2000 is doing numbers). I've been a watch connoisseur since I was in elementary school. Albeit plastic watches but hey, I did the best with what I had. Since then I've owned everything from Rolex to Micheal Kors watches. But a good time piece has nothing to do with cost or brand name in my opinion, rather everything to do with style and quality.
I purchased my first Talley & Twine watch nearly 18 months ago. I've never owned a watch that has received more compliments and has been this durable. And there is not even close second. I wear it almost every day and it still looks brand new. I have no idea what super material Randy and his team put into their watches but I just purchased/recieved my second and told myself I'm buying a new Talley & Twine watch at least once a year until the day I die. I'm 38 years old and plan to live to 100 so you do the math. I do realize I may run out of design options at some point but maybe I will start gifting them to people ... my son, daughter, nephews, nieces, etc. The bottomline is this, Talley & Twine is the best watch that I have ever purchased and it's a Black owned business whose Founder is a product of an HBCU.
Check out The Law Ladies Live . Today they're talking immigration, Thursday we are talking business and tax law.
The Wilson Firm, LLC updated their business hours.
Late night private basketball run with the 2020 Democratic presidential candidate and fellow attorney, Andrew Yang! This guy has a mean pullup! Best wishes to him and his family!
James Lewis, thanks for bringing me on to discuss "Representing Professional Athletes." This is our best interview yet!
Big thanks to my friend and colleague, James Lewis of Lewis on the Law, for inviting me back out to speak on "Representing the Professional Athlete." The business of sports is my favorite topic to discuss! This show should air on October 5th and I'm excited to see how it turns out.
Happy Independence Day to everyone! I'm celebrating a little different this year. No crazy fireworks for me. This year, I'm celebrating my independence by launching my second solo (independent) venture, Magnate Sports Management, LLC. I'm on my way to Las Vegas right now to attend The NBA Summer League. I told my wife, "Im not coming back without Zion Williamson as my first client." LOL! This venture has been a goal of mine for 12 years now and I'm excited to get it off the ground!
Many thanks to my colleagues for joining me at Top Golf to celebrate my Firm Anniversary. It's been an amazing two years in practice and entrepreneurship. I'm most proud of representing 120 clients, 70 of which are small businesses, with 100% of my clients paying ON TIME. I have never had a fee dispute or non payment. Im truly blessed to work for the most amazing people that respect my time and money! I love what I do and the people I work for! This is just the beginning, though, " ...quote me on this, got a lot more to prove. Remember I came in this [game], fresh outta [school] with nothing to lose…" Nipsey Hussle
Congratulations to my very first paid intern/employee, JoVanne Stewart! JoVanne is as sharp as they come and will be sorely missed. She is so talented that after she completed her very first assignment I voluntarily gave her a pay raise. No Cap. It wasn't much but I KNEW right away she was worth more. I asked her to research an intellectual property (Trademark) issue and she turned in a 3225 word, 11 page showstopper ... with in text citations. If anyone is looking for a good young lawyer look no further because she won't be on the market long. Today, she graduated from John Marshall Law School with honors in Appellate Advocacy! Proud of you, JoJo!! Keep doing your thing!
Congratulations to Sharif Fulcher!! Sharif and I go way back ... we went to high school together. After serving our country in the U.S. Marine Corps and a successful law enforcement career, Sharif decided to attend law school. He reached out to me while I was in my very last semester of law school and informed me of his aspirations. He humbled himself and asked for not only advice but materials to review 6 months before his first law school class. He is the ONLY aspiring law student that has done everything I asked of him and more in order to prepare for law school. Today, his commitment and discipline has paid off as he graduated from John Marshall Law School Cum Laude (with honors). I've personally witnessed this guy's journey to excellence and I'm honored to now share two alma maters with him!!!
Special congratulations are in order for my friend, my law firm's very first intern, and now colleague, Ricky Custard, for graduating from Mercer University's law school and business school (JD/MBA) programs yesterday. Not only did he obtain dual graduate degrees in three years but he graduated with honors, ranking #18 out of 157 students! I couldn't be happier for a guy that has worked his tale off and carries himself with great humility! I'm proud to welcome you to the profession and call you my brother!
There is no such thing as "paying your fair share of taxes." I have yet to represent a taxpayer, individual or business, Democratic or Republican, Black or White, rich or poor, male or female, etc., etc., etc., that has asked me to sign them up for their "fair share." Comments like this are PURE propaganda and used as political tools to sway the masses (uninformed). This is not only my professional opinion but the law. . The U.S. Treasury and IRS could care less about what is "fair," they are bound by the law and must enforce the tax code accordingly.
I recently had a friend and client call me a tell me about an article that says how a billion dollar company will pay no taxes. Whether the article is accurate or not, my message to her was, "dont hate the player or the game ... learn how to play the game like the player." Too often high net worth taxpayers are targets of tax propaganda. Know the difference between tax avoidance, which is legal, and tax evasion, which is illegal. Also know that it's not up to public opinion to enforce the U S. Tax Code. That's the IRS's job. Articles such as this should inspire a person not infuriate them because, unlike other areas of law that are applied unfairly/unevenly to citizens (immigration, the criminal justice system, etc.), the U.S. Tax Code can be ethically taken advantage of by ALL. And, as I mentioned above, the IRS could care less about demographics, political beliefs, and/or where you are from. I spend many hours of my day on the phone with them and trust me ... it NEVER comes up, which is why I love it. I'm not a Black man when I appear before the IRS, I'm a tax attorney. My clients are judged purely on my command of the U.S. Tax Code and the facts of their circumstances. Period.
That said, there are certain groups that have greater tax advantages than others. For example, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and real estate investors are, in my opinion, the "bald eagles" of taxpayers ... highly protected/benefited, which is why I'm such a proponent of self employment and/or real estate ownership. There are a number of policy reasons why this exists, which I do not have time to address because I am already guilty of being loquacious, but if you dont agree with a particular tax law you should write your congressman/congresswoman (not the President) because he or she writes the laws (not the President) ... you could also run for office.
Whatever you do, please do not hate on a taxpayer (individual or business) that is prudent enough to either read then apply the tax laws to their advantage or hire someone to do so. When I hear people complain about this I cringe because it says more (really less) about them than it does about the taxpayer.
Congratulations to my undergraduate professor, Dr. Sharon Nyota Tucker, who was the first African American female to graduate from UGA Law (1974) and who's portrait was unveiled at UGA Law today. I'm honored to have attended Albany State University and been taught by such an historic scholar.
BUSINESS TIP: Perhaps the biggest problem I see with new entrepreneurs is their struggle to understand that not every dollar that their business earns is theirs. Its sounds simple, but it’s much more complicated; here is why. Most people, via public education or life experiences, are conditioned to be an employee, to work for someone else. There is nothing wrong with that, especially because when you are an employee, every dollar that hits your bank account, after taxes naturally, is yours. However, when you are self-employed, every dollar that hits your bank account is not yours. You have to take a portion of it to pay yourself, state taxes, federal taxes, and your business.
Paying your business could possibly consist of paying your employees, marketers, a bookkeeper or CPA, your lawyer, business insurance, and the list goes one. Expenses relating to such professional services are the most foreign to an individual who only has an employee perspective. However, having a good professional team is the most valuable overhead because these individuals are directly responsible for your top line (gross revenue), bottom line (net profits), keeping the IRS off your back, and keeping your business from being shut down. What’s more important to a business than that?
When I started my own firm, I struggled with these decisions as well. For example, I realized that in order to pay myself a $50,000 annual salary I needed to generate $100,000 in gross revenue and set aside the difference ($50,000) for savings, taxes, and other operating expenses. Even for a tax attorney, the prepayment and withholding of taxes, among other things, was a tough pill to swallow but a necessary evil. Here are a few books, out of many, that I read and integrated into my company and personal finances that helped tremendously: (1) “Automatic Millionaire”, (2) “Profit First”, and (3) “Simple Numbers, Straight Talk, Big Profits”.
Major shout out my friend and fellow Albany State University alumni, Randy Williams, Founder of Talley & Twine. Randy and I go way back. We met during freshman orientation. For my birthday, I was in the market for a watch and had to show support. I love this time piece and haven't worn any of my other watches since it arrived over two weeks ago. This brand is now my exclusive watch company! Whether male or female, if you are in the market for a watch, give Talley & Twine a shot!
Many thanks to Marcus Dorsey CPA, BB&T, and the Clayton County Library System for putting together and hosting a fantastic business advisory panel for the Clayton County business community. This was definitely one of the better panels that I have been a part of and a great way to kick off a new business calendar year. I think our message was recieved loud and clear, "every business, no matter the size or stage, needs a professional team/advisory board (lawyer, accountant, banker, marketing consultant, and insurance agent). Transition from having a hobby (side hustle) to running a business." @ Clayton County Library System
Nearly 18 months ago I stepped out of faith and started my own law firm. At the time, I was two weeks removed from law school (my LLM), up to my eyebrows (not eyeballs) in student debt, had my second child on the way, and scared to death. I was wise enough to know that faith alone doesnt lead to becoming a successful entrepreneur. Among other things, you need a plan and resources. You also need a support system. I joined what is know as an office incubator called "Lawyers For Equal Justice." In my opinion, they would provide a guy who had zero practical experience the opportunity to learn how to be a business owner and lawyer simultaneously. I would also be afforded countless opportunities to help pro & low bono clients. A couple days ago we celebrated my colleague's and I completion of our commitment to Lawyers For Equal Justice and 18 months of successful entrepreneurship. This has been, without a doubt, the most prosperous and professionally fulfilling stretch of my life. Not only have I helped many clients in need, but I have a practice that I LOVE (Business Law and Taxation), and I've made the most money in my life (by a long shot). I have also had the flexibility to spend time with family. Don't get me wrong, this has been one of the most challenging stretches as well but just because something is difficult doesn't mean it cant be enjoyable. I am forever grateful for this opportunity, my experiences, and the relationships.
Many thanks to the good people at BB&T and the South DeKalb Business League for inviting me out to speak on Business Taxation. I've lived in Atlanta for over 11 years and didn't know until yesterday that DeKalb County is second most affluent African American community in the country behind Prince George's Country.
Many thanks to Professor Armin Alberto Marquez Salas and the good people of Georgia State University for inviting back out to guest speak at their Sport Law Class (undergraduate). This is perhaps my favorite speaking opportunity. It was this very course/graduate program, nearly 9 years ago, that inspired me to go to law school and practice in the sports industry. That dream is alive and well. It's so important to me to reach back any chance I get!
Congratulations to my high school classmate and attorney colleague, , for adding another feather to her cap, Author! My copy of "Faith & Law" just arrived and I can't wait to crack it open! Andrea has been an inspiration to me for many years now and I cant wait to see what's next! If you are anyone you know is looking for a great Family Law Attorney in Illinois (Chicago), Andrea Harvey is the one!
Many thanks to James Lewis and biz 1190 for inviting me back out to speak on "Planning Non-Profit & Tax-Exempt Organizations" (James, I know you hate that long title, lol)! I really do enjoy advising Non-Profits just as much as I do For-Profits. I had blast and can't wait to do it again!
Lewis on the Law w/ D.A. Wilson - Non-Profits
Many thanks to the clients, colleagues, friends, and family members that came out and celebrated my law firm's first anniversary. I think we had well over 75 people in attendance. My only regret is that I did not get pictures with every single person so this post does the event no justice. That said, I'm so blessed to have such an amazing network and support system. In my first year (12 months), I represented 60 clients, that's over one new client per week, and I'm proud to boast that not a single client paid me late (or not at all). That says more about my clients and the people I'm blessed to work with than it does my "legal skills," trust me. It also says a lot about the God I serve. I stepped out on faith and haven't looked back. If you put your faith in Him, work hard & smart, treat people with dignity/reepect, and remain disciplined nothing can stop you. @ Gordon Biersch Brewery Restaurant
Many, many thanks to James Lewis of "Lewis on the Law" and biz 1190 for bringing me on the air (radio) to speak about business taxation. This is my first radio opportunity but certainly not my last!
Lewis on the Law - Business Taxation Basics w/ The Wilson Firm, LLC
Workout Anytime Covington Grand Opening event pics. Blessed to have worked on this business venture from start to finish! Congrats to the new franchise owner, Regina Gray!
Special congratulations are in order for my friend and client, now franchise owner of Workout Anytime Covington , Regina Gray! What an incredible Grand Opening event! When I started my own practice a year ago, Regina was my very first client. She looked past my limited experience and retained me to help her make the biggest investment of her life! I am forever grateful!
Timeline Photos
12461 Veterans Memorial Highway, Suite 580
Douglasville, GA
30134
| Monday | 9am - 5pm |
| Tuesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Wednesday | 9am - 5pm |
| Thursday | 9am - 5pm |
| Friday | 9am - 5pm |
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As Founder of The Wilson Firm LLC, David A. Wilson ("D.A.") is an Atlanta, Georgia based attorney and concentrates his practice on transactional business and tax law. D.A's mission is to guide clients through the process of business ownership and beyond. In order to accomplish this, D.A. advises entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and investors on wide variety of matters, including business & tax planning, entity formation, corporate governance, mergers & acquisitions, payroll & self-employment taxes, retirement plans for small businesses, intellectual property, real-estate transactions, state & local taxes, tax-exempt organizations & non-profit law, tax controversy, and drafting & negotiating business/corporate agreements. D.A.’s professional opinion is that the areas of business law and taxation are inseparable, therefore, the modern transactional attorney needs to be well versed in both in order to adequately address a client’s needs. D.A. is a member of the State Bar of Georgia and received his B.A. degree from Albany State University, earned his M.S. degree from Georgia State University, his J.D. degree from John Marshall Law School (Atlanta), and his LL.M. degree from Boston University School of Law.
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