John C. Lavery is a graduate of the University of Kansas. He holds the following degrees from the University of Denver: a Juris Doctor; Master of Business Administration; and Master of Laws in Taxation. He practiced law in Burlington, Colorado and provided advanced estate and pension planning for Connecticut General Life Insurance Company. Mr. Lavery is a member of the Tax, Real Property, Probate and Trust Law Sections of the Florida Bar. He joined the firm in 1981. He retired in January, 2014, and has become "of counsel" to our firm. He continues to provide our firm and our clients invaluable practical and strategic input regarding his fields of interest and regarding the management of our firm.