Business Details
Your Trusted Partner for Estate & Business Planning
Walker Lambe, PLLC has established itself as a trusted legal partner for families, businesses, and organizations in Durham, North Carolina. With over four decades of experience, our team of attorneys combines deep legal expertise with a commitment to personalized service, focusing on estate planning, elder law, and business law. We prioritize understanding each client's unique circumstances to develop tailored solutions that protect their assets and future.Our firm's dedication to community service and diversity enhances our ability to serve clients effectively. We maintain long-term relationships by adapting to life changes while upholding the highest standards of professionalism and ethical practice.
Services
Estate Planning
Elder Law
Business Law
Wills
Trusts
Probate
Medicaid Planning
Special Needs Planning
Highlights and features
- We offer over 40 years of experience in estate and business law.
- Our team provides personalized legal strategies tailored to client needs.
- We combine big firm resources with a small team's personal attention.
- Our attorneys maintain deep community ties and local expertise.
- We prioritize long-term relationships through consistent, reliable counsel.
What people say
Excellent, personalized, top-notch service
Highly recommend for all estate planning
Thorough and comprehensible attention
Wonderful to work with
Professional, personable, timely
Services
Estate Planning
Our estate planning services help clients protect assets and ensure their wishes are honored. We create customized wills, trusts, and advanced directives tailored to individual family dynamics and financial situations. With over 40 years of experience, we guide clients through complex decisions about guardianship, asset distribution, and tax implications while maintaining compliance with North Carolina laws.
Elder Law
Elder law services address the unique legal needs of aging individuals and their families. We specialize in Medicaid planning, long-term care strategies, and special needs trusts while maintaining clients' dignity and autonomy. Our attorneys help navigate guardianship issues, healthcare directives, and asset protection strategies to ensure comprehensive care planning for seniors in North Carolina.
Business Law
Business law services support companies throughout their lifecycle from formation to succession planning. We assist with entity selection, contract drafting, and corporate governance while protecting clients' personal and business assets. Our attorneys provide strategic counsel on mergers, acquisitions, and tax planning to help Durham-area businesses grow and thrive sustainably.
Wills
Will creation services ensure clients' final wishes are clearly documented and legally enforceable. We help establish guardianship arrangements, name executors, and specify asset distribution while addressing potential tax implications. Our attorneys ensure wills comply with North Carolina requirements and coordinate seamlessly with other estate planning documents.
Trusts
Trust creation services help clients avoid probate, protect assets, and control inheritance distribution. We design revocable and irrevocable trusts tailored to specific needs including special needs provisions, charitable giving, and tax minimization. Our attorneys ensure proper funding and administration to maintain trust integrity throughout clients' lifetimes.
People
William H. Lambe, Jr.
Founder, Retired
As founder of Walker Lambe, William H. Lambe, Jr. established the firm's commitment to personalized legal service and community involvement. His legacy continues through the firm's enduring focus on estate planning and elder law.
Kelly J. Mackay
Managing Member
Kelly J. Mackay leads the firm's operations while maintaining active legal practice. With extensive experience in estate planning and business law, she ensures the firm continues delivering high-quality legal services aligned with its founding principles.
Shirley Diefenbach
Attorney
Shirley Diefenbach specializes in estate planning and probate matters. Clients consistently praise her thorough approach and ability to explain complex legal concepts clearly while creating customized solutions for multi-generational families.
Rupe Gil
Attorney
Rupe Gil focuses on estate planning and elder law. Known for his responsiveness and personable approach, he helps clients navigate Medicaid planning and special needs trust creation while maintaining strong client relationships.
Jennifer Dalman
Attorney
Jennifer Dalman specializes in complex estate planning. She combines technical expertise with patient client education, particularly noted for her work during challenging circumstances requiring creative legal solutions.
Questions
What's the difference between a will and a trust?
A will takes effect after death and requires probate, while a trust manages assets during life and after death without probate. Trusts offer more control over asset distribution timing and conditions.
How does Medicaid planning work?
Medicaid planning helps protect assets while qualifying for long-term care benefits. We create legal strategies that comply with complex regulations while ensuring clients receive necessary care.
What business structures do you advise?
We help clients evaluate LLCs, corporations, and partnerships based on liability protection, tax implications, and business goals while ensuring proper formation and compliance.
How often should I update my estate plan?
Review your estate plan every 3-5 years or after major life events like marriage, divorce, or significant asset changes to ensure it reflects current wishes and circumstances.
Do I need an attorney for estate planning?
While basic documents can be self-prepared, an attorney ensures legal compliance, addresses complex situations, and prevents costly mistakes that could invalidate your intentions.
What happens if I die without a will?
North Carolina intestacy laws will distribute your assets to closest relatives, which may not align with your wishes. A will ensures your specific distribution preferences are honored.
