About Us

Blake is the managing partner of our firm and focuses on all aspects of business law, tax law, estate planning and estate administration. He brings a unique aspect to the firm coming from a science and bookkeeping background. Prior to attending law school, Blake attended and worked with North Carolina State University (NCSU) doing plant breeding and plant genetic research. He worked primarily on sweetpotato and cotton managing various experiments and trials with the university and with North Carolina farmers. After his time with NCSU, Blake worked as a bookkeeper and accountant while studying for tests and applying to law school. His science, legal and accounting background gives him a unique knowledge base to draw upon in order to assist each client with their specific needs.

During law school, Blake worked at a bankruptcy law firm and assisted many individuals with filing for bankruptcy, some of which were from the local legal aid organization.

Blake is a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar Association and is admitted to practice law in all courts in the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Education:

B.S. : North Carolina State University

M.S. : North Carolina State University

J.D. : Regent University School of Law

Michael is a co-founder of Bourdow, Bowen & Ellis, P.C. He is a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar Association and the Chesterfield / Colonial Heights Bar Association. Michael is admitted to practice law in all state courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia as well as the United States District Court, the United States Tax Court, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.

Since 1986, Michael has practiced primarily in the areas of business, tax and estate planning. While his extensive experience in these areas allows him to confidently advise clients of any size on nearly any issue within his areas of practice, he has placed particular emphasis on assisting closely held businesses, their owners, and employees. He regularly works with business owners on choice of entity, tax classification, shareholder and operating agreements, purchase and sale agreements, lease review, contract drafting and review, employment and non-competition agreements, independent contractor agreements and dispenses general advice regarding ongoing business matters including all aspects of employment law.

Michael's tax practice includes preparation of income tax returns for individuals, corporations, LLCs, partnerships, trusts, estates, and tax planning advice. Michael's tax strategies are based upon not only his extensive experience as a lawyer and accountant in the practice areas noted above, but also as a small business owner in his own right. He routinely assists clients on a wide variety of issues such as like kind exchanges, offers in compromise, sales and use tax compliance, and IRS and Virginia collection issues. Michael's tax litigation practice includes handling both administrative and judicial tax controversies which may arise with the IRS and Virginia Department of Taxation as a result of audits, appeals and collection matters.

Michael's estate planning practice is fueled by his close relationships with his clients. He does more than merely draft wills, trusts, advance medical directives, and powers of attorney. Michael advises individuals and their families on the best way to handle complicated succession issues while minimizing probate, estate, and income taxes where appropriate.

Education:

B.A. : University of Nebraska

J.D. : University of Nebraska School of Law

Carolyn is the co-founder of and is now of counsel with Bourdow, Bowen & Ellis, P.C.

Professional Activities: Past president of the Metro Richmond Women's Bar Association, served many years as a Trustee of the Commonwealth Community Trust, a past contributing author of "Estate Planning in Virginia" and a speaker at various Virginia continuing legal education courses on trusts and estates topics.

Education:

B.A. : Dickinson College

J.D. : University of Virginia School of Law

Honors: Past president of the Metro Richmond Women's Bar Association, Served many years as Trustee of the Commonwealth Community Trust, contributing author of "Estate Planning in Virginia" and teaches Virginia continuing legal education courses in Trusts & Estates.

Mary is of counsel with the firm and practices primarily in the areas of estate planning (including wills, revocable trusts, irrevocable trusts, special needs trusts, financial powers of attorney, advance medical directives and HIPAA authorizations), special needs planning, estate and trust administration, adult guardianship and conservatorship as well as real estate.

Ms. Ellis considers each client's unique estate planning needs and has extensive experience in the preparation of a comprehensive estate plan to address issues, such as wealth preservation, minimization of estate, income, gift, generation skipping and/or probate taxes, the needs and protection of incapacitated, special needs or minor beneficiaries, and blended family considerations and concerns.

Ms. Ellis is a member in good standing of the Virginia Bar Association and the Chesterfield/Colonial Heights Bar Association. She is admitted to practice in all courts of the Commonwealth of Virginia, including but not limited to the Courts of Chesterfield, Powhatan, Amelia, Henrico, Hanover and the City of Richmond as well as the U.S. Tax Court and the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia. Ms. Ellis is a qualified Guardian ad litem for incapacitated adults.

Ms. Ellis has spoken extensively to professional and lay audiences on topics relating to estate planning, special needs trusts and planning, estate and trust administration and taxation. Ms. Ellis is a contributing author to "Estate Planning in Virginia".

Ms. Ellis serves on the Board of Directors for the Commonwealth Community Trust and is driven to assist the special needs community.

Education:

B.A. : Roanoke College , Cum Laude 1992

J.D. : Pennsylvania State University - Dickinson School of Law, 1995 (Ms. Ellis was a visiting student at the T.C. Williams School of Law, University of Richmond in 1995.)

Matt is a CPA and joined the firm in 2024 after a 27-year career in a variety of accounting and finance roles. Matt's responsibilities include preparing personal and corporate tax returns, tax planning, assisting the bookkeeping staff, business advisory services and special projects.  Matt's wide range of experience in accounting, reporting, budgeting/planning, financial analysis, financial systems, auditing and project management has prepared him well for his new role at BBE. His experience coupled with his passion for entrepreneurship and financial planning positions him to serve the firm's clients with excellence.  

Matt has an active CPA license with the Virginia Board of Accountancy and is a member of the Virginia Society of CPAs. Matt is active in the community in providing pro-bono accounting services for three local non-for-profits and serving at his church. Matt has been active in Toastmasters International for over 16 years, serving in several leadership positions and working towards the Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM) designation, the highest achievement of the public speaking and leadership organization. 

Matt and his family reside in the Brandermill neighborhood and enjoys a wide variety of outdoor activities.

Education: 

B.B.A.: James Madison University, Cum Laude