Working third shift at the William Penn Hotel by night and cramming in the rigorous curriculum of a JD/MBA education by day, Brian Vertz never dreamed that he would become a divorce lawyer. Corporate law seemed like the logical destiny for someone with an aptitude for economics and financial analysis. Yet, his first year on the job proved that equitable distribution wasn't far from mergers and acquisitions. Complex financial issues became the watchword of Brian's legal career.
Writing briefs for the Superior Court and Supreme Court appeals was one of Brian's first legal tasks. He soon proved himself to be as effective in the courtroom as he was in written advocacy. The financial concentration he brought to family law raised the bar for effective legal representation. But the real reason why Brian has stayed in family law for nearly two decades is his compassion for the clients and children who are affected by divorce and the profound change it can bring to their lives - change that he helps them to embrace with financial stability and renewed control over their lives and futures.
Brian's accomplishments have not gone unnoticed in the legal community. In 2003, he was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers, one of the most prestigious honors among divorce lawyers. He is listed in the 2010 and 2011 editions of The Best Lawyers in America and has been regularly honored in the annual listings of Pennsylvania Super Lawyers. His commitment to public service is unwavering; he volunteers for Neighborhood Legal Services and donates to the Fellows Program of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation.
Brian is a prolific writer whose articles appear in legal publications for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute. Brian is a broadcast presenter and author for the annual Family Law Update (2006 - 2010), one of the most-watched family law programs statewide. He has written legal education materials on business valuation, tax, child support, executive compensation, equitable distribution, and marital settlement agreements.
To balance a sedentary work life, Brian remains physically active and participates in a wide range of outdoors and fitness activities, including kayaking, mountain hiking, and going to the gym. Always looking for a new challenge, Brian has recently taken up golf lessons. He loves travel and makes an annual pilgrimage to the California wine country. He's served in leadership positions with Toastmasters International, an organization that he finds compatible with his personality because of its high activity level. He has enjoyed living in the city of Pittsburgh itself and is delighted with the small suburb where he's lived for the last few years.
Education
Brian was educated at the University of Michigan (B.A., 1988), the University of Pittsburgh School of Law (J.D., 1992), and the Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business (MBA, 1991). He is admitted to practice law in the state and federal courts of Pennsylvania and the Supreme Court of the United States.
Awards
Brian has been listed in the 2010, 2011 and 2012 editions of The Best Lawyers in Americafor family law, as well as the Ten Leaderssite for top divorce and matrimonial lawyers under age 45. In 2011, Brian also received Martindale-Hubbell's top Peer Review ranking, AV Preeminent, for exceptional ethics and professional ability in the legal field. He has been named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer® for family law every year since 2005.
Brian was elected as a Fellow of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers in 2003. In 2006, he also became an Accredited Valuation Analyst through the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.
March 26, 2012
Pollock Begg Komar Glasser & Vertz LLC partner Brian C. Vertz was elected treasurer of the board of trustees of the Crafton Public Library, a member of the Allegheny County Library Association. Vertz resides in Crafton and has served on the library’s board since 2010. Vertz also volunteers for Neighborhood Legal Services, supports the Fellows Program of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation, and recently launched a new chapter of Toastmasters for Allegheny County Bar Association members. View full release.
Author and Lecturer, Family Law Update
Penna. Bar Institute 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011
(Pittsburgh, Mechanicsburg and statewide satellite broadcast)
For over a decade, hundreds of lawyers who practice family law have attended Family Law Update each year to catch up on the latest trends, including the newest case law, legislation, and procedural rules. The Family Law Update panel provides fresh perspectives and insightful analysis, with an in-depth analysis of major family law decisions. Click here for more information on the 2011 PBI Family Update.
Author and Lecturer, Slicing the Pie: Equitable Distribution in Pennsylvania
Penna. Bar Institute 2010
A "soup to nuts" guide to property distribution in Pennsylvania divorce cases, walking through every step of the equitable distribution process—from defining the marital estate to discovering and valuing assets through resolving the case through negotiation, master's hearing, or trial. The materials are written so both the novice and the experienced lawyer will get a thorough analysis of the law along with practical tips for getting the best results.
Author and Lecturer, Business Valuation and Divorce
Penna. Bar Institute 2009
The valuation of a business or professional practice can be a critical issue in a divorce case. The business or practice may be the most valuable asset in the marital estate. This publication reviews the prevalent financial techniques of business valuation experts, the areas where disputes are likely to arise, and the best arguments for producing favorable results.
Author, "Equitable Distribution," Fundamentals of Family Law
Penna. Bar Institute 2009, 2006, 2004
Co-Author, "Child Support and Spousal Support," Fundamentals of Family Law
Penna. Bar Institute 2009, 2006, 2004, 2002, 1996, 1994
For lawyers who are new to the practice or stepping into the family law field for the very first time, it is imperative to know the steps to take, the challenges to be faced, the tools needed, and where to turn to find answers to specific questions that must be addressed. This publication addresses the complex issues that affect each and every family law case, federal and state statutes that govern, and the latest case law that affects the practice.
Author and Lecturer, Tax Consequences in Divorce: Avoiding the Pitfalls
Penna. Bar Institute 2005
Spouses today must fully appreciated the tax issues involved in most divorces. Whether dealing with alimony, child support, property transfers, or the equitable distribution of assets, they must understand the tax effects of an agreement or decree.
Author and Lecturer, Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements
Penna. Bar Institute 2008, 2003
A successful divorce representation usually results in a settlement. Drafting Marital Settlement Agreements is a hands-on course designed to teach lawyers how to create agreements that capture the essence of the deal, anticipate consequences, and resolve issues to the full satisfaction of the parties. Model language and variations are studied for an understanding of the tools that lawyer may use to craft the best agreements.
Legal Blog: BV Source
Since its inception, BV Source has been one of the leading legal blogs on complex financial and business issues in divorce. The weekly content is informed by Brian Vertz's experience in business valuation, executive compensation, asset tracing, divorce taxation, child support guidelines, and sophisticated legal issues in divorce such as:
- professional practices
- family-owned companies
- business goodwill
- double dipping
- executive bonuses, restricted stock, options and perks
- standards of value
- business owner compensation
- valuation discounts
- high income child support cases
Affiliations & Memberships
Board of Examiners,
American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (Penna. Chapter)
Founded in 1962, the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) is committed to encouraging the study, improving the practice, elevating the standards, and advancing the cause of matrimonial law, in order to better protect the welfare of American families. Comprised of the top 1,600 matrimonial attorneys throughout the nation, members are recognized experts in the specialized areas of matrimonial law, including divorce, prenuptial agreements, legal separation, annulment, custody, property valuation and division, support, and the rights of unmarried couples.
Fellow,
Allegheny County Bar Fellows
The mission of the Allegheny County Bar Foundation is to be a driving force in promoting justice for all and to improve the community through public service law-related programs as the charitable arm of the Allegheny County Bar Association. To fulfill this mission, the foundation raises, manages, and distributes funds, encourages and assists lawyers to provide pro bono legal services, and develops and supports public information initiatives.
Board of Trustees,
Crafton Public Library
The Crafton Public Library, a member of the Allegheny County Library Association, offers learning and recreational resources for children, seniors, and residents of Crafton, Pennsylvania, including reference materials, fiction and nonfiction books, large print books, periodicals, audiovisual materials, and free web-connected computers. The CPL provides programs and services including children's story times and summer reading programs, book discussion club for adults, chess club, and intra-library loan services. The Children's Wing, which expanded from 2,000 square feet to 5,000 square feet, was completed in 2009 and features a multipurpose room and child-friendly facilities.
Former Area Governor,
Toastmasters International
The mission of a Toastmasters club is to provide a mutually supportive and positive learning environment in which every individual member has the opportunity to develop oral communication and leadership skills, which in turn foster self-confidence and personal growth. From a humble beginning in 1924 at the YMCA in Santa Ana, California, Toastmasters International has grown to become a world leader in helping people become more competent and comfortable in front of an audience.
On A Personal Note
My clients might be surprised when they receive a call from me after hours or on weekends, but I'm not bound to my desk chair all the time. In addition to a commitment to staying physically active, I have a wide range of interests that keep me on the go. In the summer, I enjoy kayaking on the Allegheny River, biking the trails around the Three Rivers, and taking hiking trips. In between those events, I’m often doing strength training to stay in shape and avoid injuries. Last winter I took up golf lessons, which enabled me to play in several charity golf tournaments this summer with Candice and my clients. I also recently discovered the joy of Oktoberfest in Munich, Germany – it was like a giant version of the county fairs that I grew up with in Michigan....but with beer! After 20 years, I am returning to the study of violin, and hopefully I will be joining a community orchestra. . I am becoming an active godfather to my niece and nephew. My brother and his wife had their second child in the summer of 2011, so I take every opportunity to visit with them in San Diego and when the whole family gets together in Michigan.
