Attorneys
Thomas O. Kotouc
Attorney at Law
Current memberships include:
Bar Associations of Nebraska, Georgia, South Carolina and Alabama
Wealthcounsel, the Premier Organization for Estate Planning Attorneys (Wealthcounsel.com)
Education:
Harvard Law School, Cambridge, Massachusetts 1964 – 1967. J.D.
University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Nebraska 1960 – 1964, A.B. Magna Cum Laude
University of Nebraska representative for Rhodes Scholar
Experience:
Tom’s extensive experience includes working as assistant manager for Dawson Bank, Dawson, NE, and Home State Bank, Humboldt, NE. He worked for the firm Kotouc & Kotouc, where he drafted wills and trusts, worked in banking law, real estate examinations and instrument preparation. During the years of 1967 through 1971, the U.S. Navy benefitted from Tom’s superior work. As a Lieutenant with the Supply Corps, he earned the highest military honor for administration and management. After leaving the Navy, Tom specialized in commercial and residential real estate closings and leases; charitable corporation law and tax planning through wills, trusts and charitable corporations.
In 1980, Tom came to Montgomery, Alabama. As a sole practitioner, Tom specialized in contracts and in lobbying the Alabama Legislature for the Governor’s Office for education laws until 1983, when he entered into a partnership with emphasis on drafting wills, trusts and estate planning; corporate organization; commercial and contract law; tax-exempt bond financing; residential real estate closing and title examinations; domestic law, divorce, custody and adoption; corporation fraud and liability; securities fraud and personal injury cases. He also served as counsel of record in the Smith vs. Jaffree case before the Supreme Court of the United States. Tom’s extensive experience also includes teaching on asset protection and the administration of estates.
Since 1991, Tom has specialized in estate planning, wills, trusts and charitable organizations; commercial transactions; corporations; and mediation. His experience in several areas of law continues to prove a valuable asset, not only to Tom, but especially for his clients.
Tom lives in Montgomery with his wife, Jan, and together they have three adult children: Amy (36), Josh (34) and Jenny (30).
Douglas M. Vogel
Attorney at Law
Current memberships include:
Bar Associations of Alabama and Florida
Christian Legal Society, Montgomery County Bar Association, Montgomery Area Chamber of Commerce
Wealthcounsel, the Premier Organization for Estate Planning Attorneys (Wealthcounsel.com)
Education:
Thomas Goode Jones School of Law, 2006. J.D.
Harding University’s School of Biblical Studies, 1989 – 1991.
University of South Carolina, 1985, B.S. in Finance.
Experience:
Doug was employed from 1986 to 1989 as a Loan Officer and Assistant Manager with United Carolina Bank in Shallotte, North Carolina. He focused on consumer, commercial and real estate lending. In 1991 he graduated from Harding University’s School of Biblical Studies. He served as a Youth Minister with the Church of Christ in Ballinger, Texas, and later taught Special Education students in San Angelo, Texas.
In July 2002, Doug received the Eagle Academic Scholarship at Faulkner University’s Jones School of Law in Montgomery, Alabama. While attending law school, Doug served as the 2003-2004 Student President of the Christian Legal Society. He worked as a Staff Assistant with the Beasley Allen Law Firm from 2003 to 2004. In October 2004, he accepted a position in practice with Montgomery attorney Tom Kotouc. While working with Tom, Doug has focused primarily on estate planning, probate, and small business formation. Doug has a heart for helping parents of special needs children with estate planning. Due to personal experience (in addition to teaching special education students, his younger brother has Down Syndrome), Doug recognizes the importance of this aspect of planning.
In April of 2007, Doug was admitted to the Alabama State Bar. He is now a partner in the law firm of Kotouc & Vogel, PC. He is a member of the Montgomery County Bar as well as the Christian Legal Society.
Doug resides in Wetumpka, Alabama, with his wife, Ann, and their two children. His interests include soccer, fishing, politics and walking his Golden Retriever.
