Overview
Amy Demlow is the Managing Member of Critchfield, Critchfield & Johnston—the first woman in the over 150-year history of the firm to assume the role. Over her 30+ years of practice, she has developed extensive capabilities in complex corporate and business transactions, as well as real estate matters. She also counsels owners of closely-held businesses on various estate planning matters. Amy has worked with several families and closely held business owners in structuring their family trust companies as a solution to business succession and successor trustee issues.
M&A/Corporate and Business
Amy serves as lead counsel on numerous firm M&A transactions, including closely held exchanges, private equity transactions, and sales to public companies. She is results-oriented and works easily with investment bankers and certified public accountants on a team approach. She is familiar with tax, regulatory, and complex issues that affect buyers and sellers. She also serves as general counsel to several firm clients, offering guidance on matters such as corporate governance, executive compensation, and business succession planning.
Estate Planning
In addition to her general corporate work, Amy guides clients through the estate planning process, focusing on the preservation and protection of assets through the use of comprehensive wealth transfer and tax-saving strategies. She designs tailored planning options not only to minimize taxes but also to address sometimes sensitive family dynamics.
Family Trust Companies
Amy is also skilled in creating customized Family Trust Companies. These entities offer families and family businesses the option to establish their own private trust company in Ohio, serving as a trustee for family trusts. Amy considers the unique dynamics of each family as she structures these companies to address business succession and successor trustee issues.
Outside the Office
In addition to her responsibilities to her clients, her firm, and to the numerous boards on which she sits, Amy actively educates others through speaking engagements with organizations such as Women in Business, Non-Profit Symposium on Fundraising, Medina Chamber of Commerce Business and Growth, and the Medina Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Conference. She is also a frequent speaker on non-legal issues, including work-life balance and LGBT issues.
