George M. Riter | Attorney

  George M. Riter joined Timoney Knox as a Partner in 2001 and was elected Managing Partner in July 2007.  Prior to joining the Firm,  he was a named Partner for eighteen years in a Philadelphia law firm with a practice focused on the estate planning needs of individuals, families, business owners and individuals with special needs. 

  With his extensive experience, Mr. Riter's  practice has grown and he has lectured frequently on topics pertaining to estate planning, including succession planning for business owners, choice of entity issues regarding individuals starting or running companies or corporations, as well as the use of limited partnerships (including family limited partnerships), limited liability companies, trusts, real estate trusts, and other appropriate tools, to assist families in the efficient transfer of wealth from one generation to another.  He has lectured before the Montgomery County Estate Planning Council, Montgomery and Bucks Counties Chartered Life Underwriters and for the Pennsylvania Bar Institute (PBI).  In 2004, he authored and was a participant in a seminar entitled Birth Trauma Medical Malpractice, focusing on Special Needs Trusts.  Mr. Riter has developed a substantial practice helping plan for future needs of family members with special needs in the form of physical and mental disabilities and the recovery of damages from personal injury litigation.

  For estate planning clients, Mr. Riter's practice is devoted to all of the client's needs.  His approach is to thoroughly review each client's unique situation and assist the client with analyzing assets, managing liabilities and reducing exposure to inheritance and estate taxes.  Mr. Riter has extensive experience in trust and estate planning and administration.  He is often called upon to analyze life insurance and structure the proper ownership as well as creditor protection and charitable planning both during a client's life and after.  Mr. Riter has advised client and non-profit entities on gifting options and the establishment of and operation of charitable trusts, corporate affairs, and public and private foundations.

  Mr. Riter also has extensive experience in corporate and business law, working with individuals establishing a business, as well as established companies of all sizes, from small, closely-held businesses to multi-million dollar companies.  He advises individuals and corporations on ongoing tax-related matters, including the appropriate way to take title or purchase assets or property, as well as merger and acquisition-related issues. 

  In 1976, Mr. Riter graduated from Germantown Academy, Fort Washington, Pennsylvania, and has served as a class agent, member of the Personnel Committee since 1994.  He was recently reelected to a three-year term on the Board of Trustees, is currently a member of the Executive Committee as well as an officer and co-chair of the development committee.  A life-long resident of the Philadelphia area, he has been an active member of the Board of Trustees of The Schuylkill Center for Environmental Education in the Roxborough section of the City of Philadelphia.  The Schuylkill Center is the largest urban environmental center in the country, consisting of approximately 350 acres.  Mr. Riter has served as Vice-Chairman for 2001-2003 and Chairman of the Board of Trustees from 2003 to 2005 and remains a member of the Center's Advisory Board.

  Mr. Riter  received a bachelor's degree in biology from Gettysburg College, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, in 1980 and earned his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law in San Antonio, Texas, in 1983, where he was an editor of the Law Review.  Mr. Riter also received a Masters in Taxation from Villanova University School of Law, Villanova, Pennsylvania, in 1991.   

  As published in Philadelphia Magazine , Mr. Riter has been recognized as a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer since 2006 by being selected by his peers as among the top 5% of lawyers in the Commonwealth.