James M. Peppe

James M. Peppe is an attorney at West & Feinberg, P.C. in Bethesda, Maryland, with more than 25 years of experience in estate planning, estate administration, corporate law, and commercial transactions. He helps individuals and families plan for transfers of wealth and assists businesses with agreements and governance matters. His practice connects personal estate concerns with commercial planning, including succession arrangements and the management of significant financial and legal responsibilities.

James earned a B.A. from Duke University in 1994, graduating magna cum laude and joining Phi Beta Kappa. He completed an M.A. at the University of Michigan in 1999 and a J.D., cum laude, from the same university in 2000. He later received an LL.M. from New York University in 2004. His academic background supports the detailed tax, planning, and transactional analysis required in his practice.

James prepares wills, trusts, and estate-related documents and advises clients on limiting estate taxes and other transfer costs. He frequently serves as a trustee or personal representative. His corporate work includes negotiating contracts, advising on financing and governance, and structuring limited liability companies, partnerships, and joint ventures. He also assists with business transactions from letters of intent and due diligence through purchase agreements and closing.

James M. Peppe served on the Board of Governors of the Maryland State Bar Association and chaired its Committee on Unincorporated Business Associations. Under his leadership, the committee worked on amendments to the Maryland Limited Liability Company Act. His combination of estate, tax, and corporate experience helps clients address decisions that affect business operations, family assets, and long-term financial planning.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, West & Feinberg, P.C.
• Board of Governors and Chair, Committee on Unincorporated Business Associations, Maryland State Bar Association
• Member, District of Columbia Bar

Licensed State

• Maryland
• District of Columbia

Education

• New York University
  Master of Laws (LLM)
• University of Michigan
  Juris Doctor (JD) (Cum Laude)
• University of Michigan
  Master of Arts (MA)
• Duke University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA) (Magna Cum Laude)

Awards & Badges