Below is a list of professional contacts we frequently provide to clients. These firms and individuals offer specialized support in areas like tax planning, estate law, and business law. Each listing includes a website so you can explore their background and services.
You’re welcome to contact anyone on this list independently. If you’d prefer a formal introduction, your Scholar Financial advisor can facilitate that—or you can email us anytime at info@scholarfinancialadvising.com. We’re happy to help.
James is a Certified Public Accountant at Paul Cox and Todd, with nearly 30 years of experience in both public and private accounting. After starting his career in auditing and corporate finance, he has spent the past 19 years focused on tax planning and compliance for individuals and small businesses. His client base spans multiple industries, with a concentration in professional service firms.
James brings particular expertise in partnership transitions and IRC Section 754 basis step-ups, as well as hedge fund reporting and disclosures for high-net-worth individuals. His approach emphasizes long-term planning and personalized guidance.
Outside of work, James enjoys golfing, genealogy, and road-tripping with his wife and four children—especially to national parks and historic sites.
Hayden is the founder of Cooper CPA PLLC, where he specializes in tax preparation and planning for individuals and businesses. He’s passionate about helping clients reach their financial goals through proactive tax strategies and personalized guidance. Prior to launching his own firm, Hayden worked at RSM, a global public accounting firm, advising clients on tax minimization and business growth.
Hayden and his wife, Megan, have two children. As a family, they enjoy all things sports and food-related.
Jonathan is a member of the Estates and Trusts team at Womble Bond Dickinson, where he advises clients on a wide range of estate planning strategies. His work includes drafting Wills, Trust Agreements, Powers of Attorney, and documents related to the modification and administration of trusts, as well as transferring closely held business interests and other complex assets.
In addition to his estate planning work, Jonathan supports clients involved with charitable and tax-exempt organizations. He has experience forming nonprofit corporations, securing federal tax-exempt status, and advising private foundations on regulatory compliance. He also helps clients navigate charitable solicitation rules and commercial co-venturer licensing.
Chris is part of the business, tax, and estate planning team at Carruthers & Roth, where he advises high-net-worth individuals, families, and closely held businesses. His practice focuses on business formation, transitions, and succession planning, as well as estate planning and trust administration.
He also assists clients with obtaining certifications like Veteran-Owned and Women-Owned Small Business status, navigating the regulatory process with clarity and precision.
Before practicing law, Chris worked in biotech R&D and holds patents for two innovations. He applies that same analytical approach to his legal work. Outside the office, he enjoys traveling and exploring the outdoors with his wife and two children.
At Carruthers & Roth, Aaron serves individuals, families, and business owners with a focus on estate and wealth transfer planning, trust and estate administration, and closely held business planning. He also represents corporate and individual fiduciaries in complex administration matters.
With a background in financial services and advanced training in trust and wealth management, Aaron brings a well-rounded perspective to his legal practice. He helps clients navigate estate planning, charitable giving, and trust restructuring in a thoughtful and tax-efficient manner.
Aaron holds both a bachelor’s degree in trust and wealth management and an MBA. His blend of legal, financial, and business experience allows him to tailor strategies to each client’s unique goals.