Accounting firm acquisitions are built on a single asset: client relationships. Protecting that asset through the transaction requires non-solicitation provisions, a structured transition period, earnout mechanics tied to client retention, and a purchase agreement that reflects how accounting practices actually work. Our Kirkland accounting firm acquisition attorneys represent buyers and sellers in CPA firm and bookkeeping practice transactions across Technology, Healthcare, Professional Services and the professional services market, with Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky personally involved in every engagement.
Share the basics. Alex reviews every inquiry personally.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Alex Lubyansky handles accounting firm acquisition law work for buyers and sellers in Kirkland and across the country. Here is what that looks like:
We work best with people who know what they want and are ready to move:
Tell us what you are working on. We respond within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
A structured, methodical approach to accounting firm acquisition law
We review the client roster, revenue concentration, fee structure, recurring versus one-time work, and the seller's planned transition role to understand the true risk profile of the acquisition and structure the deal accordingly.
Managing Partner Alex Lubyansky reviews the practice valuation, advises on goodwill allocation, and structures the purchase price to include seller financing or earnout provisions that align the seller's incentives with client retention after closing.
We draft the asset purchase agreement addressing client list transfer, non-solicitation of clients and staff, seller transition obligations, payment terms including earnout mechanics, and representations specific to an accounting practice.
We structure the client notification process, draft communication templates, and address client consent requirements to protect the relationship transfer through the ownership change.
We manage the closing mechanics, coordinate seller financing documentation including promissory notes and security arrangements, and draft earnout calculation provisions so there is no ambiguity in how retention is measured after closing.
We don't take every matter. Here is what happens when you reach out.
Alex reviews your transaction details personally. No intake coordinators, no junior associates screening your submission.
We evaluate whether your deal aligns with our practice. Not every matter is a fit, and we will tell you directly if it is not.
If there is alignment, Alex schedules a direct call to discuss your transaction, timeline, and objectives.
Before any work begins, you receive a written engagement letter with defined scope, timeline, and fee structure. No surprises.
Alex Lubyansky handles every accounting firm acquisition law engagement personally.
15+ years of M&A experience. Nationwide. One attorney on every deal.
We review every transaction inquiry within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Use these before you call any firm, including ours.
At many firms, a partner sells the work and a junior associate does it. Ask for the name of the attorney who will draft and negotiate your documents.
Volume indicates current, active deal experience, not just credentials from years ago.
A $500K SBA acquisition and a $50M PE deal require different skill sets. Make sure the attorney has handled transactions similar to yours.
M&A transactions require a team. Your attorney should work with your other advisors, not in a silo.
Reps, warranties, and indemnification claims surface months after closing. Ask whether the firm handles post-closing litigation or refers it out.
Ask how the engagement is scoped, what is included, and what factors drive cost increases. Defined scope with a retainer gives the clearest cost picture.
Common questions from Kirkland clients
Submit your transaction details for a preliminary assessment by our managing partner
Submit Transaction DetailsSubmit transaction details and Alex will respond directly.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
Seattle's M&A market is heavily influenced by the presence of Amazon, Microsoft, and Boeing, which create a massive ecosystem of technology vendors, cloud services companies, and aerospace suppliers ripe for acquisition. The region's strength in cloud computing, AI, and SaaS has made it the second-largest tech M&A market after the Bay Area. Biotech activity is growing rapidly, anchored by the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center and Allen Institute.
Seattle deal valuations for tech companies approach Bay Area levels but with slightly less competition. The concentration of technical talent means acquired companies can scale engineering teams faster than in most markets.
Washington state has no personal income tax, making it attractive for founders considering exits and for acquirers looking to relocate talent. The region's tech ecosystem ensures a steady pipeline of growth-stage companies seeking acquisition.
Washington's non-compete statute (RCW 49.62) voids non-competes for employees earning under approximately $120,000 annually (adjusted for inflation) and limits duration to 18 months, which affects workforce retention strategies post-acquisition.
Local Market Context
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA MSA · MSA population 4.0M
MSA Population (2024)
4.0M
U.S. Census Bureau
Top Industry Concentration
Seattle's M&A landscape is dominated by technology, driven by Amazon and Microsoft's presence and a dense ecosystem of software, cloud, and e-commerce companies. The metro also carries significant aerospace weight from Boeing's commercial aviation operations. Technology platform acquisitions and enterprise software consolidation are the primary deal drivers. The metro's strong venture capital ecosystem produces a steady pipeline of acquisition targets for large strategic buyers.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport is a major Pacific Rim gateway. Port of Seattle and Port of Tacoma (combined as the Northwest Seaport Alliance) handle major Asia-Pacific container trade. Seattle is a key US-Asia trade entry point.
Recent Kirkland Deal Signal (2024-2025)
Microsoft's continued acquisition of AI and cloud technology companies, including the completion of its Activision Blizzard acquisition in late 2023 and subsequent integration, set the tone for Seattle-metro technology M&A through 2024. Amazon also pursued logistics and healthcare technology acquisitions.
Source (accessed 2026-04-27)
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions oversees securities. Seattle and King County impose business and occupation taxes that affect deal economics for revenue-based businesses.
Restricted by salary threshold ($116,593+ employees). 18-month presumptive maximum. Garden leave required for terminated employees.
Entity mergers and conversions must be filed with the Washington Secretary of State. Annual reports are required. The Department of Revenue handles B&O tax registration and capital gains tax compliance.
Washington State Bar Association (mandatory unified bar). Unified/integrated bar. Membership required to practice law in Washington.
Bar association websiteFederal districts: E.D. Wash., W.D. Wash.
Business court: No dedicated business court division. Commercial disputes proceed through general civil courts.
Washington M&A is driven by Seattle's technology sector (Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing supply chain) and life sciences, making King County one of the most active M&A markets in the country.
Watchpoints
These are the items we see derail accounting firm acquisition law transactions in the Kirkland market. Each one is rooted in current statutory law, recent legislative changes, or recurring patterns from the deals Alex has handled.
Restricted by salary threshold ($116,593+ employees). 18-month presumptive maximum. Garden leave required for terminated employees.
"Sign a weak LOI, and you'll spend months watching your deal terms erode."
Washington State Department of Financial Institutions oversees securities. Seattle and King County impose business and occupation taxes that affect deal economics for revenue-based businesses.
Securities regulated by Washington Department of Financial Institutions Securities Division (dfi.wa.gov/securities). Blue Sky notice filings required for Reg D. Washington restricts non-competes under RCW 49.62 including salary thresholds, advance notice, and garden leave requirements.
In-depth guides to help you prepare for your transaction
Full-service M&A counsel from letter of intent through closing.
Read guideA structured approach to legal, financial, and operational due diligence.
Read guideUnderstanding the binding and non-binding elements of each document.
Read guideCommon deal-killers and how experienced counsel helps prevent them.
Read guideAcquisition Stars represents clients across Washington and nationwide. Alex Lubyansky handles every engagement personally.
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"You're agreeing to be judged on a scorecard that someone else gets to rewrite."
15+ years of M&A and securities transaction experience Senior counsel on every engagement Admitted in Michigan, practicing nationwide
Reviewed by Alex Lubyansky on . Read full bio
Alex Lubyansky handles every engagement personally. Tell us about your transaction and we will let you know if there is a fit.
Tell us about your deal. We review every submission and respond within one business day.
Your transaction details are under review. If there is alignment, we will be in touch.
Meanwhile, feel free to call us directly at (248) 266-2790
One attorney on every deal. Nationwide. 15+ years of M&A experience.