Understand before advising.
Good strategy starts with the whole picture. We look at the legal issue alongside the financial, business, family, and practical considerations surrounding it.
About Basis Law PLLC
A boutique law firm for matters that deserve thoughtful attention.
Basis Law PLLC is a boutique law firm focused on tax controversy, business law, and estate planning. We work with individuals, families, professionals, and business owners who value thoughtful advice, clear communication, and a strategic approach to their legal matters.
Our role is to understand what needs to be accomplished, identify the legal issues that matter, and provide the information and counsel necessary for our clients to make informed decisions.
BUILT ON STRATEGY. Grounded in Law.
The Basis Law PLLC Approach
The law is only one part of the decision.
A tax dispute can affect cash flow. A contract can shape a business relationship. An estate plan can influence a family for generations.
Legal advice should account for that context. We begin by understanding the issue, what matters to the client, and what the client is trying to accomplish. From there, we identify the legal considerations, explain the available options and their potential consequences, and develop a strategy based on the circumstances.
That also means being candid. We believe clients should understand the bad along with the good—including risks, limitations, and issues that may affect the outcome—so they can make informed decisions about how to proceed.
What Guides The Work
A thoughtful process.
Not a formula.
Make complexity useful.
Legal advice should help you make decisions. We focus on explaining the considerations that matter, the available paths, and the consequences of each.
Think beyond the immediate issue.
Resolving today’s problem matters. So does understanding how today’s decision may affect what comes next.
A Different Kind of Client Experience
Clear advice.
Thoughtful service.
Basis Law is intentionally structured as a boutique practice. We take on matters where our services and approach are a good fit, with an emphasis on thoughtful preparation, responsive communication, and attention to the details of each engagement.
Clients should understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, what we need from them, and what comes next. We use technology to make scheduling, communication, document exchange, and other parts of the legal process as straightforward as possible.
We also believe in being clear about the scope of our services. If a matter falls outside what we handle, we would rather say so than take on work that is not the right fit for the firm.
What We Do
Focused legal services with a clear scope.
Basis Law focuses on defined areas of practice so prospective clients can understand what we handle and make an informed decision about whether our services fit their needs.
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FEDERAL TAX · NATIONWIDE
Tax Controversy
Federal tax controversy representation for individuals and businesses facing IRS audits, appeals, collection matters, tax liens and levies, and disputes before the U.S. Tax Court.
Explore Tax Controversy02
VIRGINIA
Business Law
Business law counsel for Virginia entrepreneurs and business owners navigating entity formation, contracts, governance, and the legal issues that arise while building and operating a business.
Explore Business Law03
VIRGINIA
Estate Planning
Estate planning for Virginia individuals and families building wealth, protecting their assets, and making intentional decisions about their families, property, and legacy.
Explore Estate Planning
Founder & Managing Attorney
Legal advice starts with understanding what you’re trying to accomplish.
Basis Law was founded by Chavioleyette “Chay” Fenelus, Esq., LL.M., to provide thoughtful, strategy-driven counsel with the personal attention of a boutique law firm.
Chay is a tax attorney with an LL.M. in Taxation whose practice focuses primarily on federal tax controversy. She also advises Virginia clients on estate planning and selected business matters.
Meet the AttorneyShared Knowledge Should Be Useful
Understanding issues earlier can give you more options for what comes next.
Basis Law’s educational work extends beyond individual client matters. Through articles, tax tips, professional contributions, speaking engagements, and practical resources, we aim to make complex legal and tax issues easier to recognize and understand.
Our tax education also supports CPAs, enrolled agents, tax preparers, and other professionals who may encounter controversy issues first—helping them identify potential problems earlier and recognize when involving tax counsel may be appropriate.
What Clients Can Expect
Professional counsel should still feel human.
Clarity
Clear explanations of the legal issues, available options, and what comes next.
Preparation
Careful attention to the facts, documents, and legal issues that shape the matter.
Candor
Straightforward advice about the strengths, risks, limitations, and practical considerations that may affect your options.
Communication
Clear expectations about what we are doing, what we need from you, and what comes next.
Ready to Start?
Begin with a clear conversation.
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Tell us about the matter.
Share some initial information about your legal matter so we can understand what brings you to Basis Law.
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Choose a consultation time.
Select an available consultation time that works for your schedule.
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Discuss the next steps.
During the consultation, we’ll discuss the issue, relevant considerations, and potential options for moving forward.