Interview Q&A
How long have you been in business?
Since 1978
What is your primary product or service?
Legal services concentrating in Real Estate matters and Probate/Estate Planning. We do not handle litigation, but can refer out trial matters.
How did you first become interested in your line of business? (if owner) - What is your background? (If owner or store manager)
I became interested in Law while in undergraduate school. I attended law school in Boston at Suffolk University, graduating in 1969. After military service, I commenced my career in municipal law working first for the City of Somerville from 1971 to 1975 and then the Town of Brookline from 1975 to 1978. In 1978 was invited to join Bicknell & Smith. and have practiced here since 1978. I acquired ownership of the firm in 1999 when Francis W. K. Smith retired.
How do you differentiate yourself from other businesses in your category and area?
Experience and service. We also strive to handle all matters efficiently to keep client costs commensurate with the complexity (or simplicity) of the matter at hand.
How many locations do you have and do you have plans to expand?
We have only one office at 26 Brighton Street, Belmont, Ma. This is presently a two lawyer firm, although a third lawyer may be added at some point in the future.
Provide detailed directions to your location
26 Brighton Street is on the Cambridge/Belmont City/Town line less than a mile from Fresh Pond Circle. From Fresh Pond Circle, proceed West on Concord Ave. to the traffic lights at Blanchard Road, turn right at the lights and Blanchard Road becomes Brighton Street at the City/Town line. We are on the corner of Hittinger Road opposite the Loading Dock Restaurant. Client parking is behind our building. MBTA also has bus service on Brighton Street.
What type of payments do you accept?
Checks only. We are not set up for credit or debit card payments.
Which areas do you service?
Mainly Cambridge, Belmont, Arlington, and Watertown, although we have a number of transactions each year in other Middlesex County communities as well as some Suffolk (Boston, Revere, Chelsea and Winthrop) County transactions.
Who owns your company or runs daily operations?
Andrew E. Bram
What are your hours of operation?
Generally 9-5, but appointments can be scheduled outside of "normal" business hours.
What is the best compliment anyone can give you?
Referrals of friends and family members.
What is your favorite quote or Bible verse?
"A lawyer's time and advice is his stock in trade" Abraham Lincoln