Bloom, Jeffrey M

John C. Blazier founded Blazier, Rutland & Lerner, P.C. in 1976, and has remained the president of the Firm, now Blazier, Christensen, Bigelow & Virr, P.C. Blessed with an active business practice, Mr. Blazier is keenly aware of the tax implications of various business transactions. He serves as corporate counsel for a number of mid-sized companies, handling numerous complex corporate matters, from acquisitions and restructuring, to employment law issues. He acknowledges he is a teacher, striving to help clients understand the tax implications in their planning process, whether in personal estate planning or the corporate setting.

Mr. Blazier earned his B.A. degrees at the University of Texas at El Paso in 1966, then attended the University of Texas School of Law, where he was editor-in-chief of the Law Forum and was published in the Texas Law Review. He received his J.D. and was admitted to the Texas Bar in 1969. He is also licensed to practice before the U.S. district Courts of the western, Eastern, and Southern Districts of Texas, as well as the U.S. Tax Court.

Following law school, Mr. Blazier entered the U.S. military, serving in Vietnam. He was awarded the Bronze Star on two occasions, as well as a Military Service Medal. Upon return from active duty, he served in the Texas National Guard, attaining the rank of Lt. Colonel, and was employed by the IRS Estate and Gift Tax Division, Austin, District. Here he gained significant insight into complex tax matters and business valuation. Using his GI Bill, he then attended New York University School of Law, where he completed his L.L.M. in taxation.

Mr. Blazier is an active member of the American Bar Association and the Travis County Bar Association. He is a passionate leader in the Austin community for systemic change in public education. He is the founder of the Seedling Foundation, which provides mentors for children of incarcerated parents and works with the Austin Independent School District for campus beautification. He has served as Chair of Austin Partners in Education (2002-2003), and helped implement a number of initiatives, such as seeking logistical technology support from governmental entities and private businesses for high schools and middle schools in AISD. More recently John, along with Fleur Christensen, has worked to help build school to career pathways and facilities, such as the Institute of Hospitality and Culinary Arts at Travis High School, Auto Collision and Repair at Crockett High School, and the Kocurek Health Science Institute at Lanier High School.

Mr. Blazier has been recognized for his commitment to children with the award of Five Who Care, Partner of the Year with the Travis Education Foundation in 2001, and an elementary school named after him.