Bruce Markowitz · Paymaster Services
Attorney-managed paymaster & escrow services you can trust
Over 40 years of legal experience protecting complex financial transactions
Whether you're closing a commercial real estate acquisition, facilitating an international transaction, distributing commissions, or managing a multi-party settlement, Bruce Markowitz provides secure, attorney-managed paymaster services designed to safeguard funds and ensure distributions are handled according to written instructions.
Admitted to practice in Maryland, the District of Columbia and Virginia
Typical transaction flow
One trust account. Clear distribution.
Funds are received from the buyer, held in the attorney trust account, and distributed only to the recipients authorized by the governing agreement.
Why choose us
Four decades of careful handling
With more than four decades of legal experience, Bruce Markowitz has earned a reputation for professionalism, discretion, and attention to detail. Our attorney-managed paymaster services provide confidence that funds are handled securely and distributed only in accordance with governing agreements and authorized instructions.
About the attorney
Bruce Markowitz
Bruce brings over forty years of legal practice to his work advising corporations, private equity firms, individuals, and professional services firms as trusted counsel, investor, and board member. He serves as an IOLTA Paymaster and Escrow Attorney, and is AV-Rated for the highest level of legal ability and ethical standards by a constituency of legal peers.
Rating
AV-Rated, Peer Review
Role
IOLTA Paymaster & Escrow Attorney
Practice Since
1982
Based In
Washington, D.C. Area
Professional experience
2015 — Present
Managing Director
The Law Offices of Bruce Markowitz
Leads a general corporate and commercial practice; serves as an IOLTA Paymaster and Escrow Attorney.
2017 — Present
General Counsel
Clarendon Capital, LLC
Oversees legal, regulatory, and compliance matters across the firm's transportation, logistics, and distribution investments.
2010 — 2023
Co-Founder, Lead Investor, Vice-Chairman & General Counsel
Tanager Holdings, LLC
Co-founded and helped lead an infrastructure development company active across the U.S. and Europe, serving as lead investor and Vice-Chairman.
1982 — 2011
Partner, Business & Finance / Corporate / Restructuring
Morgan, Lewis, Bockius LLP · Reed Smith LLP · Swidler Berlin LLP · Zuckerman Spaeder LLP
Advised private equity and corporate clients across the transportation, energy, telecom, financial, and technology sectors.
1977 — 1980
Presidential Fellow
Office of the President of the United States — President James Earl Carter
Researched domestic monetary policy and international banking at the FDIC; participated on Capitol Hill in legislative banking reforms.
Our services
What the firm handles as paymaster
How the process works
Six steps from engagement to confirmation
Each stage is documented, and nothing is released on a verbal instruction.
- 01
Consultation & engagement
We review your transaction and identify the parties involved.
- 02
Agreement execution
The parties execute the necessary agreements outlining the conditions.
- 03
Funding
Funds are received into the designated attorney trust account, where appropriate.
- 04
Verification
Documentation and distribution instructions are reviewed to confirm they are complete.
- 05
Distribution
Upon satisfaction of agreed conditions, funds are distributed to the designated recipients.
- 06
Confirmation
Payment confirmations and records are available through the secure client portal, as appropriate.
Fundamentals
What is an attorney paymaster?
An attorney paymaster acts as a neutral fiduciary responsible for receiving, safeguarding, and disbursing funds according to written instructions. Common uses include commercial real estate, international transactions, settlement agreements, business acquisitions, commission distributions, investment transactions, joint ventures, and multi-beneficiary closings.
Security & confidentiality
Every transaction deserves careful handling. Our procedures are designed to emphasize:
- Attorney oversight
- Secure communications
- Confidential handling of information
- Detailed transaction records
- Clear distribution documentation
Client portal
Our secure client portal gives authorized users convenient access to transaction information.
- Monitor transaction status
- Review funding activity
- View payment history
- Access documents
- Payment confirmations
- Secure messaging
Client testimonials
What clients say
Comments from counsel, bankers and principals who have used the firm as paymaster. Identifying details are withheld for confidentiality.
“Professional, responsive, and exceptionally organized. The transaction was handled smoothly from receipt through final distribution.”
“Bruce and his team brought clarity and professionalism to a complicated transaction involving multiple parties and beneficiaries.”
“When substantial funds are involved, communication and precision are critical. The Law Offices of Bruce Markowitz delivered both throughout the process.”
“The paymaster process was clearly explained, professionally managed, and executed exactly as anticipated. We were kept informed throughout.”
“Our transaction involved multiple beneficiaries and detailed distribution instructions. The process was handled efficiently, discreetly, and professionally.”
“What impressed us most was the responsiveness. Questions were addressed quickly, documentation was organized, and we always knew where the transaction stood.”
“The secure client portal is a tremendous advantage. With protected login access, we can view our open transactions, track their status, and see where each transaction stands in the payment process. That level of visibility and transparency sets the Law Offices of Bruce Markowitz apart.”
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What is an attorney paymaster?
A lawyer who receives and disburses funds in accordance with written instructions and applicable legal and ethical obligations.
Can payments be sent to multiple beneficiaries?
Yes. Authorized distributions may be made to multiple designated recipients when supported by the governing transaction documents and instructions.
Can international transactions be accommodated?
Depending on the circumstances, attorney-managed paymaster services may be used in connection with domestic and international transactions.
How are funds protected?
Funds are handled in accordance with applicable legal requirements, the governing agreements, and the written distribution instructions provided by the parties.
Experience. Integrity. Confidence.
Request a consultation
We invite you to contact our office to discuss your needs.