Retirement Planning
Comprehensive retirement analysis helps attorneys coordinate savings, retirement income, distribution strategies, risk management, and long-term goals within one practical financial roadmap.
Attorneys often face complex retirement decisions involving law firm equity, irregular compensation, tax exposure, and professional liability concerns. Barking Sands Capital helps legal professionals coordinate retirement planning, asset management, Roth conversion strategies, rollovers, and tax-aware distribution planning through a transparent, fee-based approach designed around your goals, timeline, and risk tolerance.

Integrated retirement, tax, rollover, investment, and business-owner strategies for attorneys planning their financial future.
Comprehensive retirement analysis helps attorneys coordinate savings, retirement income, distribution strategies, risk management, and long-term goals within one practical financial roadmap.
We help attorneys transition old 401(k) assets into a tailored investment strategy while preserving tax treatment and improving coordination across retirement accounts.
Roth conversion strategies are evaluated for tax timing, long-term growth, and retirement income flexibility, especially during lower-income years or planned career transitions.
Tax-aware planning coordinates retirement contributions, AMT considerations, business-owner strategies, and future distributions to help reduce avoidable tax friction.
Active investment management uses research-backed portfolio strategies, diversification, and ongoing analysis to support retirement goals while respecting risk tolerance.
For firm owners and partners, small business consulting may include cash-balance plan analysis, retirement plan design, and tax-sensitive owner strategies.

We begin by understanding your legal career stage, compensation structure, firm ownership interests, retirement timeline, family priorities, and current accounts. This creates a clear baseline for evaluating planning opportunities and identifying risks.
A coordinated advisory approach designed for complex professional retirement decisions.
Fee-based RIA structure supports transparent advice without pushing managed-account commission products.
InteProcess™ integrates legal, tax, insurance, retirement, and financial planning disciplines together.
CFP® and ChFC credentials support disciplined, standards-based retirement guidance for professionals.
Sophisticated portfolio management is paired with the flexibility and attention of a personal advisor.
Meet the advisors behind your retirement strategy.

Principal, ChFC
JB L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), holding the prestigious Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC) designation. With a career that began right out of college in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, JB has built deep expertise in investment management, retirement analysis, estate planning, and small business planning. Licensed in life and health insurance in both Michigan and Minnesota, he has maintained lasting relationships with many of his earliest clients — a testament to his commitment to delivering excellent service and real value. The oldest of six siblings, JB developed strong teamwork and family values early, qualities that define his client-first advisory approach. He and his wife Kelly reside in Independence, Minnesota, where they continue growing their Midwest financial planning practice.

Principal
Kelly C. L'Esperance is a co-founder and Principal of Barking Sands Capital (The L'Esperance Group, LLC), bringing a strong background in investment services, fixed income investing, retirement and education planning, and investment portfolio management. With five years of experience at one of the nation's largest commercial banks, Kelly joined her husband and business partner JB to build an independent, fee-based advisory firm grounded in putting clients' needs above all else. Growing up in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, where her family ran small resort businesses, Kelly developed an entrepreneurial spirit and deep appreciation for personalized service. Kelly resides in Independence, Minnesota, with JB and their two children.

Advisor
Curtis Hewitt is an Advisor with Barking Sands Capital, specializing in Medicare Planning and Long Term Care. Based in Marquette in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Curtis brings a dynamic entrepreneurial career to his advisory role, having successfully started, managed, and sold multiple businesses throughout his professional life. He is also co-founder of MSIS Agency. Curtis holds a degree in Architectural Design from Lansing Community College and a Business Management degree from Colorado Technical University, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He holds Life and Health insurance licenses along with Series 6 and Series 63 registrations. A dedicated community servant, Curtis has served as president of a local Women's Shelter, school board member, and co-founder of a youth mountain biking program. He resides in Marquette with his wife and four children.

Client Relationship Manager
Tara Handy is the Client Relationship Manager at Barking Sands Capital, bringing more than two decades of experience in the financial services industry. She specializes in client service, account management, and operational support, ensuring that both advisors and clients receive responsive, accurate, and professional assistance. Tara holds Series 7 and Series 63 securities registrations, Life and Health Insurance licenses, and is a commissioned Notary Public. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Gardner-Webb University. Known for building strong, lasting relationships, Tara is dedicated to making every client interaction seamless and reliable. She resides in western North Carolina with her husband and three children, and values hard work, strong relationships, and serving others in every aspect of her life.

CFP®
Andrea Cervena is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) with Barking Sands Capital, bringing over 20 years of financial industry experience spanning three continents and multiple sectors including banking, real estate, hospitality, and sports. She holds a BA in International Business and Business Administration from Minot State University and an MA in International Relations from the International University of Japan. Since 2020, Andrea has focused exclusively on personal finance, earning her CFP® designation and assisting clients with Tax Planning, Estate Planning, Retirement Planning, Education Funding, and Budgeting. Her service-oriented approach and global perspective allow her to craft creative, tailored financial solutions. Outside of work, Andrea is an active volleyball official, cycling community ambassador, and Masters Ski Racing board member.
Yes, a lawyer can become a financial planner, but providing investment advice generally requires the proper registrations, licenses, and regulatory oversight. Legal knowledge can be valuable in estate, tax, and business planning discussions, but financial planning also requires expertise in investments, retirement income, risk management, and fiduciary standards. Barking Sands Capital coordinates across disciplines so attorneys receive integrated, compliant guidance.
Connect with our team for clear, retirement-focused guidance.
Recognized standard for comprehensive financial planning.
Advanced credential for holistic financial strategies.
Licensed for securities and insurance planning.
Share your retirement goals, practice structure, and planning questions. The Barking Sands Capital team will help you identify next steps and schedule a focused consultation.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.
For immediate assistance, feel free to give us a direct call at 952-500-8854. You can also send us a quick email at jb@barkingsandscapital.com.