Contact number
+1 312 372 2000Chambers Review
The team at McDermott Will & Emery has a very strong reputation for its work with wealthy clients. It is particularly well regarded for its expertise in fiduciary litigation, estates and trusts.
Strengths
Provided by Chambers
"The team at McDermott have a lot of depth and breadth. Unlike other big multinational firms, McDermott is very specialised, which is useful and efficient to serve high net worth clients."
"With the lawyers at McDermott, it is not just about delivering the good work, but the manner in which it is delivered. The advice is timely and friendly, and you enjoy working with them."
"The technical skill set and expertise at McDermott is top-notch and versatile across any and all topics that impact ultra high net worth individuals and families."
"The team at McDermott have a lot of depth and breadth. Unlike other big multinational firms, McDermott is very specialised, which is useful and efficient to serve high net worth clients."
"With the lawyers at McDermott, it is not just about delivering the good work, but the manner in which it is delivered. The advice is timely and friendly, and you enjoy working with them."
"The technical skill set and expertise at McDermott is top-notch and versatile across any and all topics that impact ultra high net worth individuals and families."
Notable Practitioners
Carol Harrington is nationally renowned for her work in private wealth. Harrington is a well-known expert on complex trusts and tax structuring work for ultra-wealthy clients.
"Carol Harrington is top-flight, no questions asked. She is the best and is awesome."
"Carol is brilliant and knows the law very well."
David Baker is highly regarded for his work in trust and estate disputes, as well as his experience in fiduciary litigation. Baker leads sizeable controversy matters involving significantly wealthy families.
"David is incredibly thoughtful, an expert in the subject matter, and a strategic thinker who is clear and conscious in oral and written work."
"He has unequalled knowledge of the law, superb courtroom skills and great problem-solving abilities.Dave Baker is simply the best in our field."
"He is a leading litigator who you would want on your side."
Neil Kawashima focuses his practice on charitable giving and planning matters. He is known to advise on issues related to breach of fiduciary duty.
"Neil is a national expert in philanthropy for ultra high net worth individuals and families."
"He is incredibly creative and has a good practical sense in terms of understanding how things work in the real world. Neil does not hesitate to give his opinion, and clients very much appreciate it."
"Neil Kawashima stands out due to his exceptional expertise in estate and charitable planning and his ability to provide tailored solutions."
William Butler focuses his practice on high-profile succession planning cases, particularly for multi-generational families. He is highly respected for his expertise in estates and trusts.
"Bill is a trusted adviser to clients beyond just the legal relationship. His ability to provide practical advice based on his level of understanding of the client is based on his high EQ."
"Bill Butler has a keen ability to help families navigate any estate planning, tax and business succession challenges. He instils confidence and can connect immediately with clients."
Adam Sherman has expertise in business succession estates and tax planning. He is commended by sources for his ability to convey complex issues to clients effectively.
"The combination of Adam being a strong technician and caring deeply for his clients instils confidence in clients that they are in good hands. He is a trusted adviser to clients."
"He is an excellent technician with a strong client service focus."
Bobbi Bierhals advises high net worth clients on business, tax and estate planning.
"Bobbi takes very complex concepts and translates them for clients in an understandable way, in addition to being a great technician. She is a trusted adviser to clients."
"She is one of the strongest private client attorneys in the city. She is terrific."
"Bobbi has it all - great judgement, deep technical expertise and a focus on client service. She is an excellent communicator who can guide clients through complex transitions and planning with ease."
Jeanette Hunter advises wealthy families on multi-generational succession planning and governance issues.
"Jeanette's one of the best in terms of communication. She's responsive to clients' needs, a clear communicator and knows how to speak to different people while still getting concepts across."
"Jeanette is incredibly collaborative and good with families and generational planning. Jeanette is the most calm, thoughtful listener but delivers incredibly thoughtful advice."
Michael Sorrow works on estate planning, business structuring and succession matters. Sorrow's clients include large single-family offices.
"Mike consistently demonstrates his technical skill and is timely, responsive and organised. He is a go-to attorney for a wide variety of planning matters."
"He is very attentive, thorough and gets it. There is a lot going on in our world, and to think he has multiple clients and we are just one of them is impressive. We are very happy with the services."
Richard Dees advises high net worth clients on a range of tax and business planning matters.
Elise McGee is a Chicago-based private client partner. She advises high net worth individuals and business owners on a wide array of wealth transfer planning matters. She has expertise in estates and trusts, tax, cryptocurrency and real estate matters.
"Elise is an expert in private trust company structuring and operations."
"Elise provides quick, accurate and pragmatic advice on a number of complex and technical matters. She is a pleasure to work with."
Richard Lang is well regarded in the Chicago market and focuses his practice on charitable and tax planning. He also advises on succession matters, including business succession and planning for liquidity events such as the sale of a closely-held business.