Expert Wealth, Tax, and Estate Planning in Chicago, IL

Shier Suzanne L Introduce

For individuals and families in Illinois with substantial assets and complex financial situations, expert legal counsel is indispensable for ensuring their wealth is protected, managed, and passed down according to their wishes. Navigating the intricate fields of tax, trusts, and estates requires a level of knowledge and experience that few can provide. Suzanne L. Shier is a distinguished attorney in Chicago who specializes in advising high net worth individuals, families, and businesses on these critical matters. As Of Counsel in the Trusts & Estates Group at the respected law firm of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, she brings decades of experience from both private practice and a leading global wealth management firm. Her work is centered on a purposeful approach: helping clients use their resources to achieve their desired impact for their families, businesses, and communities. This deep commitment to client-centered, strategic planning makes her a trusted and invaluable legal partner in the Illinois region.

Suzanne L. Shier’s legal practice is built on a foundation of sophisticated and comprehensive counsel. She is not simply a transactional attorney; she is a strategic advisor who works closely with clients to understand their long-term goals and develop tailored plans to meet them. Her expertise extends to both domestic and international matters, which is increasingly important for today’s globally connected clients. She is also a recognized thought leader in her field, regularly speaking at conferences and being quoted in major media outlets. Her active role in the legal and civic community further underscores her dedication to both her profession and the well-being of the wider community. This article will provide a detailed look at her legal services, her professional highlights, and what makes her an exceptional choice for anyone in need of wealth, tax, and estate planning expertise in Illinois.

The office where Suzanne L. Shier practices is located at 111 W Monroe St # 1600, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. This is a prime location in the heart of Chicago's downtown financial district, making it easily accessible for clients throughout the metropolitan area. The central placement in a major business hub signifies her focus on sophisticated legal matters for professionals and high-net-worth clients. The office building is committed to providing a professional and accommodating environment for all visitors. It features a wheelchair accessible restroom, ensuring comfort and convenience for all clients. A restroom is also available for general use. It is important to note that appointments are a key part of the planning process, and it is highly recommended to schedule one to ensure you can have a focused and productive consultation. This planning allows the attorney to be fully prepared to discuss your specific needs and goals.

Suzanne L. Shier is an attorney specializing in the intricate areas of trusts, estates, and tax law. Her practice is highly specialized, offering expert counsel to a diverse clientele that includes executives, entrepreneurs, corporate fiduciaries, family wealth owners, and charities. Her services are designed to address the full spectrum of legal and financial issues that arise in wealth management, from creating comprehensive plans to navigating complex tax implications. She has a deep understanding of both domestic and international law, which is a significant advantage for clients with cross-border assets and family members. Her legal work is not a general practice, but a focused and strategic effort to help clients achieve their desired impact with their wealth.

Wealth and Tax Planning: She advises high net worth individuals and families on how to strategically plan for the management and transfer of their wealth, with a strong focus on tax efficiency.
Trusts & Estates: Her expertise includes drafting and advising on trusts and estate plans, ensuring that a client's assets are protected and their legacy is secured.
International Estate Planning: For clients with global residence or assets, she provides specialized counsel on navigating the complexities of international estate, gift, and transfer taxes, as well as treaties and foreign trust administration.
Business Succession Planning: She assists business owners in creating strategic plans for the future of their companies, ensuring a smooth transition of leadership and assets.
Philanthropic Planning: She works with clients to develop charitable giving strategies, helping them use their resources to fulfill their philanthropic aspirations.
Probate and Fiduciary Litigation: In addition to planning, she provides counsel on estate and trust administration and handles fiduciary litigation, ensuring a client's wishes are upheld.

Several features and highlights distinguish Suzanne L. Shier as a top-tier attorney in her field. A primary highlight is her exceptional professional credentials and extensive experience. As a fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and an Academician of The International Academy of Estate and Trust Law, she is recognized as a leader and expert by her peers, both domestically and internationally. Her role as an adjunct professor at Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, where she teaches international estate planning, further demonstrates her deep knowledge and commitment to the future of the legal profession. She has received numerous awards, including the Chicago Estate Planning Council Austin Fleming Distinguished Service Award, and has been recognized as a "Super Lawyer" and one of "The Best Lawyers in America." These accolades are a testament to her skill, dedication, and professional excellence. Her background working with a global wealth management firm provides her with a valuable perspective on the practicalities of wealth management, allowing her to provide legal advice that is both sound and applicable. Her professional and civic involvement, including her work with organizations like Chicago Scholars, shows her dedication to giving back to the community and using her legal talents for a greater good.

Specialized Expertise: Her exclusive focus on wealth, tax, and estate planning, particularly for high net worth and international clients, provides a depth of knowledge that is invaluable.
Industry Recognition: Her multiple awards and professional fellowships from leading organizations confirm her status as an expert in her field.
Academic and Mentoring Role: Her position at Northwestern Law School showcases her commitment to staying current and contributing to the development of future legal talent.
Holistic Planning Approach: She works with clients to align their legal strategies with their personal, business, and philanthropic goals, providing comprehensive counsel.
Professional Background: Her experience in both private practice and with a global wealth management firm gives her a unique and practical perspective on financial and legal matters.

To connect with Suzanne L. Shier and the Trusts & Estates Group at Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC, you can use the provided contact information. The office is located at 111 W Monroe St # 1600, Chicago, IL 60603, USA. You can contact them by phone at (312) 845-3000. For mobile contact, the number is +1 312-845-3000. It is recommended that you schedule an appointment to ensure a proper and efficient consultation. The firm’s professional and responsive communication channels are a great starting point for individuals and families seeking expert guidance on their wealth planning needs.

For individuals and families in Illinois facing complex wealth management and estate planning challenges, what makes Suzanne L. Shier worth choosing? The answer lies in her unique combination of specialized expertise, prestigious recognition, and a deeply client-focused philosophy. She is not just a lawyer who drafts documents; she is a strategic advisor who helps clients solve complex puzzles, as she describes it. Her ability to integrate legal, tax, and philanthropic strategies is a rare and powerful skill. As a frequent speaker and published author on these topics, she is at the forefront of her field, ensuring that her advice is always current and forward-thinking. Her commitment to mentorship and community service further demonstrates her integrity and dedication. By choosing Suzanne L. Shier, clients are not just hiring an attorney; they are partnering with a highly respected professional who is deeply committed to helping them use their assets to achieve their personal and family goals, making her an invaluable resource for the Illinois community.