Andrew R Gelman

Introduction / Overview

For individuals and families across Illinois seeking to secure their legacies, protect their assets, and ensure the well-being of their loved ones, finding a knowledgeable and trustworthy legal professional is crucial. Andrew R. Gelman is a distinguished attorney based in Chicago, IL, who has dedicated his extensive career to assisting clients with sophisticated estate planning, probate, and trust administration matters. With a profound understanding of both federal and Illinois state laws pertaining to wealth preservation and transfer, Mr. Gelman offers tailored legal solutions designed to meet the unique needs and objectives of each client.

Mr. Gelman’s practice is built upon a foundation of comprehensive expertise and a client-first philosophy. He understands that estate planning involves deeply personal decisions and often sensitive family dynamics. As such, he approaches each case with sensitivity, clarity, and a commitment to providing strategic advice that stands the test of time. Whether you are looking to draft a will, establish a trust, navigate the complexities of probate, or address issues related to legal disability, Andrew R. Gelman aims to be your reliable guide and advocate in the intricate world of trusts and estates.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently located in the bustling heart of downtown Chicago, Andrew R. Gelman's office is situated at 150 N Riverside Plaza Ste 2700, Chicago, IL 60606, USA. This prime location offers excellent accessibility for clients coming from various parts of Illinois, whether by public transportation or personal vehicle. The building is part of a modern, well-connected complex on the Chicago River, making it a recognizable landmark and easily navigable for visitors.

For those utilizing Chicago’s extensive public transport system, the office is within close walking distance of multiple CTA train lines (including the 'L' lines) and numerous bus routes, providing straightforward access from nearly any neighborhood in the city and surrounding suburbs. If driving, the area offers several parking garages nearby, though it’s always recommended for Illinois residents traveling into the city to factor in potential traffic and parking availability when planning their visit. The central location underscores the firm's dedication to serving a broad clientele across the state.

Services Offered

Andrew R. Gelman concentrates his practice on a comprehensive range of services within estate planning, estate and trust administration, and related controversies. His expertise is particularly valuable for individuals, executives, and business owners looking to manage their wealth effectively and plan for future generations. Key services provided include:

• Estate Planning: Crafting wills, insurance trusts, inter vivos (living) trusts, and powers of attorney for property and health care. This involves advising on strategies to minimize federal and state estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxation.
• Estate and Trust Administration: Guiding corporate and individual fiduciaries and beneficiaries through the administration of estates and trusts, including tax planning, asset valuation, and distribution of assets. He is knowledgeable in all aspects of decedents' estates and minors' estates and trusts in probate and chancery.
• Estate and Trust Controversies: Representation in contested matters related to estates and trusts, such as will contests, trust constructions, citation proceedings, claims, and disputes over statutory rights, and the rights of heirs, legatees, and beneficiaries.
• Legal Disability Planning: Specializing in the use of trusts, particularly supplemental needs trusts, to protect disabled adults and minors. He also handles probate proceedings related to disabled adults, including adjudications of incompetency, terminations, and financial/health care planning for wards.
• Post-Mortem Tax Planning: Advising fiduciaries on federal and state estate tax and fiduciary income tax planning in the administration of estates and trusts to optimize tax outcomes.
• Premarital Matters: Providing legal counsel on premarital agreements to protect individual assets and ensure clarity in marital financial planning.
• Adoptions: Assisting with various types of adoptions, including related, agency, and private placements, guiding families through the legal process.
• Real Estate Transactions: Handling both personal and commercial real estate transactions as they intersect with estate planning and trust administration.
• Certified Mediator: Mr. Gelman is a certified mediator for the Court-Annexed Mediation Program of the Probate Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County, offering an alternative dispute resolution method.

Features / Highlights

Andrew R. Gelman's practice is distinguished by several significant features and highlights that underscore his reputation and commitment to his clients in Illinois:

• Extensive Legal Experience: Admitted to practice in Illinois since 1970, Mr. Gelman brings over 50 years of experience to his practice. This unparalleled longevity in the field signifies a deep well of knowledge and a track record of adapting to evolving legal landscapes.
• Recognized Expertise: He has been consistently selected to the Super Lawyers list for Illinois in Estate Planning & Probate for numerous years (including 2005-2012, 2014-2021, and 2024-2025). This peer recognition highlights his standing as a top-rated attorney in his specialized field.
• Leadership in Private Wealth Services: Mr. Gelman is the immediate past chair of his firm's Illinois Private Wealth Services Practice Group, demonstrating his leadership and influence within the industry.
• Authoritative Speaker and Lecturer: He is a frequent lecturer on topics such as supplemental needs trusts for disabled children and effective estate administration, sharing his expertise with other legal professionals and the public.
• Specialization in Disability Law: A notable concentration of his practice is devoted to legal disability and the use of trusts to protect disabled adults and minors, showcasing a compassionate and specialized area of his work.
• Comprehensive Client Counseling: Mr. Gelman counsels a diverse clientele, including individuals, executives, and business owners, offering sophisticated advice on complex tax implications and asset protection strategies.
• Professional Affiliations: His memberships include the Chicago Estate Planning Council, the Chicago Bar Association (former Division Chair of the Probate Practice Committee), and the Illinois State Bar Association, reflecting his active engagement in the legal community.

Promotions or Special Offers

While specific time-limited promotions are not typically advertised for specialized legal services like those offered by Andrew R. Gelman, prospective clients can generally expect the standard professional courtesies and accessible engagement common within the legal profession. As a professional operating within a large firm (Holland & Knight), initial consultations are often structured to allow clients to discuss their needs and understand the scope of work involved before formal engagement.

• Initial Consultations: It is common practice for a reputable attorney like Mr. Gelman to offer an initial meeting or consultation, allowing potential clients to outline their situation and learn about the attorney's approach and potential strategies. While this may or may not be explicitly "free," it serves as an important introductory step to determine if the attorney's expertise aligns with the client's needs.
• Transparent Fee Structure: While no specific "special offers" are publicly available, a hallmark of professional legal services is clarity regarding fee structures. Clients can expect transparent discussions about billing rates or project-based fees during initial discussions, ensuring they understand the financial aspects of their legal representation upfront.

Contact Information

To connect with Andrew R. Gelman and discuss your estate planning, probate, or related legal needs, please use the following contact details:

Address: 150 N Riverside Plaza Ste 2700, Chicago, IL 60606, USA

Phone: (312) 715-5718

Mobile Phone: +1 312-715-5718

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals and families across Illinois, Andrew R. Gelman represents an exceptional resource for navigating the often-complex and sensitive areas of estate planning, probate, and trust administration. His suitability for locals stems from a confluence of factors that make him a highly reliable and effective legal partner.

Firstly, his decades of dedicated experience in Illinois law, spanning over 50 years, mean that he possesses an unparalleled understanding of the state's specific legal nuances, tax codes, and court procedures. This deep local knowledge is crucial for crafting robust estate plans that comply with Illinois regulations and for efficiently navigating probate processes within the state. Clients can be confident that their legal matters are handled by someone who has seen and successfully managed a vast array of scenarios specific to the Illinois legal landscape.

Secondly, his specialized focus on estate planning, wealth preservation, and disability law directly addresses critical needs within the Illinois community. Whether it's ensuring assets are passed down efficiently, protecting loved ones with special needs, or resolving family disputes over inheritances, Mr. Gelman's expertise provides peace of mind. His role as a certified mediator in Cook County’s Probate Division also offers locals a valuable option for resolving disputes outside of potentially lengthy and costly litigation.

Finally, his central Chicago location, easily accessible via public transport for residents from all over the Chicagoland area and beyond, underscores his commitment to serving the wider Illinois populace. His consistent recognition as a Super Lawyer by his peers further solidifies his standing as a trusted legal professional. For Illinois residents seeking to protect their assets, plan for their future, and ensure their wishes are honored, Andrew R. Gelman offers not just legal services, but also a dedicated, experienced, and locally-attuned partnership.