David A. Handler

For individuals and families across Illinois with substantial wealth, complex assets, or intricate business interests, comprehensive and strategic estate planning is not merely a formality but a critical necessity. In the vibrant legal landscape of Chicago, at the esteemed firm of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, stands David A. Handler – a name synonymous with innovation, expertise, and unparalleled counsel in the field of trusts and estates. Mr. Handler is a leading partner in the firm's Trusts and Estates Practice Group, consistently recognized as one of the nation's foremost authorities on wealth management and transfer.

David A. Handler’s practice is dedicated to helping owners of closely-held businesses, principals of private equity and venture capital funds, executives, and families of significant wealth navigate the complexities of estate and charitable planning. He is renowned for his ability to craft highly sophisticated and tailored strategies that address unique financial situations, minimize tax implications, and ensure the seamless transfer of wealth across generations. Peers and clients alike commend his "brilliant bankruptcy mind," describing him as "absolutely as bright as can be and top-notch" and praising his "creative mind" and role in "coming up with strategies for private equity principals.” These accolades speak volumes about his innovative approach and his capacity to devise bespoke solutions where conventional methods might fall short. He is credited as the creator or co-creator of groundbreaking concepts such as the “HEET trust,” the “RPM Trust,” and the “Guaranteed GRAT,” demonstrating his continuous effort to push the boundaries of traditional estate planning.

Beyond his direct client work, Mr. Handler is a prolific author and speaker, contributing significantly to the legal discourse in his field. He is an Editorial Advisory Board Member of Trusts & Estates Magazine, for which he has written a monthly "tax update" column for over a decade. He has also co-authored several highly regarded books on estate planning, including "The Complete Estate Planning Sourcebook" and "Drafting the Estate Plan: Law and Forms." His frequent interviews with major news outlets like The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times underscore his status as a go-to expert. For anyone in Illinois seeking to preserve their legacy, optimize their wealth transfer, or engage in meaningful charitable endeavors, partnering with David A. Handler means gaining access to a level of expertise and innovative thinking that is truly at the pinnacle of the profession.

David A. Handler practices at the Chicago office of Kirkland & Ellis LLP, located at 300 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA. This is a prime location in the heart of downtown Chicago, situated right on the Chicago River in the vibrant River North neighborhood. The building is a distinctive and recognizable skyscraper, making it a prominent landmark and easy to find for clients.

The accessibility of this location is a significant advantage for clients throughout Illinois. For those within Chicago, the office is well-served by public transportation. It is a short walk from several CTA 'L' train stations, including the Clark/Lake station, which is a major interchange for multiple lines. Numerous bus routes also stop within close proximity. This connectivity ensures that clients from various Chicago neighborhoods can reach the firm without significant travel hassle. For clients traveling from other parts of Illinois, such as the suburbs or other regions of the state, the office's downtown location provides relatively convenient access from major expressways. While street parking can be limited in the area, several commercial parking garages are available nearby, including options at 345 North LaSalle (Sterling Self-Park), 203 North LaSalle (InterPark), and 401 North Wells (Mart Parc garage). The professional environment of the Kirkland & Ellis LLP office provides a comfortable and confidential setting for client meetings and legal discussions, solidifying its suitability as a central point of contact for sophisticated estate planning needs in Illinois.

• Trust & Estate Planning and Administration: Comprehensive services for designing, drafting, and administering wills, trusts, and other estate planning documents. This includes sophisticated strategies for wealth preservation and transfer.

• Wealth Management for High-Net-Worth Individuals: Tailored advice for individuals and families with significant wealth, including owners of closely-held businesses, principals of private equity/venture capital funds, and executives.

• Charitable Planning: Assisting clients in establishing and administering private foundations, public charities, and other tax-exempt entities, enabling philanthropic endeavors with optimal tax efficiency.

• Gift Planning: Strategic guidance on various gift strategies to minimize estate and gift taxes, including innovative approaches like the “HEET trust,” “RPM Trust,” and the “Guaranteed GRAT.”

• Tax Planning: Providing intricate tax advice related to estates, gifts, and trusts, keeping clients abreast of the latest tax laws and regulations to optimize their financial structures.

• Family Office Representation: Advising family offices on a wide range of legal issues, including governance, investment structures, and intergenerational wealth transfer.

• Business Succession Planning: Assisting owners of closely-held businesses in planning for the seamless transition of their enterprises, ensuring continuity and preserving value.

• Nationally Recognized Authority: David A. Handler is consistently recognized as one of the top trusts and estates lawyers in the U.S. by prestigious publications such as Chambers USA (Band 1 in Wealth Management) and The Best Lawyers in America.

• Innovative Strategies: He is known for creating cutting-edge estate planning techniques like the “HEET trust,” “RPM Trust,” and the “Guaranteed GRAT,” demonstrating a commitment to innovative solutions.

• Prolific Author and Speaker: Mr. Handler is a contributing author to "Collier on Bankruptcy" (a leading treatise) and co-author of "The Complete Estate Planning Sourcebook" and "Drafting the Estate Plan: Law and Forms." He frequently lectures at national seminars.

• Distinguished Accolades: He is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), a member of the NAEPC Estate Planning Hall of Fame as an Accredited Estate Planner (Distinguished), and a recipient of the Austin Fleming Distinguished Service Award from the Chicago Estate Planning Council.

• Top Tier Ranking: Leading Lawyers Magazine has listed David as one of the "Top Ten Trust, Will & Estate" lawyers in Illinois as well as a "Top 100 Consumer" lawyer in Illinois.

• Broad Client Base: His practice serves a diverse and distinguished clientele, including owners of closely-held businesses, private equity principals, executives, and high-net-worth families.

As a partner at a globally leading law firm like Kirkland & Ellis LLP, specializing in highly sophisticated and complex trusts and estates matters, David A. Handler and the firm do not typically offer general promotions or special offers in the consumer sense. Their services are bespoke, highly specialized, and tailored to the unique needs of high-net-worth individuals and families. Legal fees for such expert counsel are generally structured based on the complexity and scope of the planning required. For prospective clients with significant estate planning or wealth management needs, the appropriate step is to contact the firm directly to discuss their specific situation. During this initial contact, the firm can provide information regarding their services, approach, and how they structure engagements for their esteemed clientele.

To connect with David A. Handler and the Trusts and Estates Practice Group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP, you can use the following contact details:

Address: 300 N LaSalle St, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 862-2477

Mobile Phone: +1 312-862-2477

For direct inquiries related to Mr. Handler's practice or to schedule a consultation, contacting the Chicago office via the provided phone numbers is the most effective method.

For high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners across Illinois, securing their financial future and legacy demands an attorney with not just legal expertise, but also a deep understanding of complex wealth dynamics. David A. Handler, situated at Kirkland & Ellis LLP's prominent Chicago office, is exceptionally well-suited to serve these sophisticated local needs. His reputation as a leading authority in trusts and estates, coupled with his innovative approach to wealth management and tax planning, provides an invaluable resource right here in our state.

Mr. Handler's accessibility in downtown Chicago ensures that clients from all parts of Illinois can conveniently access his services. His extensive experience in representing a diverse range of wealthy clients, from private equity principals to owners of closely-held businesses, means he understands the specific challenges and opportunities unique to the Illinois economic landscape. By choosing David A. Handler, locals are not just hiring a lawyer; they are engaging a strategic partner who can help them navigate the intricacies of estate planning, minimize tax burdens, and effectively transfer wealth across generations. His commitment to developing cutting-edge solutions and his consistent recognition as a top-tier attorney make him an ideal choice for any Illinois resident seeking to protect and grow their legacy for years to come.