Foley & Lardner LLP: James R. Hellige

For individuals and families across Illinois seeking to plan for their future, manage their estates, or engage in meaningful charitable giving, navigating the intricate legal landscape of trusts and estates can be both complex and deeply personal. Similarly, for nonprofit organizations vital to Illinois communities, understanding and complying with specialized tax and charity laws is crucial for their mission. In the heart of Chicago, James R. Hellige, a distinguished partner at Foley & Lardner LLP, stands as a preeminent authority in estate planning, probate, trust law, and nonprofit organization law, offering unparalleled expertise to clients throughout the state.

James R. Hellige’s practice is deeply rooted in helping clients achieve their personal and philanthropic goals while ensuring legal compliance and financial efficiency. He understands that estate planning is not just about assets; it’s about preserving legacies, protecting loved ones, and securing peace of mind. His approach combines meticulous legal strategy with a compassionate understanding of the sensitive nature of these matters, providing tailored solutions that reflect each client's unique values and priorities.

As a key member of Foley & Lardner LLP, a nationally recognized and highly respected law firm, James R. Hellige benefits from and contributes to a robust platform of resources and collective expertise. Together, they form a powerful legal team capable of addressing the most sophisticated challenges faced by individuals, families, and charitable entities. If you're an Illinois resident considering your estate plan, dealing with probate, or involved with a nonprofit organization, understanding the profound experience and dedicated advocacy that James R. Hellige brings to the table is critical for protecting your interests and securing your legacy.

James R. Hellige practices from Foley & Lardner LLP’s prominent office in Chicago, a location that offers excellent accessibility for clients throughout Illinois. The office is conveniently situated at:

321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

This prestigious address in Chicago's vibrant River North neighborhood provides ease of access via multiple public transportation options, including various CTA train and bus lines, making it straightforward for individuals and representatives traveling from different parts of the city and surrounding Illinois suburbs. For those driving, the location is well-connected to major expressways, with numerous parking garages in the vicinity. While his practice often involves working with clients across different states, his strong presence in Chicago reinforces Foley & Lardner LLP's commitment to serving the Illinois community with high-level estate and trust expertise. This centralized location facilitates effective communication and in-person meetings for clients who prefer to visit their office.

James R. Hellige, as a partner in Foley & Lardner LLP's Estates & Trusts Practice, concentrates his extensive expertise on a broad spectrum of legal services related to wealth transfer, asset protection, and charitable endeavors. His key areas of practice include:

• Estate Planning: Assisting individuals and families in creating comprehensive estate plans, including wills, revocable and irrevocable trusts, powers of attorney for property and healthcare, and succession planning. His goal is to ensure the efficient transfer of wealth, minimize tax burdens (income, gift, estate, and generation-skipping taxation), and provide for the financial security and care of beneficiaries.

• Probate and Trust Law: Guiding clients through the probate process after a loved one's passing, including estate administration, resolving claims against estates, and trust administration. He represents fiduciaries (executors, administrators, trustees) and beneficiaries in fulfilling their duties and protecting their interests.

• Sophisticated Charitable Giving: Providing expert counsel on complex charitable giving strategies, including the establishment of private foundations, charitable trusts, donor-advised funds, and other planned giving vehicles. He helps clients maximize their philanthropic impact while optimizing tax benefits.

• Nonprofit Organization Law: Advising nonprofit organizations on various legal matters, including formation, governance, compliance with tax-exempt status requirements, and complex giving arrangements. His work helps these vital organizations operate effectively and legally.

• Guardianship Matters: While not explicitly listed as a primary focus, his work in trust and estate litigation can intersect with guardianship issues, particularly regarding the management of affairs for beneficiaries, including minors or incapacitated adults.

James R. Hellige's standing as a premier legal professional in estate planning, trusts, and nonprofit law is underscored by several notable features and accolades:

• Decades of Experience: Admitted to practice in Illinois since 1976, James R. Hellige brings nearly five decades of focused legal experience to his clients, demonstrating a profound depth of knowledge and a long-standing commitment to his practice areas.

• Highly Acclaimed Expertise: He is consistently recognized by prestigious legal publications. He has been selected by his peers for inclusion in

  The Best Lawyers in America®

  in the fields of Non-Profit/Charities Law (2007, 2010-2023) and Trusts and Estates (2005, 2010-2023). He was also named the 2017 Non-Profit/Charities Law “Lawyer of the Year” in Chicago. Additionally, he is listed in the 2020 edition of

  Chambers® USA: America's Leading Business Lawyers

  in the practice area of Private Wealth Law.

• "Super Lawyers" Recognition: James R. Hellige has been consistently selected to the

  Illinois Super Lawyers®

  lists from 2005 to 2025 for his estate planning and probate work, a prestigious peer designation awarded to a select number of accomplished attorneys.

• Commitment to Philanthropy: He received the 2013 Russell V. Kohr Memorial Award for Excellence in Planned Giving by the Chicago Council on Planned Giving and the Dennis F. Kelly Award from Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago (2017), highlighting his deep involvement and recognition in the charitable giving community. He also serves on various advisory boards for nonprofit organizations.

• Prolific Author and Speaker: James is a frequent speaker and has lectured before many professional and lay groups on topics such as planned giving and the generation-skipping transfer tax. He is also the author and co-author of chapters, books, and articles, including "Charitable Litigation" in Litigating Disputed Estates, Trusts, Guardianships, and Charitable Bequests, showcasing his thought leadership.

• Admitted to U.S. Tax Court: His admission to the U.S. Tax Court further enhances his ability to provide comprehensive tax planning and litigation services related to estates and trusts.

Given the highly specialized nature of James R. Hellige's practice in estate planning, trusts, and nonprofit law, traditional consumer-oriented promotions are not typically offered. However, for individuals, families, and charitable organizations in Illinois seeking sophisticated legal counsel in these complex areas, it is customary for attorneys of his caliber to provide initial consultations. This allows for a thorough assessment of their specific needs, a preliminary discussion of potential legal strategies, and an opportunity to understand how his extensive expertise can be applied to their unique circumstances. Prospective clients are encouraged to contact his office directly to inquire about scheduling such a consultation.

If you are an individual, family, or nonprofit organization in Illinois seeking expert legal counsel in estate planning, probate, trust law, or sophisticated charitable giving, you can contact James R. Hellige at Foley & Lardner LLP using the following details:

Address: 321 N Clark St Suite 3000, Chicago, IL 60654, USA

Phone: (312) 832-4550

Mobile Phone: +1 312-832-4550

For individuals, families, and nonprofit organizations across Illinois, James R. Hellige at Foley & Lardner LLP is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended legal partner for all matters concerning estate planning, trusts, and charitable endeavors. His nearly five decades of dedicated experience and consistent recognition in prestigious legal rankings like

The Best Lawyers in America®

,

Chambers USA

, and

Illinois Super Lawyers®

, underscore his profound expertise and practical effectiveness in this nuanced field. His strategic location in downtown Chicago provides convenient access, while his deep involvement in the Illinois charitable community and his numerous publications demonstrate a genuine commitment to serving the state's residents and their philanthropic goals.

James R. Hellige’s ability to navigate the complexities of wealth transfer, minimize tax implications, and establish enduring legacies makes him an invaluable resource. For any Illinois local seeking meticulous and compassionate guidance to plan for their future, administer an estate, or manage a nonprofit organization, James R. Hellige offers the sophisticated legal counsel and dedicated advocacy essential for achieving peace of mind and securing their personal and charitable aspirations right here in the heart of our state.