Warner Norcross + Judd LLP and five of its attorneys have been recognized for excellence in private wealth law for the fourth consecutive year in Chambers High Net Worth 2020 guide.
The guide, which is compiled by Chambers and Partners, is aimed at the international private wealth market and features in-depth editorial related to leading lawyers and law firms for wealthy individuals and families. Law firms and attorneys were referred by clients for their expertise in charitable planning, wealth transfer, business succession planning, estate tax planning, trust disputes and other areas of private wealth management.
Partners Carl W. Dufendach, Mark K. Harder, Susan Gell Meyers and David L.J.M. Skidmore as well as Of Counsel W. Michael Van Haren were recognized as distinguished practitioners:
- Dufendach, who maintains a broad practice advising clients on estate and trust planning and administration, including transfer and succession strategies, charitable giving and guardianships.
- Harder, who chairs the firm's Private Client and Family Office Group, works with individuals, families and family business owners on complex estate planning, settlement and business transfer issues. One source described Harder as “the best trusts and estate lawyer in the state – he is an amazing practitioner.” Another interviewee praised “his expertise and understanding and knowledge of the intention of the law.”
- Meyers, who advises high net worth and family business clients on estate and gift tax planning, business succession planning, asset protection and trust administration. A source described Meyers as “very good at thinking about the business law aspects of estate planning and has significant strength in integrating business and estate planning.” Another interviewee notes: “She is very knowledgeable, and she is very clear and very proactive. She gives crystal-clear advice.”
- Skidmore, who focuses his practice on probate, trust and estate litigation, as well as fiduciary and real property disputes. He is described as “an expert in estate litigation. He's very astute, and he knows exactly what the case law and statute says. He is an expert in the law and on his feet.” Another attorney added, “He's very tough, and he's a great advocate for his clients.”
- Van Haren, who concentrates his practice on all aspects of planning for high net worth individuals, the family offices that serve those individuals and the businesses they own. An interviewee noted, “He has a lot of expertise on the tax side, and he is very good at client relationships. He does a good job of crossing over from the business side to the estate planning side.” Another commentator added that “He relates well to clients and is able to explain things in a way clients can understand.”
The guide is used by family offices and professional financial advisers. In addition to the legal rankings, Chambers High Net Worth also features information on accounting and tax firms, private banks, wealth management firms and multi-family offices acting for high net worth individuals.
London-based Chambers and Partners publishes a series of global guides focused on the legal profession. Warner has been recognized as one of the leading law firms in Michigan by the Chambers USA guide for 18 consecutive years.
By providing discerning and proactive legal advice, Warner Norcross + Judd LLP builds a better partnership with our clients. One of Michigan’s largest law firms, we’re focused on providing the best legal solutions and exceptional client service to organizations throughout the world. Connect with us on wnj.com, LinkedIn, Twitter or Facebook.
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