(CHICAGO) Katten Muchin Rosenman LLP announced today that the firm was lauded for its superb services and depth of knowledge in the area of Trusts and Estates law in the Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) 2018 guide, a publication that focuses on the international private wealth market and ranks law firms and lawyers in that space based on recent work, experience and interviews with clients and other attorneys.
The firm was recognized nationally as an industry leader in the area of Private Wealth Law and distinguished regionally in Illinois, New York and Southern California. Katten also was commended for the outstanding legal services it provides in Private Wealth Disputes in New York.
Specifically, Katten's Private Wealth team, which advises clients on estate planning, probate administration, business succession and trusts and estates litigation, was singled out in the guide for "top-notch research, superior knowledge of all estate, trust and tax law; poise and strategy and negotiation skills." One interviewee said, "They are smart, show good judgement, are responsive and creative – everything you want from a lawyer."
Another source noted that Katten is at the "top" of the list for referrals, describing the practice as "superb, top of their field, five stars," and another interviewee added, "They're creative, they're energetic and they are advocates [for] their clients."
Katten partners Ronni G. Davidowitz, Abby L.T. Feinman, Charles Harris, Michael O. Hartz, Carol A. Johnston and Joshua S. Rubenstein were singled out for their excellence and touted as leading attorneys in the field.
Rubenstein, national head of Katten's Private Wealth practice and national chair of the Private Client Services group, received the highest individual ranking possible in the Private Wealth Law practice category. The guide highlights his international reputation for being a well-respected private wealth adviser with a good demeanor and command of the law. Rubenstein was described by one client as "one of the best," adding that Rubenstein "will outfox the other side." Another interviewee said, "He has all the qualities you need [in] a great lawyer: he has a good judgement, he is hard-working, he is constantly available. I am a tough client and very demanding – he meets those demands and is fun to deal with."
Davidowitz, who heads Katten's New York Private Wealth practice, was complimented by an interviewee saying, "She's very direct in an appropriate way…Most lawyers walk in and they've got to show you how smart they are rather than listen to what the problem is; Ronni listens and then is smart when she responds."
Feinman, head of the Los Angeles Private Wealth practice, also scored high praise from sources. "Abby's been phenomenal: she's very smart, very technical. She's got an easy way with clients," said an interviewee.
The Chambers HNW guide highlighted Harris' extensive experience, citing his "expertise in handling planning for US citizens with foreign interests, including US citizens who live elsewhere, or who are marrying a non-US citizen." Harris is co-head of the firm's Private Wealth practice in Chicago.
Hartz, who works with Harris as co-head of that practice, was highly praised for his work with one source commenting, "aside from being a phenomenal practitioner and extremely bright, he is just a good person. He's compassionate and when he talks with clients, he understands and he communicates well."
Johnston, a partner in Los Angeles, was applauded for her experience in tax and estate planning work and succession planning. One interviewee said, "She is amazing. She has a great bedside manner – she is very, very smart and is able to translate clients' rambling ideas into tight plans. I refer clients to her often because she is such a fine lawyer."
The Chambers HNW guide covers private wealth management work and related concentrations in key jurisdictions around the world, featuring in-depth writing about leading lawyers and law firms that specialize in advising wealthy individuals and families. The guide also features information about many of the top accountancy and tax firms, private banks, wealth management firms and multifamily offices that work with high-net-worth individuals.
