Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP has expanded its private client group with the addition of Lauren Benjamin as a partner in its Chicago office. This strategic move is expected to bolster the firm’s capabilities in serving high-net-worth individuals and families, particularly in estate planning and wealth management. Benjamin, who is joining from Masuda Funai, brings with her a wealth of experience in advising clients on complex trust and estate matters.
The decision to bring Benjamin on board is part of Taft’s ongoing effort to strengthen its service offerings in the Midwest, in response to the increasing demand for sophisticated legal counsel in personal wealth management. This addition is seen as a significant enhancement of the firm’s expertise in areas critical to private clients, including estate planning, trust administration, and tax strategies. More about Taft’s expansion and strategic hires can be read in the original report by Bloomberg Law.
Chicago’s legal market has been competitive with many firms seeking to enhance their offerings in estate planning due to an uptick in demand triggered by changes in tax laws and increased awareness of the importance of estate planning among high-net-worth individuals. Taft’s move to bring in Benjamin aligns with this trend, emphasizing the strategic value firms place on specialized legal talent to secure a competitive edge.
Benjamin’s practice focuses on advising clients at various stages of estate planning, from initial assessments to the implementation of sophisticated plans that address family dynamics, succession planning, and charitable giving. Her background in dealing with intricate trust and estate matters is expected to complement Taft’s existing practice and serve as a foundation for future growth and client acquisition. For insights on the broader legal implications of such appointments, American Lawyer offers further discussion on the topic.