John J. Casey

Partner John J. Casey provides efficient and effective representation designed to accomplish his clients' goals in estate planning and estate administration matters, as well as probate, asset protection, tax planning, and business succession planning.

Taking the time to truly listen to his clients, John believes that understanding their unique circumstances, objectives, and concerns is the key to providing them with the guidance that leads to optimal outcomes. He leverages his experience and creativity to develop and implement sound estate and tax planning strategies and provides counsel related to income, estate, and gift tax matters on behalf of trusts and estates.

John’s practice also includes litigating probate matters, handling trust and estate administration responsibilities, and negotiating with the IRS on tax issues and disputes. He advises small business owners on general corporate matters as well, including choice of entity, the formation of entities, and drafting appropriate governing documents.

A frequent writer on estate and trust matters, John also helps veterans with their estate planning needs as a volunteer with the Chicago Bar Association’s “Wills For Heroes” Program.

John earned his J.D. from Western Michigan University Cooley School of Law and an LLM degree, with honors, from Chicago-Kent College of Law. When not serving his clients or volunteering his time, he enjoys being with family and friends.

Education

• Thomas M. Cooley Law School, J.D., 2007
• Chicago Kent Law School, LL.M., 2014, with honors

Bar and Court Admissions

• Illinois, 2007
• U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, 2011
• U.S. Tax Court, 2011

Professional Affiliations

• Chicago Bar Association
• Illinois State Bar Association
• Chicago Estate Planning Council
• Illinois State Bar Association, Business Advice and Financial Planning Section Council
• Illinois Institute of Continuing Learning Education, Co-author, practice handbook chapter update, Trust Administration in Illinois
• DuPage County Bar Association Brief, contributing author
• Chicago Bar Association, Volunteer, "Wills for Heroes" Program

Experience

• Implements comprehensive estate and tax planning strategies.

• Prepares estate planning documents, including wills, powers of attorney for property and health care, standby guardian designations and living wills.

• Drafts irrevocable and revocable trusts.

• Prepares estate, gift, and generation skipping tax returns.

• Implements family office structures.

• Litigates probate matters.

• Handles trust and estate administration matters.

• Advises small business owners on general corporate matters, including choice of entity, formation of entity, and drafting appropriate governing documents.

• Negotiates with the IRS regarding complex tax issues and disputes.

• Establishes guardianships.

• Negotiates and drafts pre-nuptial agreements.

• Assists families with planning for disabled adults and children creating special needs trusts.