Michael O. Hartz

Michael O. Hartz


Katten

Recognized since 2008

Chicago, Illinois

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Trusts and Estates
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Described by clients as a "phenomenal practitioner and extremely bright," Michael Hartz advises on business succession planning, tax-efficient wealth transfer into trusts for future generations and strategies for fulfilling philanthropic goals. Michael is ranked among the leading lawyers for private wealth law in Chambers High Net Worth, where his practical, effective solutions to complex problems have led to consistent recognition. With 40 years of experience in trust and estate planning and administration, Michael has exceptional insight into the issues that confront families, family-owned businesses and wealthy entrepreneurs.

Michael's experience, attention to detail and care for his clients guide his handling of every matter. Primarily representing high net worth family business owners, including owners of some of the largest businesses in the Midwest, Michael helps them from the early stages of wealth creation through wealth transfer planning and charitable giving issues. He advises on all phases of estate planning, trust administration, ownership transition and risk management. Michael also designs and administers family business succession plans. Many of his clients require sophisticated planning techniques to shift future wealth to the next generations in a fair and tax-efficient way. He helps his clients with integrating charitable planning strategies into their overall estate plans. Michael understands that many facets of his clients' lives will impact the design of their estate plans. Evaluating the various complexities, he assists clients to achieve their trust and estate planning goals.

A prolific author, Michael has written articles on tax and estate planning matters for publications such as the Journal of Taxation and TAXES, and he serves on the Estate Planning & Taxation Committee for Trusts & Estates magazine. Michael has been recognized by both Chambers High Net Worth and Best Lawyers in America, and he is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. He speaks frequently at estate planning and tax seminars.

Contact & Links
Location
  • 525 West Monroe Street
    Chicago, IL 60661-3693
Education
  • University of Detroit Mercy, J.D., graduated 1980

Katten
Headquarters: Chicago, Illinois

100 The Best Lawyers in America® awards

83 Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America awards

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Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2021 - Trusts and Estates Lawyer of the Year Badge - 2017 - Trusts and Estates
Named "Lawyer of the Year" by Best Lawyers® for:
  • Trusts and Estates, Chicago (2021)
  • Trusts and Estates, Chicago (2017)
Recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for work in:
  • Trusts and Estates
Special Focus:
  • Estate Planning
  • Family Businesses
  • Gift Planning
  • Nonprofit Organizations and Charitable Giving
  • Planning for Closely Held Businesses
  • Succession Planning

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Publications

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