Atty. James H. Cundiff

Atty. James H. Cundiff

James H. Cundiff advises clients on family wealth and business planning, federal estate, gift and generation-skipping tax planning, and estate and trust administration.

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Profile Summary

About James H. Cundiff at a glance

James H. Cundiff is a trusts attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at McDermott Will & Schulte. Educated at Southern Illinois University School of Law (J.D., 1995). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.

Verified attorney profile · Updated June 2026

About

  • James H. Cundiff advises clients on family wealth and business planning, federal estate, gift and generation-skipping tax planning, and estate and trust administration
  • James represents entrepreneurs, corporate executives, and other business leaders and wealthy individuals on estate and tax planning matters
  • Counseling closely held businesses and family members, James is actively engaged in the structuring of family businesses as well as business control and succession planning, multi-generational wealth transfer planning, and estate plan design and implementation
  • James works with several single-family offices on the creation and administration of private investment pools and private trust companies
  • As a certified public accountant, James bridges the gaps between financial, tax and legal issues
  • James frequently writes and speaks on a variety of tax and estate planning subjects
  • Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/cundiff-james-h/

Practice Areas Explained

James H. Cundiff's Areas of Practice

Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James H. Cundiff handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.

Trusts

James H. Cundiff is one of 104,171 trusts attorneys indexed nationally. Browse trusts attorneys in Illinois →

Jurisdictional Context

Why local counsel matters in Illinois

Practicing law in Illinois. Legal matters in Illinois are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Chicago are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Illinois state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Illinois brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this andnue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Illinois courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.

Looking for additional Illinois attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Chicago or all attorneys in Illinois.

Frequently Asked

Common questions about James H. Cundiff

Where is James H. Cundiff's law office located?
James H. Cundiff's law practice is located in Chicago, Illinois. The firm is McDermott Will & Schulte. You can contact the office directly through this profile page.
What practice areas does James H. Cundiff handle?
James H. Cundiff focuses on trusts. Each practice area listed reflects experience handling cases of that type in Illinois.
Where did James H. Cundiff go to law school?
James H. Cundiff earned their education at (J.D., 1995).
How can I contact James H. Cundiff for a consultation?
You can contact James H. Cundiff directly through this profile page. Click "Ask the Attorney" to submit a question, or "Schedule a Consultation" to book a meeting. Most claimed-profile attorneys respond within one business day.
What awards or recognition has James H. Cundiff received?
James H. Cundiff's notable recognition includes: Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates.

Practice Areas

Education

J.D.
Southern Illinois University School of Law
- 1995

Awards

Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates
- 2026

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