Av. Michael O. Hartz
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.
Profile Summary
About Michael O. Hartz at a glance
Michael O. Hartz is a trusts attorney based in Chicago, Illinois, practicing at Katten. They have 46+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1980. Admitted to practice in Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association (1980). Educated at University of Detroit Mercy (J.D., 1980). Recognitions include Best Lawyers in America — Trusts and Estates (2026), Best Lawyers in America — Special Focus: (2026), and Best Lawyers in America — Estate Planning (2026). Serands clients in Chicago, IL and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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Hakkında
- 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
Practice Areas Explained
Michael O. Hartz's Areas of Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael O. Hartz handles, with a brief overview of what that area of law covers.
Michael O. Hartz is one of 104,172 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.
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