Reed Smith grows Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning Group with new partner hire
Reed Smith LLP has announced the addition of John R. Wiktor to the Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning Group of its Business & Finance Department in the firm’s Chicago office.
A former partner in the Wealth Protection, Planning and Trusts & Estates Controversy Group at Horwood, Marcus & Berk in Chicago, Mr. Wiktor is the fifth partner and sixth lawyer added to Reed Smith’s Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning in 2011. A five-member group comprising four partners and a counsel from Patton Boggs joined the firm’s Falls Church office early in January.
“Recent changes in federal tax laws have increased the demand for estate planning services, especially for high net worth individuals and families,” said Mike LoVallo, managing partner of the Chicago office and a member of the Tax, Benefits & Wealth Planning Group. “John is very well prepared to help us meet that demand firmwide, and we’re glad he’s on board.”
Mr. Wiktor’s practice expertise in wealth planning includes taxation, business and asset protection planning, and helping clients achieve their charitable goals. He also represents individuals and charitable organizations as beneficiaries in will and trust disputes, individual and corporate fiduciaries in will and trust construction matters, and individuals in contested guardianship proceedings.
“Reed Smith has one of the premier estate planning groups in Chicago, and I am pleased to be joining this well-regarded practice,” said Mr. Wiktor. “Its focus on client service and relationships is a perfect fit with my personal approach to practice. In addition, Reed Smith has a vast array of resources I can now offer my existing clients, including extensive corporate, employment and IP capabilities worldwide.”
A 2000 graduate of Loyola University School of Law, Mr. Wiktor was an associate at Gardner Carton & Douglas (now Drinker Biddle) from 2003-2007. He has authored numerous estate planning articles. In addition to writing, he also lectures on wealth planning and charitable giving topics. Mr. Wiktor is also involved in local civic organizations including Porter County Community Foundation.
About Reed Smith
Reed Smith is a global law firm with nearly 1,600 lawyers in 22 offices throughout the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.