COUNSELING
PRIVATE WEALTH
PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

ATTORNEY AT LAW

MICHAEL R. FRIEDBERG

Michael R. Friedberg represents high net worth individuals, family offices, and businesses. For 50 years his practice has focused on complex and sophisticated wealth management, estate planning and administration, trust management, and the development and implementation of multi-generational tax strategies. Michael has been honored to represent several of the most prominent families in America.

Michael has helped clients manage their business and investment interests, and has developed advanced income, gift, and estate tax solutions to achieve client goals. He also advises on corporate and business planning, as well as litigation strategies.

Michael has represented several nationally-known life insurance companies. He also is experienced in international planning and is a full member of the International Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners (STEP). Charitable planning, as well as dealing with art and other collectibles, are also areas of special emphasis.

Prior to establishing his own practice, he practiced at several prominent law firms and was practice head for Wealth Planning/Trusts & Estates at two firms. Michael also was a founding partner at Sugar Friedberg & Felsenthal for close to three decades. Crain’s Chicago Business has called him a “well-known and highly regarded practitioner in trusts, estates and related business matters”.

PRACTICE AREAS

Family Office Services

Estate and Trust Administration

Estate Planning

Tax Planning

Charitable Planned Giving

Non-Profit Organizations

International Planning

BACKGROUND

    • J.D., University Of Chicago Law School

    • B.A. with honors in Philosophy, Northwestern University

    • American Bar Association, Section on Taxation

    • Illinois State Bar Association

    • Chicago Bar Association

    • Chicago Estate Planning Council

    • Association of Life Insurance Counsel

    • Society of Trust & Estate Practitioners

    • Chicago Community Trust, Professional Advisory Committee

    • Previously, American Cancer Society, Professional Advisory Committee

    • Previously, Board President, Cove School (for learning disabled children)

    • Previously, Board Member, Museum of Contemporary Art and President, MCA Men’s Council

    • Named a "Best Lawyer In America" in both Tax and Estate planning since 2013.

    • Also designated as a "Leading Lawyer" since 2011 and a "Super Lawyer" for several years since 2005.

    • Highest AV Peer Review rating by Martindale Hubbell, which is the highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability

    • Previously a "Master Teacher" at Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education

    • Taught Law School

  • Speaker at numerous professional conferences including

    • Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education

    • Minnesota Continuing Legal Education

    • Nebraska Continuing Legal Education

    • American Law Institute/American Bar Association Conference on Estate Planning

    • SMU Conference on Estate Planning

    • NYU Conference on Estate Planning

    Author of articles for law review, professional publications and Chicago Daily Law Bulletin