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Michael R. Friedberg
Representing High-Net-Worth Clients
Michael R. Friedberg represents high-net-worth individuals, families, family offices and businesses in complex wealth, estate, trust and tax matters.
For five decades, he has developed and implemented sophisticated income, gift and estate tax strategies; advised clients on business and investment interests; and administered substantial trusts and estates. He also serves as trustee and advisor and counsels clients on corporate and business planning and, when needed, litigation strategy.
His practice is deliberately personal. He remains directly involved in the matters entrusted to him and works closely with clients and their other professional advisors. His clients are located throughout the United States.
Teaching and Lecturing
Michael has taught Estate, Gift and Transfer Taxation and Legal Drafting at Chicago-Kent College of Law and has lectured extensively to lawyers and other professionals on estate planning, taxation and related subjects.
His presentations have included programs for the New York University Institute on Federal Taxation, ALI-ABA, Southern Methodist University and continuing legal education programs in Illinois and other states. He has also been recognized as a Master Teacher by the Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education.
Professional Background
Before establishing his own practice, Michael was a partner or senior attorney with several prominent Chicago law firms, including Sugar Friedberg & Felsenthal, Shefsky & Froelich (later Taft) and Ungaretti & Harris (later Nixon Peabody).
He also has served as Chief Legal Officer of Interstate Assurance Company and has represented life insurance companies and other businesses in sophisticated tax, corporate and planning matters.
Michael served in the United States Army Reserve, retiring as a Sergeant First Class.
Education and Professional Activities
Michael is a graduate of the University of Chicago Law School.
“I owe much to the University of Chicago Law School, which taught me critical thinking at another level.”
His professional affiliations have included the Society of Trust and Estate Practitioners (STEP), the American Bar Association Section of Taxation and the Chicago Estate Planning Council.
His civic and charitable activities have included leadership and service with the Chicago Community Trust, American Cancer Society, Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago and Cove School.
Recognition
Over the course of his career, Michael has been recognized by Best Lawyers, Leading Lawyers, Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell.
As the Chicago Community Trust once quoted him:
“Sophisticated clients produce sophisticated problems, and I like the intellectual challenge of that.”