Private client partner Jeff Shelley joins Thompson Coburn in Chicago

Thompson Coburn is pleased to announce that Chicago private client attorney Jeff Shelley has joined the Firm as a partner. Jeff was previously a partner with Sugar Felsenthal Grais & Helsinger LLP in Chicago.

Jeff counsels individuals, entrepreneurs, business owners, and family offices on estate planning and administration, transfer taxation, and business planning.

“We’re delighted to welcome Jeff to our team at Thompson Coburn,” said Ed McGillen, co-chair of the Firm’s Private Client group. “Jeff’s depth of experience and his thoughtful approach as a legal and business advisor will be great assets for our group and the valued clients we serve across Chicagoland, the Midwest, and the country.” 

“Thompson Coburn has a fantastic team of private client attorneys,” said Jeff. “I’m thrilled to join them and offer my clients the diverse services of such a strong, national firm. I also look forward to collaborating with my new Thompson Coburn colleagues in tax, corporate law, intellectual property, and the many other practice groups that support the wide-ranging needs of our private clients.” 

Jeff’s prior scientific, tax, and business background gives him unique insights when providing clients with personal and business solutions. He assists clients with estate planning and tax services, which range from the preparation of basic estate plans to the creation and implementation of comprehensive wealth transfer plans for high net worth individuals.

Jeff represents executors and trustees in the administration of estates and trusts, including counseling clients on federal and state estate tax returns and gift tax returns, and representing clients in probate court as well as before the IRS in gift and estate tax audits.

He assists businesses and their owners with transactions, tax planning, and succession planning. Jeff counsels clients on intellectual property protection, and has helped them enforce their intellectual property rights through litigation in state and federal courts and through other dispute resolution forums.

Jeff has Big Four accounting experience, having served as a tax consultant in research and development and government incentives. Before pursuing a career in law, he spent eight years as an engineer and research scientist with a leading consumer products company. There he pioneered new products and process in the development of diapers, filtration media, wipes, medical garments, and medical devices, and is a listed inventor on seven utility patents.