Schell Ivan J

For families and businesses across Kentucky, planning for the future, whether it involves securing a legacy, navigating complex tax implications, or managing the intricate details of a loved one's estate, requires not only legal expertise but also a compassionate and understanding approach. Ivan J. Schell, a distinguished attorney with McBrayer PLLC in Louisville, KY, embodies these qualities, focusing on people, not just transactions, as he guides clients through some of life's most significant legal matters.

With decades of experience, Mr. Schell is renowned for his work in estate planning and administration, helping clients create and pass on lasting legacies that reflect their values and affection for loved ones. He understands the high emotional stakes involved in these areas of law and prioritizes caring for his clients while working diligently to achieve their legitimate goals. Beyond estate planning, his multifaceted practice extends to advising on private foundations, public charities, healthcare law, employee benefits, and closely-held corporation planning transitions. His deep knowledge, extensive network, and empathetic yet realistic approach to problem-solving make him an invaluable resource for individuals and organizations in the Bluegrass State. This article will provide a detailed overview of Ivan J. Schell's legal services, highlighting his location, areas of expertise, notable achievements, and why he is a suitable choice for your legal needs in Kentucky.

Location and Accessibility

Ivan J. Schell's office is conveniently located within the prominent PNC Plaza at 500 W Jefferson St # 2400, Louisville, KY 40202, USA. This central downtown Louisville address provides excellent accessibility for clients throughout Louisville and the wider Kentucky region. The PNC Plaza is a well-known landmark in the city's bustling business district, making it easy to locate for both local residents and those traveling from other parts of the state.

Its prime downtown setting ensures superb connectivity, whether clients are traveling by personal vehicle, with numerous parking options typically available in the vicinity, or utilizing public transportation routes that serve the city center. This accessibility is a key advantage, ensuring that clients can conveniently schedule appointments and access legal consultations without undue travel burdens. The professional and modern environment of the office within PNC Plaza further contributes to a positive client experience, providing a conducive setting for important and often sensitive legal discussions related to estate planning, wealth transfer, and organizational governance.

Services Offered

• Estate Planning and Administration: This is a primary focus of his practice. Ivan Schell assists clients with drafting wills, establishing trusts (including complex structures like Spousal Lifetime Access Trusts or SLATs), and navigating the probate process to ensure smooth wealth transfer and minimize estate taxes for future generations.
• Private Foundation and Public Charity Formation and Planning: He advises individuals and families on the creation and management of private foundations and public charities, helping them achieve their philanthropic goals while ensuring compliance with relevant tax laws and regulations.
• Physician Practice Consultation and Healthcare Law: With experience in healthcare law, he consults with physician practices and other healthcare entities on corporate, transactional, and regulatory matters unique to the medical field.
• Employee Benefits Law (ERISA): Ivan Schell provides counsel on employee benefits, including issues related to ERISA (Employee Retirement Income Security Act), which governs many private-sector employee benefit plans. He has been recognized for his expertise in this area for many years.
• Closely-Held Corporation Planning Transitions: He assists owners of closely-held businesses with succession planning, transitions of ownership, and other corporate planning matters to ensure the longevity and smooth operation of their enterprises.
• Business and Corporate Law: His practice includes general business and corporate law, advising companies on various legal aspects of their operations and growth.
• Wealth Transfer and Tax Minimization: A key aspect of his work involves strategizing ways to transfer wealth to heirs while minimizing or eliminating the application of federal estate tax, making the most of current tax exemptions.

Features / Highlights

• Decades of Experience: Ivan Schell was admitted to practice in Illinois in 1974 and Kentucky in 1976, bringing over 50 years of legal experience to his clients. This extensive background provides unparalleled insight and wisdom in his practice areas.
• Consistently Recognized as a Top Lawyer: He holds an AV Preeminent™ Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards. He has also been consistently recognized by "The Best Lawyers in America®" since 1987 (Employee Benefits (ERISA) Law and, more recently, Trusts and Estates for 2025) and "Kentucky Super Lawyers®" (2018-2020), underscoring his standing among the elite attorneys in the state.
• Compassionate and Client-Centered Approach: Ivan Schell is described as being "in the business of people, not transactions," prioritizing guiding clients with compassion and professionalism through emotionally sensitive matters like estate planning. He aims to assist with more than just wills and trusts, providing empathetic yet realistic problem-solving.
• Expertise in Complex Tax and Philanthropic Planning: His capabilities include assisting family foundations in obtaining IRS approval for 501(c)(3) public charity status and representing families in minimizing federal estate taxes during wealth transfer.
• Broad Legal Network: He brings a "top shelf legal network" to every matter, indicating that clients benefit from comprehensive support and potential collaboration with other experts when needed.
• Active Community Involvement: Beyond his legal practice, he has served for many years on the Buckhorn Children and Family Services Board, helping at-risk children and families in Eastern Kentucky. He is also a member of the Kentuckiana chapter of the Safari Club International and Kentucky Hunters for the Hungry.
• Former Co-Managing Member of Louisville Office: His past role as a Co-Managing Member of the McBrayer PLLC Louisville Office highlights his leadership and contribution to the firm's growth and success in the region.

Promotions or Special Offers

For highly specialized and experienced legal counsel in areas like estate planning, tax law, and nonprofit governance, it is not typical for law offices to publicly advertise "promotions" or "special offers" in the consumer retail sense. Legal fees for such intricate services are generally tailored to the specific needs of each client, reflecting the complexity of the case, the time commitment involved, and the unique circumstances presented.

However, prospective clients are strongly encouraged to contact Ivan J. Schell's office directly to schedule an initial consultation. This meeting provides an invaluable opportunity to discuss your specific legal goals, understand his approach to your situation, and receive clarity on the potential fee structure for the services required. This direct engagement ensures transparency and allows for the development of a customized legal strategy aligned with your personal or organizational objectives.

Contact Information

To connect with Ivan J. Schell and the legal team at McBrayer PLLC, you can use the following contact details:

Address: PNC Plaza, 500 W Jefferson St # 2400, Louisville, KY 40202, USA

Phone: (502) 589-1000

Mobile Phone: +1 502-589-1000

For more comprehensive information about Ivan J. Schell's professional background, his detailed practice areas, and the full range of services offered by McBrayer PLLC, you can also visit the firm's official website, which typically provides extensive attorney profiles and an overview of their legal capabilities.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For individuals, families, and organizations throughout Kentucky, especially those in the Louisville area, Ivan J. Schell offers an exceptional blend of profound legal expertise and genuine client care. His decades of experience in estate planning and administration are a clear asset for locals seeking to thoughtfully plan their legacies and ensure their loved ones are provided for. Moreover, his deep knowledge in the complex realms of private foundations, public charities, healthcare, and employee benefits makes him an invaluable resource for various Kentucky-based institutions and businesses.

His convenient location in the prestigious PNC Plaza in downtown Louisville ensures that expert, compassionate legal counsel is easily accessible for the local community. Consistently recognized by his peers and dedicated to both his profession and civic engagement within Kentucky, Ivan J. Schell is an ideal legal partner. Choosing him means entrusting your most sensitive and significant legal matters to an attorney who not only possesses a sterling reputation for legal excellence but also prioritizes your personal well-being and legitimate goals.