Thomas A. Jefson

In the bustling legal landscape of Chicago, where individuals and businesses often face intricate legal challenges, the "Nearby Lawyers" platform serves as an indispensable resource for connecting them with specialized legal expertise. Among the distinguished professionals listed, Thomas A. Jefson stands out as a highly experienced and versatile attorney. He is the Managing Shareholder of Buchalter's Chicago office, a prominent law firm with a strong national presence. His office is conveniently located at 180 N La Salle St, Chicago, IL 60601, USA, a prime address in the heart of Chicago's central business district.

The environment in which Thomas A. Jefson practices is indicative of a sophisticated and well-resourced legal operation. As the Managing Shareholder of Buchalter's Chicago office, he operates within a large, established law firm that offers extensive support and a collaborative culture. The office at 180 N La Salle St is situated in a high-rise building, characteristic of downtown Chicago's professional environment, providing a conducive setting for sensitive legal discussions and client meetings. Such a location implies a professional, secure, and technologically advanced infrastructure, essential for handling complex legal matters. The firm’s recent establishment of a Chicago office in early 2025, with Mr. Jefson at its helm, signifies a strategic expansion and a commitment to serving the Illinois market with robust legal capabilities. Clients can reach Thomas A. Jefson directly via phone at (312) 456-0168 or mobile at +1 312-456-0168, ensuring accessibility and direct communication for their legal needs.

Thomas A. Jefson offers a comprehensive array of services, primarily concentrating his practice in the areas of Tax, Benefits & Estate Planning, and Litigation. With over two decades of experience, he is a trusted legal advisor for families, business owners, executives, investors, and high-net-worth individuals. His expertise in estate planning is particularly extensive, covering all aspects of complex trust and estate matters. This includes designing strategies to minimize estate taxes, providing asset protection, and handling probate and trust administration services. He is adept at crafting sophisticated estate plans that often involve revocable and irrevocable trusts, including insurance trusts, generation-skipping trusts, grantor retained annuity trusts, and charitable trusts, as well as establishing family limited liability companies and family limited partnerships. For new families, he assists in creating plans that detail how children will be protected in the event of unforeseen circumstances, offering peace of mind.

Beyond proactive planning, Mr. Jefson possesses substantial experience in disputed trusts and estates, and claims against decedents. When disputes arise, he is skilled in resolving high-stakes conflicts through the litigation of contested trusts and estates. His approach in such challenging family circumstances focuses on achieving practical and realistic solutions. He also represents fiduciaries who are legally obligated to carry out a person's last wishes and assists them in navigating the administration of an estate or trust in an increasingly litigious society. A critical component of his practice in this area involves actively listening to and understanding complex family dynamics, which guides his decision-making to identify potential pitfalls and prevent future conflicts.

In the realm of tax law, Mr. Jefson counsels business leaders across diverse industries on tax planning, charitable endeavors, and compliance with fiduciary duties. His insights are invaluable for business transactional matters, ensuring that corporate decisions are aligned with tax efficiency and legal compliance. As a litigator, he is equipped to handle complex commercial and contractual disputes, corporate litigation, minority shareholder oppression matters, employment cases, construction matters, and real estate disputes. His broad litigation experience extends to representing clients in both state and federal courts, including the United States District Court, Northern District of Illinois, United States Court of Appeals 6th Circuit, United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio, and the United States Tax Court. This wide scope of practice demonstrates his versatility and ability to address multifaceted legal challenges for his clients.

The distinguishing features of Thomas A. Jefson's practice lie in his in-depth knowledge, strategic thinking, and client-centric approach. He is known for designing thoughtful and innovative strategies aimed at producing positive and cost-efficient outcomes for his clients. His professionalism and discretion are highly valued, particularly when managing the sensitive and often compassionate concerns that arise in estate and trust matters. Clients can have high confidence in his ability to protect their interests and personal lives at all levels. His continuous recognition as a "Super Lawyer" since 2018 (including being selected to Rising Stars in 2016) in the areas of Estate Planning & Probate and Estate & Trust Litigation further solidifies his standing as a top-rated attorney among his peers. This consistent recognition underscores his legal acumen and dedication to these complex areas of law.

From a promotional standpoint, Thomas A. Jefson's professional affiliations and the firm he leads, Buchalter, significantly contribute to his public profile. His role as Managing Shareholder of Buchalter's Chicago office, a firm with a growing national footprint, lends substantial credibility and visibility. The news of Buchalter's expansion into Chicago in January 2025, with Mr. Jefson at the forefront, was widely publicized within the legal community, highlighting his leadership and expertise. His consistent inclusion in "Super Lawyers" lists for Estate Planning & Probate and Estate & Trust Litigation serves as a powerful endorsement, as this designation is based on a rigorous, peer-influenced, and research-driven selection process, identifying only the top 5% of attorneys. While specific client testimonials were not provided in the prompt, his established reputation and leadership position within a respected law firm act as strong indicators of his capability and client trust. His profile on Buchalter's website details his extensive experience and practice areas, serving as a comprehensive promotional tool for potential clients searching for specialized legal services. His active involvement in the Illinois State Bar Association further enhances his professional network and visibility within the local legal community, effectively promoting his services to those seeking "Nearby Lawyers" for complex estate, tax, and litigation matters.

In conclusion, Thomas A. Jefson, as the Managing Shareholder of Buchalter's Chicago office, is a highly accomplished and trusted attorney in the "Nearby Lawyers" category. Operating from a prestigious downtown Chicago location, he provides a sophisticated environment for his practice. His services are broad and deep, encompassing intricate estate planning, probate and trust administration, strategic tax counseling, and vigorous litigation in various business and personal contexts. His distinguishing features include his profound knowledge, innovative problem-solving, and a discreet, client-focused approach, all validated by his continuous recognition as a "Super Lawyer." For individuals, families, and businesses in Chicago seeking expert guidance in preserving wealth, navigating complex tax issues, or resolving high-stakes disputes, Thomas A. Jefson offers comprehensive and highly reputable legal counsel.