Steven L. Kriz
Partner
Trusts & Estates
Steve is a partner in the firm’s Trust and Estates Practice Group. As a part of his estate planning practice, Steve generally focuses on counseling high net worth individuals and families on structuring and implementing their unique estate planning goals. Although he is experienced in all aspects of trust and estate administration, he concentrates on estate and gift taxation, wealth preservation and asset protection, and succession for closely held businesses.
Steve is a member of the esteemed estate planning organization, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC). ACTEC membership is based on professional reputation, expertise in the fields of trusts and estates and on the basis of having made substantial contributions to these fields through lecturing, writing, teaching and bar activities.
Steve is involved in the Chicago Estate Planning Council and has written for the Illinois Institute of Continuing Legal Education (IICLE).
In his spare time, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, running throughout the city, practicing the piano (he is a classically trained pianist), and, when time permits, travelling the world.
Additional Information
Education & Admissions
Education
- Northwestern University Pritzker School of Law, LL.M. in Taxation
- UIC John Marshall Law School, J.D.
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Communication
Bar Admissions
- Michigan
- Illinois
Court Admissions
- Illinois Supreme Court
- Michigan Supreme Court
- US Tax Court
Memberships
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
- Chicago Estate Planning Council
Awards
- Illinois Super Lawyers, Rising Star 2022-2024
Q&A
What’s the biggest mistake attorneys can make?
While we are not mind readers, I think the biggest mistake an attorney can make is choosing not to listen to their clients. I find that to be an effective advocate and counselor for my clients, I need to listen to my clients, not just hear them. This means that you need to pay attention to non-verbal cues and inflection, which sometimes tells you (the attorney) that you need to ask further questions to delve into an issue deeper so that you can be the best counselor for your client.What’s one thing someone would be surprised to know about you?
My parents had me involved in acting and modeling as a child to make sure I would become an outgoing person (it worked!). I was in several magazines, print ads, a commercial, a book, and, almost, a made for tv movie.What’s your favorite way to spend your commuting time?
When weather and time permit, I walk to and from work every day. It is a great way to center myself in the morning and reflect on the day in the evening.
