Thomas J. Handler, J.D., P.C.
Partner
Chair, Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice Group
Chicago, Illinois

Introduction
Presentations
Directorships
Honors & Awards
Publications
Affiliations
Contact

Introduction

 

Mr. Handler is an advanced planning attorney focused on the analysis and structuring of sophisticated estate plans and family offices, and handling taxation and business planning issues for business owners, executives, professional athletes, celebrities and family offices. He has extensive experience in the analysis, design and implementation of domestic and international business planning, financial and estate planning, asset protection, family office compliance and advanced tax planning strategies. Mr. Handler is a managing partner in Handler Thayer, LLP, where he chairs the firm’s Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice Group.

His experience includes public accounting and corporate and foundation directorships. He is involved in Chicago Bar Association activities including its Taxation and Trust Law committees and has authored numerous professional articles. He has lectured extensively both nationally and internationally at wealth industry, professional and family office educational conferences. Mr. Handler created the Asset Protection Profile™ and Stealth Prenup™ in addition to other proprietary strategies for affluent families and family offices.

Mr. Handler has been named one of the Top 15 Wealth Planners and one of the Top 100 Attorneys in the United States. He has also been named to Who’s Who in American Law, Who’s Who in America, Who’s Who in the World and Global Leading Lawyers. Illinois Leading Lawyers named Mr. Handler one of the Top Lawyers in the areas of Closely and Privately Held Business Law and Trust, Will and Estate Planning Law. He received the Family Wealth Alliance Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2017 and the Private Asset Management Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. He was named 2017 Private Client Lawyer of the Year and in 2016 won the Excellence in Estate Planning Award. In 2015, he was named International Wealth Planner of the Year and Wealth Planning Gamechanger Lawyer of the Year in addition to receiving the Michael J. Brink Lifetime Achievement Award for Leadership and Service.

He earned a Bachelor of Sciences in Accountancy degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Juris Doctor degree, Law Review, from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois. Mr. Handler is a recognized thought leader in the advanced planning and family office marketplaces who has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, Worth Magazine, Financial Times, Barron’s, Christian Science Monitor, Family Office Review, Las Vegas Review- Journal, Chicago Sun-Times, Structured Products Magazine, ABA Journal, Family Office Real Estate Magazine, National Law Journal, Crain’s Chicago Business, Derivatives Weekly, Family Wealth Report, Wealth Manager Magazine and other publications. He has appeared as an expert commentator on numerous radio and television programs.

Presentations

Family Office Club Super Summit on Advanced Asset Protection: The Stealth Prenup TM (December 15, 2022) (Watch here)

Private Risk Management Association-Summit 2022—Tackling the Complex World for Trusts and LLCs, moderated by Jim Kane of USI Insurance Services (November 1, 2022) (Watch here)

Great Wealth Transfer Series—Opening Keynote Succession Planning, Legal Frameworks, Structures and Incentives at the Caribbean Corporate Governance Institute Program (May 23, 2022) (Watch here)

Family Offices: Key Legal & Compliance Issues at the University of Denver’s Executive Education Program, FORE Institute (June 2021) (Watch here)

2020 Tax and Estate Developments and Trends, Jim Fried’s Year-End Radio Show (December 16, 2020)

Family Office Structure Challenges: Setting the Stage for Managing a Family Office in Today’s World, Virtual Opal Family Office Conference (November 12, 2020)

Advanced Planning Oversight, ACG Virtual Conference (October 20, 2020)

Managing and Building Wealth Through Effective Financial Management, Oversight and Informed Investment Decisions, Pepperdine Graziadio Business School Program (October 5, 2020)

Elite Family Office 2020 Advanced Planning Webcast July 14, 2020. Listen here. (Password: 3a#A.vE#)

Family Office Tax & Estate Planning Strategies, Opal Financial Group Virtual Family Office Planning Conference (July 1, 2020)

Advanced Planning for Family Offices – Advanced Tax and Estate Planning for 2020/Global Trends and What Will Affect Family Offices in 2020 and Beyond, Jaboy ELITE RIA & Family Office Global Leaders Conference – Miami, FL (March 5-8 2020)

Family Governance; The Single-Family Office and New World Family Office Structure Challenges and Managing a Family Office in Today’s World Compared to Institutions and Private Investors, Opal Group’s Family Office Winter Forum 2020 – New York, New York (March 3, 2020)

Family Governance and The Single Family Office: Planning for the Next Generation, Opal Group Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum 2019 – Newport, RI (July 24, 2019)

New World Family Office Structure Challenges: Managing Money for a Family Office in Today World Compared to Institutions and Private Investors, Opal Group Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum 2019 – Newport, RI (July 22, 2019)

Jaboy Productions: Elite RIA & Family Office Global Leaders Conference Montreal, Quebec (July 14-17, 2019)

Panel Member, Governance and Family Trusts: Planning for the Next GenerationThe Modern Day Family Office: How to Properly Structure & Select Resources That Fit Your Family’s Needs. 2018 Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum, Opal Group. Newport, Rhode Island (July 16-19, 2018).

Keynote, Advanced Planning for UHNW Clients and Family Offices, PKS Midwest Due Diligence Event. Purshe Kaplan Sterling & Wentworth Capital Markets. Chicago, Illinois (June 28-29, 2018).

Moderator, Forming a Family Office – Tax & Succession Planning Issues. Handler Thayer Family Office Forum, Handler Thayer. Chicago, Illinois (June 27, 2018).

Keynote, Dynamics of the Family Office: The Psychology Portion. The Power of Family Event. Mariner Wealth Advisors and Lockton Companies. Overland Park, Kansas (June 26, 2018).

Interview, Taxpayer Flight. WGN Television News. Nationwide Broadcast (March 21, 2018).

Keynote, Virtual Family Offices: Advanced Planning Strategies. Empowered Wealth Symposium. Chicago, Illinois (May 15, 2018).

Panel Member, Family Office Round Table, A conversation about the issues of Greatest Concern to the World’s Wealthiest Families with Industry Insiders. Financial Policy Council. New York City, New York (April 5, 2018).

Presenter, Heard from Clients: Will I ruin my Family if I Give Them Too Much Money? Private Luncheon. San Francisco, California (March 29, 2018).

Presenter, Merits of Structuring (and How) as an Investment Focused Virtual Family Office: The Time is Now! Family Office Association Investment Forum. Palm Beach, Florida (March 16, 2018)

Panel Member, The Modern Day Family Office: How to Properly Structure & Select Resources that Fit your Family’s Needs. Opal Group – Family Office Winter Forum. New York, New York (February 27, 2018).

Interview, Impact of Tax Reform, Jim Fried with “Fried on Business” Wall Street Network radio show (February 22, 2018).

Conference Chairman, Family Wealth Alliance Partner Summit. Palm Beach, Florida (February 11-13, 2018).

Interview, 2018 Tax Issues. Jim Fried with “Fried on Business” Wall Street Network radio show (November 30, 2017).

Panel Member, The Modern Day Family Office: How to Properly Structure and Select Resources That Fit Your Family’s Needs.  Annual Family Office West Forum, Opal Financial Group. San Jose, California (October 27, 2017).

Panel Member, Tax Reform or More of the Same?. Family Wealth Alliance Fall Forum. Chicago, Illinois (October 19, 2017).

Panel Member, Planning Ahead: Generational Transitions and The Enterprise Family. IMN Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum. Chicago, Illinois (September 25-26, 2017).

Presenter, LLC Structures and Risk Management. USI Corporate webinar (September 29, 2017).

Presenter, U.S. Family Office Structures and Operations for Global Families. Practicing Law Institute’s International Estate & Tax Planning 2017 program. New York, New York (May 22, 2017).

Interview, Family Office Developments. Jim Fried with “Fried on Business” Wall Street Network radio show (March 30, 2017).

Presenter, Estate Planning, Buy-Sell Agreements and Governance, Chicago Bar Association, Chicago, Illinois (March 23, 2017).

Interview, Real Estate Legal Strategies for Family Offices, Family Office Real Estate Network, Podcast (March 8, 2017).

Keynote, Advanced Planning in the Trump Presidency: Asset Protection and Tax/Estate Considerations. Empowered Wealth Symposium, Rosemont, Illinois (March 8, 2017).

Panel Member, How to Structure Your Family Office: The Evolution of the Modern Day and the Future. Family Office Winter Forum, Opal Financial Group.  New York, New York (March 1, 2017).

Panel Member, Expert Tax Panel & Security Study Results Revealed. Family Wealth Alliance, Webcast (February 22, 2017).

Panel Member Remaking Income Tax & Wealth Transfer Strategies. Family Wealth Alliance, Houston, Texas (February 9, 2017).

Panel Member, How to Structure Your Family Office: A Strategic Planning Mechanism for Family Offices. Family Office Private Wealth West Forum, Opal Financial Group. Napa Valley, California (October 26, 2016).

Panel Member, Making Legal Mountains out of Legal Molehills – When To and When Not To. New York State Society of CPAs Family Office Committe Seminar. New York, New York (September 22, 2016).

Keynote, Advanced Planning: The Changing Landscape of Income, Gift & Estate Taxation. Annual Family Wealth Report Asset Allocation Summit. New York, New York (September 21, 2016).

Keynote, Setting Up Your Family Office & Building Your Family Office’s Capabilities. IMN’s 1st Annual Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum. Chicago, Illinois (September 12, 2016).

Panel Member, Defining Niche Investments and Finding & Evaluating Alternatives. IMN’s 1st Annual Real Estate Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum. Chicago, Illinois (September 12, 2016).

Panel Member, How to Structure Your Family Office: A Stretegic Planning Mechanism for Family Offices. Opal Financial Group Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum. Newport, Rhode Island (July 18, 2016).

Presenter, Structuring Family Offices and Private Trust Companies. Chicago Bar Association. Chicago, Illinois (May 9, 2016).

Keynote Presenter, Best-in-Class Advanced Planning Structures & Strategies. 4th Private Banking and Family Office Summit. New York, New York (April 28, 2016).

Panel Moderator, Family Office Client Acquisition and Relationships. Family Wealth Alliance. Chicago, Illinois (April 7, 2016).

Panel Member, How to Structure your Family Office: A Strategic Planning Mechanism for Family Offices for 2016 and Beyond.  Family Office Winter Forum, Opal Financial Group. New York, New York (March 8, 2016).

Panel Member, Defining the Role and Responsibilities of the Family Office. LegalWeek Private Client Forum Americas. Rosewood Tucker’s Point, Bermuda (February 12, 2016).

Keynote, Starting a Family Office & Best-in-Class Global Structures. Family Office Caucus, Heirloom Investment Management. Toronto, Canada (December 10, 2015).

Keynote, Advanced Estate Planning: Current Opportunities. Loyola University’s Family Business Council PAG 7. Schaumburg, Illinois (November 16, 2015).

Panel Member, A New Day, a New Model:  How to Structure your Family Office for Success and Minimize the Government’s Hold.  Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum West, Opal Financial Group. Napa, California (October 28, 2015).

Panel Member, A New Day, a New Model:  How to Structure your Family Office for Success and Minimize the Government’s Hold.  Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum, Opal Financial Group. Newport, Rhode Island (July 20, 2015).

Keynote, Family Offices  A Perspective. The Portrait Group’s Annual Internal Conference. Chicago, Illinois (May 29, 2015).

Presenter, Finding the Exit: When and How to Sell your Business or Portfolio Company. Wilson Conferences Direct Investment & Deal Flow Summit. Chicago, Illinois (May 8, 2015).

Presenter, Regulatory and Tax Issues Facing Family Offices. Family Office Association Spring Global Summit. Rye, New York (April 8, 2015).

Panel Member, A New Day, a New Model:  How to Structure your Family Office for Success and Minimize the Government’s Hold. Opal Financial Group Family Office and Private Wealth Management Winter Forum. New York, New York (March 10, 2015).

Panel Member, Nontraditional Capital: Family Office Funding. University of Florida Bergstrom Center Real Estate Trends and Strategies Conference. Orlando, Florida (February 26, 2015).

Advanced Estate Planning; Top 10 Pitfalls & Best Practices. The Institute for Private Investors’ Winter Conference. San Francisco, CA (February 12, 2015).

Structuring your Family Office for Success: What Every Family Should Know Regarding Government Taxation and Regulation and The Rules for 2015 and Beyond. The New York State Society of CPAs Family Office Conference. New York City, NY (February 3, 2015).

Presenter, Taxpayer Flight & Domicile Issues. Chicago Bar Association. Chicago, Illinois (January 12, 2015).

Keynote, Best-in-Class Advanced Tax & Estate Planning. Family Office Super Summit. Miami, Florida. (November 11-13, 2014).

Moderator, Family Office Structures. Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum – West, Opal Financial Group. Napa Valley, California (October 27-29, 2014).

Moderator, Tax & Estate Issues for Family Offices. Family Wealth Alliance Annual Alliance Fall Forum. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (October 21-22, 2014).

Presenter, Asset Protection Planning: Business and Advanced Planning with LLCs. Willis Group Holding plc. Webinar. (October 16, 2014).

Keynote, Advanced Estate and Asset Protection Planning. 2014 Fee Based Financial Planning C.F.P. Annual Meeting. Rosemont, Illinois (October 6-8, 2014).

Keynote, Advanced Planning Strategies. Northwestern Mutual Business Market Conference. Atlanta, Georgia (September 9, 2014).

Panel Member, Structuring your Family Office for Success: What Every Family Should Know Regarding Government Taxation and Regulation and The New Rules for 2014 and Beyond. Family Office and Private Wealth Management Forum, Opal Financial Group. Newport, Rhode Island (July 21-23, 2014).

Conference Chairman, Advanced Planning for UHNW Families and Family Offices. Family Wealth Alliance Chicago Regional Event. Chicago, Illinois (June 26, 2014).

Conference Chairman, Family Office Regulation and Taxation: Current Issues. Family Office Association Spring Global Summit Association. Rye, New York (April 9-10, 2014).

Panel Member, Structuring your Family Office for Success: What Every Family Should Know Regarding Government Taxation and Regulation and The New Rules for 2014 and Beyond.  Family Office Winter Forum, Opal Financial Group. New York, New York (March 12, 2014).

Moderator, Tax & Estate Issues. Lido Consulting, Inc.’s 9th Annual Family Office Investment Symposium. Beverly Hills, California (February 5-7, 2014).

Presenter, IRS Global High Wealth Industry and IRS Representation Practice Tips. Chicago Bar Association. Chicago, Illinois (December 9, 2013).

Interview, Advanced Planning for Ultra-High Net Worth Families, Celebrities, Professional Athletes and Family Offices. Rusty Humphries Talk Radio Showhosted by Charles Butler (December 2, 2013).

Structuring Your Family Office: Formation through Government Regulation.  Family Office West Conference, Opal Financial Group. Napa Valley, California (October 23-25, 2013).

Panel Moderator. Family Wealth Alliance 2013 Fall Forum. Chicago, Illinois (October 16-18, 2013).

Presenter, Advanced Estate Planning. Northwestern Mutual Annual Financial Planning Meeting. Chicago, Illinois (October 9, 2013).

Presenter, Advanced Tax and Estate Planning. The Investment Management Consultants Association (IMCA) Advanced Wealth Management Conference. Chicago, Illinois (October 8, 2013).

Presenter, Current Trends in Advanced Planning. RIA Advisor Investment Forum, Lord Abbett. Newark, New Jersey (September 26, 2013).

Panel Member, Government Taxation and Regulation. Opal Financial Group Family Office Forum. Newport, Rhode Island (July 22-24, 2013).

Relationship Development: what is it, how does it happen, and how do you become the advisor families and family offices choose to work with. Opal Financial Group Webinar. (June 27, 2013).

Relationship Risk: what is it, where is it and how does it affect family sustainability. Opal Financial Group Webinar. (June 20, 2013).

Sophisticated Estate Planning. 2013 Estate and High Net Worth Sales Conference, Northwestern Mutual. Chicago, Illinois (June 4, 2013).

When the Going Gets Tough – To Save or Dissolve the Family Office. Building the Better Family Office, Financial Research Associates. New York City, New York (May 15-16, 2013).

Head-On Solutions for Regulatory Obstacles. Building the Better Family Office, Financial Research Associates. New York City, New York (May 15-16, 2013).

Advanced Estate Planning. Annual RIA Forum, Lord Abbett and Co. Jersey City, New Jersey (May 8-9, 2013).

Current Estate Planning. Trinity Life Settlements, LLC, Webinar (April 30, 2013).

Estate Planning For The Affluent. The 8th Annual Family Office Symposium, Lido Consulting. Beverly Hills, California (March 6-8, 2013).

Government Taxation & Regulation: New Rules for 2013 and Beyond. Family Office Winter Forum, Opal Financial Group. New York, New York (March 4, 2013).

Relevant Income Tax Issues for the Estate Planner. Chicago Bar Association. Chicago, Illinois (February 11, 2013).

Global Family Office Regulation: The U.S. Dodd-Frank Act. The European Family Office and Wealth Management Conference, ESAFON. Geneva, Switzerland (January 31 – February 1, 2013).

Government Taxation & Regulation: New Rules for 2012 and Beyond. Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum – West, Opal Financial Group. Napa Valley, California (October 24-26, 2012).

Business and Advanced Planning with Limited Liability Companies, Webinar, Hub International Personal Insurance.  (October 2, 2012).

Advanced Estate Planning Master class workshopNational Family Office Forum, World Research Group. Boston, Massachusetts (September 21, 2012).

The Changing Tax Landscape for 2012/2013. National Family Office Forum, World Research Group. Boston, Massachusetts (September 20, 2012).

Gift Tax Planning and Federal Estate Tax Update. Tax Planning for Trusts and Estates Seminar, National Business Institute. Chicago, Illinois (September 19, 2012).

Government Taxation & Regulation: New Rules for 2012 and Beyond. Family Office & Private Wealth Management Forum, Opal Financial Group. Newport, Rhode Island (July 23-25, 2012).

The Future of the Family Office Industry. Centers of Influence Network, Private Asset Management. White Plains, New York (June 26–27, 2012).

Conference Chairman, Family Office Association (FOA) Chicago Special Event (Keynote Interview with Sam Zell). Chicago, Illinois (June 13, 2012).

Debating the New SEC Rules: How Should Families Adapt? 10th Anniversary Family Office Symposium, Financial Research Associates, LLC. Southampton, Bermuda (May 7-8, 2012).

Advanced Estate Planning in the Current Regulatory and Economic Climate.Webinar, The New York Life Insurance Company. (April 25, 2012).

Family Offices in the Dodd Frank Regulatory Environment. Webinar, HUB International Personal Insurance. (March 29, 2012).

Tax and Estate Consequences of Annuity Contracts. John Hancock Continuing Education Seminar. Skokie, Illinois (March 22, 2012).

Government Taxation and Regulation: New Rules for 2012 and Beyond. Tax, Trust & Estate Planning Forum, Opal Financial Group. New York City, New York (March 2, 2012).

Establishing a Firm Strategy and How to Comply with SEC Regulations and Tax Initiatives. National Family Office Forum, World Research Group. Beverly Hills, California (January 30-31, 2012).

Advanced Tax & Estate Planning (panel moderator and speaker) and Structuring a Family Office (panelist). Family Office West Conference, Opal Financial Group. Santa Rosa, California (November 7-9, 2011).

Setting Up Family Offices Abroad. World Research Group’s Family Office Summit Latin America Conference. Sao Paulo, Brazil (September 26-28, 2011).

The Dodd-Frank Act and Its Implications for Family Offices Under a New Regulatory Scheme. 12th Annual Family Office Wealth Conference, Institutional Investor and LIDO Consulting, Inc. Laguna Beach, California (September 18-20, 2011).

21st Century Family Office Caliber Advanced Tax and Estate Planning. Annual Family Office & Private Wealth Conference, Opal Financial Group. Newport Beach, Rhode Island (July 18-20, 2011).

The Newly Enacted SEC Regulations Governing Family Offices. Single Family Offices Virtual Conference, The Family Office Association. Greenwich, Connecticut (June 27, 2011).

Advanced Estate Planning in the Current Regulatory and Economic Environment. Family Office Forum. Chicago, Illinois (June 2-3, 2011).

Setting the Stage: Opportunistic Planning in Light of the New Tax Laws. IIR Family Office Series Conference – Trust & Estate Planning Summit. Chicago, Illinois (June 1, 2011).

Moderator, Security Council Expert Panel: Macro Threats. Family Wealth Alliance Spring Conference. Oak Brook, Illinois (May 18-20, 2011).

Advanced Planning and Tax Compliance, West Coast Family Office Roundtable, Greenwich-based Family Office Association. San Francisco, California (May 16, 2011).

Family Limited Liability Entities – Estate Planning Opportunities & Caveats. Chicago Bar Association. Chicago, Illinois (May 9, 2011).

High Value Clients: Planning Opportunities in 2011 and Beyond. AALU Annual Meeting. Washington, District of Columbia (May 1-4, 2011).

Government Taxation and Regulation. Trust, Tax and Estate Planning Forum. New York, New York (March 7, 2011).

Directorships

Director, Advisory Board, University of Denver Van Keuren Family Office Real Estate Institute, 2021-present
Director, Advisory Board, The Ultra High Net Worth Institute, 2021-present
Director, Editorial Advisory Board, Wealth Briefing Group/Family Wealth Report, 2018-present
Director, Advisory Board, The Family Office Advisor, 2018
Director, Advisory Board, Leading Lawyers, 2015-Present
Director, Advisory Board, Lido Consulting, Inc. family office conferences, 2012-2017
Director, Advisory Board, Financial Research Associates family office conferences, 2012-2016
Director, Trōv, Incorporated, 2012-2014
Director, Advisory Board, Family Office Association, 2011-Present
Chairman, Handler Thayer, LLP, Advanced Planning & Family Office Practice Group, 2009-Present
Director, Advisory Board, Opal Financial Group Family Office & Private Wealth Forum, 2009-Present
Director, Advisory Board, Lexington Family Office, 2008-Present
Director, Advisory Board, Family Wealth Alliance, 2003-Present
Director, Family Office Conference Advisory Board, IIR, 2002-2011
Director, BPS International, LLC, 1998-2008
Director, Ultra Stores, Incorporated, 1994-2009
• Member, Compensation Committee, 1995-2009
• Member, Audit Committee, 1995-2009
Director, The Mid-Day Club of Chicago, 1996-2007
• Secretary, 2002-2007
• Assistant Secretary, 1997-1998
• Member, Executive Committee, 1997-2007
• Vice Chairman, Membership Committee, 1996-1998
• Chairman, Membership Committee, 1998-2002
• Member, Finance Committee, 1996-1998
• Director, Associate Board, 1995-1996
Director, Professional Benefit Trust Advisory Board, 2003-2005
Director, Winnetka Tennis Association, 2000-2004
• Vice President, 2000-2001
• President, 2001-2002
Director, Business Planning Systems, LLC, 1996-2004
Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity International/Educational Foundation
• Chairman of the Board/International President, 1998-2000
• Director/International Vice President, 1994-1998, 2000-2002
• Director/National Vice President, 1978-1979
• National Rush Director, 1982-1994
• Director/President, Chicago Alumni Association, 1988-1989
• Advisory Board Member, U of C, Northwestern, and U of I Chapters
• Member, Educational Foundation Planned Gifts Committee, 1992-1996
• Director, University of Chicago Housing Corporation, 1992-1995
Director, Robert B. Huff Scholarship Foundation, 1990-1998
• Chairman, Celebrity Committee, 1990-1998
Director, Qualified Planning Resources, Inc., 1995-1997
Director, Aerospace International Companies, Inc., 1995-1996
Director/Advisory Board, Aon-Maryville NFL Players Alumni Association Charity Golf Tournament, 1990-1991
Director/Advisory Board, Winnetka Nielsen Tennis Center, 1990-1991

Honors & Awards

• Top 100 Lawyer in the U.S. – Global Law Experts 2023 Handbook
• Leading Lawyer—Closely & Privately Held Business and Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law, 2023
• Family Wealth Alliance – Leadership Award for Lifetime Achievement, 2017
• Citywealth Global Leaders List – Top 100 Lawyers in the U.S., 2013-Present
• U.S. Private Client Lawyer of the Year, 2017
• Excellence in Estate Planning award, 2016
• Family Office Review – Michael J. Brink Wealth Industry Leadership & Service Award, 2015
• Acquisition Finance Magazine – Wealth Planning Gamechanger Lawyer of the Year, 2015
• Acquisition Finance Magazine – International Wealth Planning Lawyer of the Year, 2015
• Leading Lawyers (IL) – Trust, Will and Estate Planning Law, 2010-Present
• Leading Lawyers (IL) – Closely & Privately Held Business Law, 2010-Present
• University of Illinois Scholarship Foundation Loyalty Circle Award, 2007
• Pi Kappa Alpha Chicago Alumni Association Loyalty Award, 2004
• Wealth Strategies Design Team (Comprised of fifteen of the top wealth planners in the United States), 2001-2007
• Who’s Who in the World, 2017
• Life Member, National Registry of Who’s Who in America, 2001-Present
• Who’s Who in Executives and Professionals in America, 1996-97, 1997-98
• Who’s Who in American Law, 1989-1991
• Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders of America, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1992
• Distinguished Leadership Award, 1988
• Men of Achievement, 1988
• Who’s Who in the Midwest, 1987 and 1989
• Outstanding Young Men of America, 1985 and 1986
• University of Illinois Outstanding Senior Award, 1979
• Shorter Board Scholastic and Leadership Honorary, 1978
• 100 Club Scholastic and Leadership Honorary, 1978
• Pi Kappa Alpha Outstanding Service Award, 1978
• Sigma Iota Lambda Scholastic Honorary, 1977
• Phi Eta Sigma Scholastic Honorary, 1975

Publications

Thomas J. Handler. “21st Century Family Office Structures”, Family Office Association

Thomas J. Handler. “Family Office Outlook 2021”, The International Family Office Journal

Thomas J. Handler. “Handler Thayer, LLP 2021 Family Office Outlook,” 2021 Quarter 1

Thomas J. Handler. “Handler Thayer, LLP 2020 Family Office Outlook,” 2020 Quarter 1

Family Offices: The STEP Handbook for Advisers, Second Edition, Family Office chapter

Thomas J. Handler and Barbara R. Hauser. “Why Family Offices Choose Bermuda” 2019.

Thomas J. Handler. “Family Office Real Estate Compliance and Opportunities,” Family Office Real Estate Magazine, June (2018).

Thomas J. Handler. “Handler Thayer, LLP 2018 Family Office Outlook,” Quarter 1, 2018, www.prnewswire.com. February 27, 2018.

Thomas J. Handler, 21st Century Family Office Structures, Family Office Association White Paper, July (2017).

Thomas J. Handler. “Handler Thayer, LLP 2017 Family Office Outlook,” Quarter 1, 2017, www.prnewswire.com and www.jdsupra.com. March 22, 2017. Republished in Chinese in the China Daily Business Herald and in the Family Wealth Alliance Letter.

Thomas J. Handler, Virtual family offices – a global trend, The Int’l Family Offices J., 5 (December 2016). 

Thomas J. Handler. “2015 Family Office Outlook,” www.JDSupra.com. March 12, 2015.

Thomas J. Handler. “Establishing Virtual Family Offices,” Trusts & Estates Magazine. March (2014).

Thomas J. Handler, Contributor. Breakthroughs In Managing Tangible Assets: Completing The Picture Of Wealth.” Ace Private Risk Services and Trōv White Paper. February (2014).

Thomas J. Handler. “Do Your Research, and Be Stealthy” featured in the New York Times Forum on Prenuptial Agreements. The New York Times. March 21, 2013.

Thomas J. Handler and Christine E. McKillip. “CFTC Reinstates Family Office Exception.” www.JDSupra.com. December 5, 2012. This article was republished by Family Office Association on December 12, 2012 and republished by Family Office News on December 14, 2012.

Thomas J. Handler. “The Dodd-Frank Act: Implications for Family Offices.” 2012 Institute for Private Investors Report (2012).

Thomas J. Handler and Christine E. McKillip. “The Commodity Futures Trading Commission Rescinds a Common Family Office Exemption.”www.JDSupra.com. May 17, 2012.

Thomas J. Handler. “Financial Regulation of Family Offices in the Current Environment,” Family Office Association, January (2012).

Thomas J. Handler. S.E.C. Registration of Family Offices: Private Trust Companies May Provide One Avenue of ReliefTrusts & Estates Magazine, October (2011) (Republished by Family Offices Group).

Thomas J. Handler. Family Office Exemption Narrowly Defined by S.E.C.. Family Office Association SFO Letter, July (2011).

Thomas J. Handler. The Family Office Exception: Greater Clarity Could Force Greater Compliance. Family Wealth Report, June (2011).

Thomas J. Handler, Contributor. The Domestic Staffing Cycle: From Hiring to Firing. Hub International Personal Insurance. (2009).

Handler and Heller, “Asset Protection Planning,” Private Wealth (2005).

Handler and Heller, “Key Elements in Asset Protection Planning,” Institute for International Research Family Office Letter, February (2004).

Handler and Thornhill, “Welfare Benefit Plans:  Current Trends and Legislative Proposals,” SF59, ALI-ABA, 255, Uses of Insurance in Estate and Tax Planning Course Book (2001).

Thomas J. Handler. “Family Limited Partnerships Continue to Increase in Popularity,” Wealth Enhancement and Preservation Letter, First Quarter (2000).

Thomas J. Handler.“Charitable Remainder Trusts,”Horizons Letter, Winter (1998).

Thomas J. Handler. “Welfare Benefit Plans – What You Need To Know,” Life and Health Insurance Sales (1997).

Thomas J. Handler. “Retention of Tax Records,”Horizons Letter, Winter (1996).

Thomas J. Handler. “Multiple Employer Welfare Benefit Plans Require Planning and Risk Evaluation,” Journal of Taxation of Employee Benefits, July/August (1995).

Thomas J. Handler. “Multiple Employer Welfare Benefit Plans Have Advantages for Employees and Executives,” Journal of Taxation of Employee Benefits, May/June (1995).

Thomas J. Handler. “Family Limited Partnerships,” Horizons Letter, Spring (1995).

Thomas J. Handler, Editor, “Legal & Tax Trends,” Newsletter, Handler Thayer, LLP, (1988 to present).

Thomas J. Handler. “Can You Find a Break in the New Tax Cloud?”Horizons Letter, Winter (1994).

Thomas J. Handler. “Samuel K. Skinner Accepts The Challenge as President Bush’s White House Chief Of Staff,” Shield & Diamond Magazine, Volume 103, Number 2 (1992).

Thomas J. Handler. “More Cash in Your Pocket,” Horizons Letter, Winter (1992).

Thomas J. Handler, Contributing Editor, “Minding Your Own Business,” Financial Lifestyles Publishing (1991), (Financial & Estate Planning Adjunct Book).

Thomas J. Handler. “At the Helm of the Department of Transportation, U.S. Secretary of Transportation Samuel K. Skinner,” Shield & Diamond Magazine, Volume 100, Number 4 (1989).

Thomas J. Handler. “Legal & Tax Trends.”  Professional periodical newsletter dealing with Tax, Business, and Financial & Estate Planning topics, Handler & Associates, Ltd., (1983 to 1988).

Thomas J. Handler. “The Financial Report.”  Professional periodical newsletter dealing with Tax, Investment, and Financial & Estate Planning topics, Handler & Associates, Ltd., (1980-1984).

Broida and Handler, “Interference with Contract and Prospective Advantage in Illinois,” 32 DePaul Law Review 325 (1983).

Affiliations

Member, Family Office Steering Committee, Ultra High Net Worth Institute, 2023-Present
Member, The University Club of Chicago, 2008-Present
Member, The Clayton Club, 2017-Present
Member, Asset Protection Society, 2006-Present
Member, Atlantic Salmon Federation, Chicago Philanthropy Committee, 2005-Present
Member, International Business Forums Chicago Chapter, 2002-2012
Captain, Winnetka Tennis Team, 2001-Present
Member, Winnetka Tennis Association, 1987-Present
Member, Chicago Bar Association
• Member, CBA Trust Law Committee
• Chairman, Subcommittee on Private Foundations, 2001-2002
• Chairman, Subcommittee on Family Limited Partnerships, 2003-2004
• Chairman, Subcommittee on FLP Administration, 2006-2007
• Member, CBA Federal Taxation Committee
Member, Illinois State Bar Association
• Member, Section on Corporation and Securities Law
• Member, Section on Federal Taxation
• Member, Section on Trusts & Estates
Member, American Bar Association
• Member, ABA Section of Taxation
Member, Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity
Member, Society of Financial Service Professionals, 2006-2007
Member, North American Interfraternity Conference
• Nominating Committee, 2004-2006
• Committee on Public Relations and Marketing, 1999-2002
Member, Financial Planning Association, 2001-2003
Member, Sierra Club Lawyers’ Roundtable, 1992-1994

Contact Information

Phone: (312) 641-2100
Email: thandler@handlerthayer.com
VCard

Chicago Office

191 North Wacker Drive, Ste. 2300

Chicago, Illinois 60606-1633

Naples Office

3050 North Horseshoe Drive, Ste. 154

Naples, Florida 34104-7911

Telephone: (312) 641-2100

Chicago Office

191 North Wacker Drive, Ste. 2300

Chicago, Illinois 60606-1633

 

Naples Office

3050 North Horseshoe Drive, Ste. 154

Naples, Florida 34104-7911

Telephone: (312) 641-2100