At Handler Law LLP, our attorneys are consistently recognized for their excellence in legal practice, providing sophisticated counsel in estate planning, business law, taxation, litigation and family office advisory. Many of our lawyers have been honored as Leading Lawyers, a distinction that reflects their expertise, reputation and commitment to serving clients with innovation solutions.
What does it mean to be a Leading Lawyer?
Leading Lawyers is a prestigious, peer-recommended distinction awarded to fewer than 5% of all licensed attorneys in each state. The selection process is rigorous, beginning with nominations from fellow attorneys who recognize their peers as among the most respected in their field.
After nomination, the Leading Lawyers Advisory Board conducts independent research and evaluation, assessing each candidate’s professional ethics, achievements and standing in the legal community. Only the most exceptional attorneys meet the criteria and earn the official Leading Lawyer designation.
This honor highlights the expertise, integrity, and dedication of Handler Law LLP’s attorneys, many of whom have been recognized across multiple practice areas for their outstanding legal service.
2025 Recognized Leaders at Handler Law LLP
Estate Planning, Tax, and Family Office Compliance
- Thomas J. Handler, J.D., P.C.
Practice areas recognized: Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law, Tax Law: Individual, Closely & Privately Held Business Law.
Additional practice areas: Asset Protection, Family Office Compliance, Financial & Estate Planning, Advanced Tax Planning Strategies, Domestic & International Business Planning.
Why he stands out: A nationally recognized leader in family office compliance and advanced tax planning, Thomas Handler advises high-net-worth families and business owners on sophisticated legal and financial strategies.
- Kristin G. Bagull, J.D., LL.M.
Practice areas recognized: Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law, Tax Law: Individual.
Additional practice areas: Private Foundations, Asset Protection Strategies, Complex Guardianship Litigation, Intentionally Defective Grantor trusts, Lifetime Qualified Terminable Interest Property.
Why she stands out: Specializing in trusts, estates, and asset protection, Kristin Bagull provides strategic counsel on complex issues for both individuals and corporate fiduciaries. - Benjamin C. Hughes, J.D., LL.M.
Practice areas recognized: Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law, Tax Law: Business, Tax Law: Individual, Closely & Privately Held Business Law.
Additional practice areas: Asset Protection, Income Tax Evaluation, Tax Controversy Defense, Strategic Business Architecture, Comprehensive Tax & Estate Planning.
Why he stands out: Recognized for his expertise in business structuring and tax strategy and tax planning, Benjamin Hughes helps clients navigate complex business operations, financial implications, and estate planning integration. - Edward J. Bradley, J.D.
Practice areas recognized: Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law.
Additional practice areas: Wealth Transfer, High-Net Worth Estates, Private, Charitable Foundations, Complex Philanthropic Planning, Advance Family Office Structures.
Why he stands out: With decades of experience in estate planning and wealth transfer strategies, Edward Bradley is a trusted advisor to affluent families and family offices. - Nina B. Stillman, J.D., LL.M.
Practice areas recognized: Trust, Will & Estate Planning Law, Tax Law: Individual, Closely & Privately Held Business Law.
Additional practice areas: Wealth Transfer, Charitable Giving, Entity Governance & Management, Asset Protection & Reorganization, Domestic & International Estate Planning.
Why she stands out: Nina Stillman specializes in wealth preservation, international estate planning, and governance for high-net-worth individuals.
Business Law, Private Equity, and Complex Financial Planning
- Mark V. Anderson, J.D.
Practice areas recognized: Closely & Privately Held Business Law.
Additional practice areas: Asset Securitization, Generation-Skipping Tax Planning, Complex Tax & Finance Resolution, High-Net Worth Counsel & Charitable Trusts.
Why he stands out: Mark Anderson provides sophisticated legal counsel for private equity firms and closely held businesses, focusing on complex tax and financial structures.
Litigation and Commercial Law
- Richard D. Hart, J.D.
Practice areas recognized: Commercial Litigation.
Additional practice areas: Wrongful Termination, RICO & ERISA Violations, Trade Secret & Non-Compete Agreements, Partnership & Minority Shareholder Disputes, Real Estate Limited Partnership Contract Disputes.
Why he stands out: Richard Hart is a go-to attorney for clients facing high-stakes business litigation, employment disputes, and non-compete agreement cases. - Michael N. Ripani, C.P.A., C.F.E., J.D.
Practice areas recognized: Civil Appellate Law, Commercial Litigation, Professional Malpractice Defense (Legal/Technical/Financial).
Additional practice areas: Certified Fraud Examiner, Complex Commercial Litigation, Accountant Malpractice Defense, Illinois Consumer Fraud Act Violations, Joint-Defense & Non-Disclosure Agreements.
Why he stands out: A skilled litigator, Michael Ripani represents clients in appellate and professional malpractice defense cases.
Entertainment, Sports, and Nonprofit Law
- Andrew D. Morton, J.D.
Practice areas recognized: Arts, Entertainment & Sports Law, Association & Non-Profit Law.
Additional practice areas: Nonprofit Corporate Governance, High-Profile Philanthropic Branding, Donor Advised Fund (DAF) Formation, Formation of Tax-Exempt Organizations, Governance, Compliance & Best Practices Counsel.
Why he stands out: A recognized leader in nonprofit and entertainment law, Andrew Morton advises celebrities, athletes, and high-profile philanthropists on charitable and foundation strategies.
Handler Law LLP: A Firm of Recognized Leaders
The attorneys at Handler Law LLP are dedicated to delivering high-level legal counsel tailored to family offices, business owners, and high-net-worth individuals. Their recognition as Leading Lawyers is a testament to their industry expertise, ethical standing, and unwavering commitment to clients.
If you have questions about how Handler Law LLP can assist you or your business with pressing legal needs, please contact us at info@handler.law.
More information about Leading Lawyers the selection process can be found at leadinglawyers.com.