James R. Jim Bright
Trusts and Estates
Trusts and Estates
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Jim Bright has been practicing law since 1976. He applies his considerable expertise to advising individuals and families on estate planning, tax planning (including income and estate, gift, and generation-skipping taxes), and charitable gift planning. He also provides counsel to trustees of private foundations on administration, initial formation, and tax qualification. Prior to the formation of SSSB, he served as President of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A.Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He has served on the Board of Directors/Trustees of many charitable institutions in Cleveland, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Play House. He has also been a member of the Princeton University Planned Giving Advisory Committee since 2002, and he spent years as a partner with Social Venture Partners Cleveland.Additionally, Jim has served as Honorary Consul for the Duchy of Luxembourg since 1995 and is a past President of the Cleveland Racquet Club. Prior to the formation of SSSB, he served as President of Spieth, Bell, McCurdy & Newell Co., L.P.A. Jim is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and is listed in Best Lawyers in America and Super Lawyers. He has served on the Board of Directors/Trustees of many charitable institutions in Cleveland, including the Cleveland Museum of Natural History and the Cleveland Play House. He has also been a member of the Princeton University Planned Giving Advisory Committee since 2002, and he spent years as a partner with Social Venture Partners Cleveland. Additionally, Jim has served as Honorary Consul for the Duchy of Luxembourg since 1995 and is a past President of the Cleveland Racquet Club.
Recognized in Best Lawyers since 2006
Mary Lewis
My family engaged Mr. Bright to help restructure our estate following my father's passing. His nearly 50 years of practice, particularly his recognized expertise in trusts and tax controversy, were immediately evident. He navigated complex IRS implications with a steady hand, clearly drawing on his deep background in both estate and tax planning. His advice was not only legally sound but also practical for our family's long-term goals. The Martindale-Hubbell AV Preeminent rating is well-deserved. While his response time could occasionally be a day or two, likely due to his extensive caseload, the quality of his work was never in question. I highly recommend Mr. Bright for anyone in the Cleveland area needing sophisticated estate and tax guidance.