Richard L. Dees

Trusts and Estates

5.0 (1 reviews)

Chicago, Illinois

45+ years experience

McDermott Will & Schulte

Updated: Jan 03, 2026

Contact Information

312-372-2000

https://www.mwe.com/people/dees-richard-l/

444 West Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60606-0029

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Bio

Richard L. Dees advises owners of privately and publicly held companies and wealthy families on control, tax, and business planning issues. Richard helps clients save estate taxes and develop succession plans targeted for S corporations, and regularly consults with other lawyers, accountants, financial planners, insurance consultants and trust officers on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) litigation and structuring business transactions. He also has experience on the farm estate tax valuation rules under Code Section 2032A and advises farmers, landowners, and real estate professionals on a variety of tax, leasing and business-planning issues.Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/dees-richard-l/ Richard L. Dees advises owners of privately and publicly held companies and wealthy families on control, tax, and business planning issues. Richard helps clients save estate taxes and develop succession plans targeted for S corporations, and regularly consults with other lawyers, accountants, financial planners, insurance consultants and trust officers on Internal Revenue Service (IRS) litigation and structuring business transactions. He also has experience on the farm estate tax valuation rules under Code Section 2032A and advises farmers, landowners, and real estate professionals on a variety of tax, leasing and business-planning issues. Read full biography: https://www.mwe.com/people/dees-richard-l/

Practice Areas

Trusts and Estates

Awards & Recognition

Lawyer of the Year: Trusts and Estates, Chicago (2013)
Recognized: Trusts and Estates
Special Focus: Estate Planning
Special Focus: Partnership and Limited Liability
Special Focus: Planning for Closely Held Businesses
Special Focus: Tax

Recognized in Best Lawyers since 1993

Education

University of Illinois Chicago, John Marshall Law School, J.D., graduated 1980

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Reviews

Donna Adams

2 weeks ago

A Master Strategist for Complex Family Wealth and Business Succession

After decades of building a family manufacturing business, my siblings and I faced the daunting, intertwined challenges of succession planning, minimizing estate tax exposure, and ensuring the company's future stability. We engaged Richard Dees at McDermott Will & Schulte, and it was the best decision we could have made. His 45 years of experience were immediately evident; he didn't just draft documents, he architectured a comprehensive strategy that addressed control, tax implications, and family dynamics with remarkable foresight. Richard possesses a rare ability to translate complex legal and tax concepts into clear, actionable advice. His deep focus on estate planning for business owners and wealthy families, recognized by his 'Lawyer of the Year' award, was precisely what we needed. He patiently guided us through difficult conversations, ensuring every contingency was considered. The final plan not only provides significant tax savings but also a clear roadmap for generational transition. Richard is the epitome of a trusted advisor—exceptionally professional, deeply knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in his clients' long-term well-being.