Raymond Prather, J.D., CPA, CFF
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ABOUT RAY
Ray has been practicing trust and estate law in Chicago for over 15 years. He has a wide range of experience in this area – from representing beneficiaries, executors and trustees in and out of the courtroom to advising donors, board members and non-profit organizations in disputes over charitable gifts. Ray represents trustees when tailored solutions are required to meet fiduciary duties because there are contentious family dynamics, conflicts in family businesses, or complexity in taxable estates. His knowledge in both accounting and tax law has helped beneficiaries and judges understand complicated estate planning and financial issues to ensure fair outcomes in contested trusts and estates. His unique background enables Ray to efficiently evaluate trust and estate accountings, financial statements, and tax returns without the added cost of consulting an outside expert.
Ray speaks and writes frequently and has been recognized for his knowledge and dedication to the practice. He is also active in the community, serving as a member of Lambda Legal’s National Legacy and Planned Giving Council and Advocate Charitable Foundation’s Planned Giving Council.
EDUCATION
DePaul University College of Law, J.D., 2005
Augustana College, B.A., Accounting, 2003
MEMBERSHIPS
American Bar Association, Real Property, Trust & Estate Law Section, Section Council; Trusts and Estates Editor for the eReport; 2017-2019 Chair for Charitable Planning and Organizations Group; 2009-2010 Section Fellow
Illinois State Bar Association, 2020-2021 Chair of Trusts & Estates Section Council; 2015-2016 Chair of Standing Committee on Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity
Chicago Estate Planning Council, Board Member
Advocate Charitable Foundation, Planned Giving Council Member
Lambda Legal, Legacy and Planned Giving Council Member, 2009-2011 Chicago Leadership Council Chair
Representative Publications and Presentations
COMMUNITY RECOGNITION
Super Lawyer by Super Lawyer Magazine, 2019-2022
IIT Chicago-Kent College of Law, Adjunct Professor teaching Federal Transfer Taxes and Estate Planning, 2013-2016