ArentFox Schiff Adds Private Clients, Trusts & Estates Partner Ilana Bley in Chicago

Ilana brings extensive experience in wealth transfer, estate and tax planning, and trust administration. She advises high-net-worth and ultra-high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners on complex tax planning and wealth transfer strategies. Her practice includes counseling on issues that involve the use of revocable, irrevocable, and charitable trusts; installment sales to Intentionally Defective Grantor Trusts (IDGTs); and coordinating with accountants and investment advisors to meet client goals. Proficient in a wide variety of private wealth matters, she regularly helps clients implement tax-efficient estate plans, carry out trust modifications, and administer trusts and estates.

“Ilana is a highly respected advisor whose practical judgment and technical excellence will enhance the value we deliver to our clients,” said Christine R.W. Quigley, Private Clients, Trusts & Estates practice leader. “Her background representing multi-generational families, coupled with her ability to provide tailored counsel to achieve clients’ wealth transfer goals, will be a tremendous asset.”

Ilana has key skills in effectuating trust modifications through decantings and nonjudicial settlement agreements. She has also managed and implemented postmortem tax planning, from disclaimers and analyses of marital trust funding alternatives to elections for federal and state estate tax returns.

Ilana joins the firm from Gould & Ratner. She is a member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council. Her arrival follows the additions of partners Lauren Wolven, Molly James, and Todd Angkatavanich to the firm’s Private Clients, Trusts & Estates practice in 2025.