Richard K. Hellerman

Richard K. Hellerman is of counsel with the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates. Mr. Hellerman earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1984 from Washington University in St. Louis and in 1987 he earned his JD with distinction from Emory University School of Law. Soon after graduating from law school, Mr. Hellerman was admitted to the Illinois Bar. With over 3 decades of experience in the practice of law, Mr. Hellerman represents both beneficiaries and fiduciaries, including high net worth individuals and their families, non-profit organizations, executors, trustees, and administrators. As a skilled Chicago estate lawyer he has a proven track record of representing his clients’ interests with both vigor and compassion.

Mr. Hellerman applies his background as an experienced corporate litigator to resolve disputes involving estates, probate, trusts, and guardianships. Mr. Hellerman is a fervent advocate for his clients, and works closely with them to efficiently and effectively resolve claims concerning a broad range of matters related to estate planning, probate, estate litigation, breach of fiduciary duty, contested powers of attorney, and the validity of wills and trusts.

Mr. Hellerman routinely assists individuals and families in developing custom strategies for the efficient transfer of wealth that include minimizing estate, gift and generation-skipping transfer taxes through the creation of wills, trusts, and business entities and the use of gifts, sales and other wealth-transfer strategies. His understanding of complex business transactions allows him to create comprehensive, creative business succession plans for individuals and families. With years of experience representing clients in estate matters as well as business matters, Mr. Hellerman works with ease with his clients’ accountants, financial advisors, insurance agents, and other advisors to ensure the client's planning goals are accomplished in a coordinated manner. In addition, he counsels clients on estate and trust administration, probate administration, and the preparation of gift and estate tax returns.

During his 3 decades of practice, Mr. Hellerman has been recognized by both clients and peers for his excellent work, commitment to clients,, and focus on service. In 2014 he was selected by his peers as a Super Lawyer® in Illinois in Business Litigation. In 2005, Mr. Hellerman was honored with the Excellence in Pro Bono and Public Interest Service Award after he successfully defended a pro bono client in the U.S District Court for the Northern District of Illinois against claims of fraud and fraudulent conveyance. Impressed with Mr. Hellerman’s commitment to both the practice of law and his client’s interests, the trial judge nominated Mr. Hellerman for this award.

Committed to serving the community, Mr. Hellerman has served on the Board of Trustees for the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Foundation, which raises funds for the Northern Suburban Special Recreation Association (NSSRA). NSSRA is a non-profit organization that provides and facilitates year-round programs and services for children, teens, and adults with disabilities who live in the partner communities.

If you have questions related to probate litigation, estate disputes, will contests, estate accountings, fraudulent conveyances, or any other estate matter, the estate attorneys serving Chicago at the Law Offices of Stephen Bilkis & Associates can help. Contact our office at 1-312-775-3646 to schedule a free, no obligation consultation regarding your case.