Illinois Lawyer Finder

I take great pride in being referred to as the "jack of all trades" due to my broad legal experience across tax consulting & controversy, offshore account disclosures, corporate & business law, estate planning, probate, estate and trust administration, commercial litigation, and commercial bankruptcy. While many attorneys are narrowly focused, I take a holistic approach -- analyzing each new matter from multiple angles to identify risks, opportunities, and often-overlooked solutions.

Over the years, I've developed a passion for guiding clients through complex and emotionally challenging situations.

> In tax matters, individuals and businesses are often intimidated or overwhelmed by the IRS and Illinois Department of Revenue, whether facing audits examinations, or collection actions. I help clients navigate these tax scenarios, protect their rights, and work to minimize financial exposure. My experience includes responsible officer investigations and trust fund recovery penalties, return preparer investigations, innocent spouse relief, and penalty abatement, as well as foreign offshore reporting obligations and FinCEN compliance. I have negotiated numerous payment resolutions, such as reducing a client’s federal tax liability from $497,000 to $28,408 through an Offer in Compromise, advocated in Tax Court proceedings, and eliminated a $3.4 million federal income tax liability through innocent spouse relief.

> Individuals facing the death of loved ones find it challenging to navigate the probate courts or claim a decedent's financial assets. Often the grieving process is complex and may affect relationships with those family members left behind. I guide clients through probate, estate tax filings, trust administration, reviewing Wills and Trusts, and asset recovery -- working with financial institutions and insurance companies to claim any available benefits, while remaining mindful of family dynamics and tax-advantaged strategies.

> For businesses, I provide counsel across the full lifecycle - from formation and compliance to transactions and dispute resolution. I serve as registered agent, handle governance and annual requirements, and advise on contracts, leases, employment matters, and business sales. I have also represented businesses in commercial disputes nationwide, including jurisdictions like New York, D.C., and Florida pro hac vice, contributing my advanced analysis and legal writing to complex litigation.

If you are facing a legal challenge or planning ahead, please contact me at (312) 648-2300 or Sandra.Mertens@sfbbg.com.