I am a graduate of the University of Illinois (B.A, 1993) and The John Marshall Law School (J.D., 1996), where I was recognized as a Dean’s Scholar. In nearly two decades as a practicing attorney I have focused on estate planning and business law both as a sole practitioner and as an associate with several outstanding Chicago-area law firms.
I have created plans for estates of all sizes, from the most modest of estates up to and including complex estates with assets valued at millions of dollars. While the primary goal of most of my clients is to ensure that their children are provided for financially, the plans I implement for my clients include creative tools to assure every parent that the guardianship, educational and other needs of their children are completely addressed while minimizing the costs and expense which may diminish many estates.
I dedicate a substantial portion of my practice to assisting nonprofit organizations with their planned giving programs and other fundraising operations. I am a member of the Suburban Chicago Planned Giving Council, through which I interface with fundraising professionals, nonprofit executives and other attorneys in an effort to provide more effective assistance for a larger number of worthy 501(c)(3) organizations.
I also have extensive experience in business law as both a transactional attorney and litigator. I have counseled and litigated on behalf of Fortune 500 corporations as well as individual entrepreneurs, and I understand that every deal or dispute requires a unique solution suited to the business needs of the client. I have also represented both employers and employees in employment negotiations, many of which address restrictive covenants such as non-compete agreements.
I have been married to my wife Jean for 17 years and we have three young daughters. We spend a significant part of our spare time supporting Sudden Infant Death Services of Illinois, a local nonprofit that was instrumental in helping us in the days after our daughter Molly passed away at just four months of age. Our efforts are driven by the hope that we might in some small way contribute to fewer families having to confront the tragedy of sudden infant death. You can find out more about our work and the organization at the Molly Varak Oktoberfest page.
2 topics · no fee, no honorarium, no mileage
Review available topics below. Use the “Request This Free Speech” button and fill out the contact form. Robert contacts you to discuss the details of the request.
Learn how to establish a system whereby your organization can systematically improve its funding via the estate plans of potential donors. Most nonprofits receive periodic and inconsistent donations via this revenue stream, but I will explain how to utilize planned giving programs to improve fundraising across the board, not only via bequests.
A small investment of time and resources on behalf of your nonprofit can result in a significant return, as well as improved branding and standing in your field. It's an overlooked aspect of development, and my presentation will draw on my experience advising nonprofits to give you all the tools necessary to leverage this opportunity to the fullest.
*COVID-19 Update* I have conducted several online webinars and Zoom-based conferences for small groups and would be happy to do so for your organization as well. Most people know that they should have a will, but why? When should you have your first will drafted? What is the difference between a will and a trust? How do I make sure that my children will be taken care of in the event of a family tragedy? What is probate and how does it work? I will give direct, understandable answers to these questions and any others you might have about the world of estate planning.
Attendees will leave this talk knowing all the basics of the estate planning process, how to go about finding a qualified attorney, what is involved on their part and how much the process should cost them. It's the perfect one-stop primer to learn about wills, trusts, guardianship, powers of attorney and other sometimes intimidating but universally important topics.
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