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Sebastian J. Geraci

Professional Experience

Sebastian (Sam) Geraci has represented many Western Wisconsin clients with respect to their estate planning needs. Additionally, Sam has worked with business owners regarding a wide range of business tax issues, including the development and implementation of tax efficient succession plans. Sam is listed under Tax Law and Trusts and Estates in The Best Lawyers in America®.

Sam's work for his clients has included the following:

  • The use of various estate planning techniques such as revocable grantor trusts, irrevocable life insurance trusts ("ILITs"), qualified personal residence trusts ("QPRTs"), and grantor retained annuity trusts ("GRATs").
  • The organization of new business entities, including setting up a limited liability company ("LLC") for clients in conjunction with a grantor retained annuity trust ("GRAT") as part of an overall business succession/estate tax reduction plan.
  • The creation of private foundations, including foundations that operate on a multi-state basis.
  • The design and implementation of buy-sell agreements for closely held businesses interests.
  • Contract negotiations and advise regarding the purchase and sale of business interests.

Education

  • B.A., St. John's University - New York, NY (1967)
  • M.A. Philosophy, Marquette University - Milwaukee, WI (1972)
  • J.D., University of Wisconsin - Madison (1975)
  • L.L.M., Taxation, New York University - New York (1976)

Bar Associations

  • American Bar Association - Section Member: Taxation
  • State Bar of Wisconsin - Section Member: Taxation; Senior Lawyers Division
  • Eau Claire County Bar Association

Admitted to Practice

  • Wisconsin Supreme Court
  • U.S. District Court for the Western District of Wisconsin
  • U.S. Tax Court

Professional Recognition

  • Best Lawyers in America® - Tax Law and Trusts and Estates (1991 - present)
  • Best of the U.S. Inc®. - Tax Law (2007)
  • Best of the U.S. Inc.® - Trust and Estate Law (2007)

Professional Activities

Lecturer on various tax subjects for the State Bar of Wisconsin and for other groups of lawyers, accountants and insurance professionals

Civic Activities

  • Sister Claire Marie Wick/Triniteam Foundation - legal advisor to Board; pro bono counsel Triniteam Treatment Alternative Program of Eau Claire

Legal Updates

 

Presentations

Top Ten Tips for Keeping What You Have Earned - 5/2/06 and 5/9/06