Vasili D. Russis
Since 1995, Vas Russis has concentrated his practice in taxation as it relates to real estate, closely held businesses, mergers and acquisitions, trusts & estates, tax disputes, tax planning, litigation, asset protection and return processing. Vas advises clients regarding tax planning, structuring, all stages of the business life cycle, generational wealth transfer, family business succession, estate planning, asset protection and litigation. As a lawyer and CPA, Vas also collaborates with other attorneys, accountants, financial advisors, bankers, and insurance professionals when they encounter matters requiring an advanced knowledge of tax law. Vas represents individuals, families and businesses across a wide range of industries including retail, manufacturing, service, farming and professional services. Vas is an active member in the Hawthorn Woods/Lake Zurich community and is a Board Member of the District 95 Educational Foundation.
PRACTICE AREAS
Asset Protection
Business Law
Estate Planning
Estate & Trust Administration
Litigation
Tax Law
BAR ADMISSIONS
Illinois
United States Tax Court
CERTIFICATIONS
Certified Public Accountant
EDUCATION
Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago – Kent College of Law, J.D.
University of Illinois, B.S. Accounting
Professional Associations and Memberships
- Illinois State Bar Association
- Lake County Bar Association
Published Works
- Like-Kind Exchanges – The Basics and Some Planning Tips to Help You Guide Your Clients, Lake County Bar Association, July 2024
- “Succession Planning to Retain S. Corporation Status”, Midwest Business Brokers and Intermediaries – August 2019
- “Life Insurance Structured Properly Provides Asset Protection”, (Co-Author), Illinois State Bar Association’s Trusts and Estates Newsletter – October 2019
- “Best use for Deferred Sales Trusts” Midwest Business Brokers & Intermediaries – September 2017
- “Stuck with an Equity Sale? Obtaining Asset Sale Treating on a sale of Equity” Midwest Business Brokers & Intermediaries – April 2017
Speaking Engagements
- 2025 Lake County Bar Association Trusts and Estates Annual Seminar, Featured Speaker, “Big Beautiful Estate Tax Exemptions Bring Income Tax Planning”
- 2025 Lake County Estate Planning Council Featured Speaker, “The Role of Wealth Advisors, CPA’s and Attorneys in Real Estate: The Intersection of Planning Duties for Estate Planning Professionals in Like Kind Changes”
- “Issues Working with Small Business/Closely Held Business Owners in Estate Planning” 2023 Lake County Estate Planning Council Featured Speaker
- “You Can’t Tell The Players Without A Scorecard: Staying on Top of Matters in Trusts and Administration” 2021 Lake County Bar Association Virtual Trusts & Estates Seminar Featured Speaker
Pro Bono Activities
- District 95 Educational Foundation | Board Member
Awards
- 2024 – 2026 Illinois Super Lawyers
- 2026 Crain’s Notable Leader in Accounting, Consulting & Law