Bio

Adam Grais advises businesses and their owners on structuring transactions and in addressing complex federal income tax issues. He represents family offices, individuals, closely held businesses, and start-up companies. Other law firms frequently turn to Adam as co-counsel for their clients’ tax matters and to consult on their own firm management issues. For many of his clients, Adam serves as general counsel, strategically addressing personal and business matters and finding the necessary resources to address legal and other issues they face. Adam’s clients appreciate the depth and diversity of his experience in tax, corporate and family business matters. Adam teams with other attorneys in addressing income tax issues in business transactions and estate plans, develops strategies for addressing tax issues related to loan workouts, assists clients in structuring compensation plans including deferred compensation plans, and represents clients in tax disputes before the Internal Revenue Service. Adam has counseled clients in mergers and acquisitions, joint ventures, business formations, capital raises and compensation-related matters involving partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and trusts. He frequently works with closely-held businesses to address succession issues and ownership transitions. During his career, Adam has worked in both private law firms and closely held businesses, including the tax department of a global law firm and as in-house counsel to the financial group of one of Chicago's most prominent families. Most recently, Adam was the managing partner of a mid-size law firm that included his name. Prior to practicing law, Adam worked as a drummer and music teacher in San Francisco and Chicago. He has also performed with the Chicago Bar Association Barristers Big Band and continues to perform and record with bands in the Chicago area. Adam earned his J.D. from the University of Chicago and his B.A. in history, magna cum laude, from Columbia University.