Jim was born in Chicago and raised in Mount Prospect, Illinois, where he graduated from Prospect High School. He received his Bachelor of Science in Accountancy at The University Of Illinois-Urbana in 1979, and then obtained his C.P.A. Certificate in 1980. In 1984, he earned his law degree from The John Marshall Law School. Jim is a long time resident of Palatine, Illinois, where he lives with his wife. They are the proud parents of four adult children and one grandson.
Jim concentrates his law practice in the areas of estate planning, business law, taxation, real estate and personal injury matters. He represents clients throughout the northeast region of Illinois, including the greater Chicago land area. He has dedicated his law practice to helping his clients make difficult decisions, usually, during difficult times. Jim’s approach is to provide his clients with a broad range of alternative solutions, from which the client chooses the best solution to accomplish their goals. Jim is a long-time member of the Chicago Bar Association and the Illinois Bar Association.
Jim has a keen interest in the areas of astronomy and earth science education. For many years, he served as the Treasurer and as a Director on the Executive Board of the Planetary Studies Foundation, Ltd. (www.planets.org), a not-for-profit science education foundation. Jim taught Seasonal Constellations and other Astronomy related courses at William Rainey Harper College, in Palatine, Illinois, for eleven years. He has volunteered at the Karl G. Henize Observatory, located at the William Rainey Harper College, since the Observatory opened in 1990. Also, Jim discovered the "Marengo Meteorite", the seventh meteorite ever found in the State of Illinois, (www.lpi.usra.edu/meteor/metbull.php?code=15415).
Jim provides high quality legal services to today's price conscious clients, and he provides the personalized attention needed to establish and maintain effective attorney-client relationships.
Practice areas
I represent businesses in connection with a variety of matters, including incorporation, liquidation and business sales/transfers. In addition, I handle various general business matters which arise on a daily basis, including drafting agreements and contracts for all types of matters.
37 years
I counsel individuals and businesses on the tax consequences of their operations. In addition, I prepare Individual, Corporate, Partnership and Fiduciary Income Tax Returns, as well as Estate and Gift Tax Returns.
37 years
I prepare personalized estate plans (including Wills, Trusts and Powers Of Attorney) for all types of clients, including executives and owners of closely held business interests, as well as young couples and senior citizens.
37 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
IL | Active And Authorized To Practice Law | 1984 | 03/13/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Outstanding Service Award | Planetary Studies Foundation | 1994 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Tax Attorney | Law Office Of James A. Wotal | 1990 - Present |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Planetary Studies Foundation | Associate Board Member | 1990 - Present |
Illinois State Bar Association | Member Trusts & Estates Section | 1985 - Present |
Chicago Bar Association | Member | 1985 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
John Marshall Law School, Chicago | JD - Juris Doctor | 1984 |
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign | BS - Bachelor of Science | 1979 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Estate Planning & Wealth Management | Estate Planning | 2007 |
Posted by Bruce
May 5, 2017
Posted by anonymous
June 7, 2013
Stephen Rapp, Tax Attorney on Mar 4, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent attorney practicing in estate planning, tax law, real estate law and related fields. An excellent communicator and a great person to work with. As these areas are not in my area of practice, I am pleased to refer any client to this lawyer who practices in Chicago and suburbs.
Cash, Check