H ow respected is estate law attorney Caroline Hecht? She ranks as the youngest partner at Barrington’s Buckley Fine, LLC. And her peers recognize her legal talent, as she was invited to write a chapter on guard- ianship for minors for the Illinois State Bar’s new probate practice manual. But that’s just the start of the accolades that Hecht has earned during her career. Her peers praise this young attorney for her legal mind, com- mitment to her clients, work ethic and ability to craft the best possible solutions for those whom she represents. Fellow attorney Gina Lavorata-O’Hehir was opposing counsel against Hecht in a contentious probate matter. Hecht, Lavorata-O’Hehir said, stepped up, trying to negotiate an amicable resolution based on the in- tricacies of the law. “Her arguments were thoughtful and perfectly articulated,” Lavorata-O-Hehir said. “She masterfully handled some very difficult personalities.” Ret. Associate Judge Joseph Waldeck who worked with Hecht when they were both with Schiller DuCanto & Fleck, added this about Hecht, “Caroline has a unique and pleasant ability to convey information in a clear and concise manner.” Waldeck continued, “Caroline understands that every client is unique, and she prepares estate plans that are tai- lored to each client’s individual circumstances.” A nominator who is, now a justice on the Illinois Supreme Court, saw Hecht’s work up close when Hecht would appear before them in pro- bate court. Hecht, the nominator said, had a unique ability to assess the needs of her clients and find the right solutions to meet them. “Caroline presents her cases with clarity and efficiency,” the Justice said. “She is respectful and always demonstrates civility and profession- alism to all parties and counsel. In every matter where she was appoint- ed as guardian ad litem of an alleged disabled adult, her investigations were thorough and her reports reflective, considering the best interests of the ward. I always had great confidence in her recommendations and relied on them frequently.” Hecht also devotes time to serving her profession and community. She was appointed to the Illinois State Bar’s Trusts and Estate Section Council and frequently writes articles for the council’s newsletter. She volunteers for Lake County’s guardianship help desk and is a legal ser- vices volunteer through her church. Hecht frequently conducts com- munity presentations on estate planning topics for financial firms and the Barrington Area Council on Aging. Finally, she acts as guardian ad litem for minors and disabled adults in Lake County probate court, tak- ing on many of these cases pro bono. Her peers predict that Hecht will continue making an impact in the field of estate law. “Caroline has excelled in the legal practice since her law school days,” said Vanessa Wishart, an attorney with Stafford Rosenbaum’s Madison, Wisconsin, office. “She has always been very hardworking and dedicated to her practice and her clients. “Caroline is an exceptional attorney and wonderful human being. She could not be more deserving of this award.”
CAROLINE HECHT
AGE 37
FIRM Buckley Fine, LLC
LAW SCHOOL University of Wisconsin Law School
AREA OF PRACTICE Estate law, trusts and probate
2023 ILLINOIS ATTORNEYS TO WATCH
Caroline understands that every client is unique.”
40 Under Forty 2023 CHICAGO LAWYER & CHICAGO DAILY LAW BULLETIN
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