Ellen Halfon

Background

About Ellen Halfon

Professional Background: I am an experienced attorney who has practiced law for more than 30 years in all areas of estate and gift tax planning and estate administration, focusing primarily on sophisticated estate and succession planning for high-net-worth individuals and families. I have significant experience assisting such clients achieve their philanthropic goals through charitable trusts and other vehicles, and by developing strategies that encourage multigenerational involvement in family philanthropy. I have also served as legal counsel to numerous public and private charities, in such areas as fundraising and endowment development and administration; planned giving and structured donor gift agreements; charitable trusts and other vehicles; grant and scholarship administration; governance and board/fiduciary best practices; and federal and state tax compliance and reporting. I also recently served for four years as the Senior Philanthropic Advisor at Case Western Reserve University, where I provided strategic support to University Relations and Development staff and donors with respect to all aspects of charitable gift planning and implementation, partnered with the Office of General Counsel and other University staff regarding endowment administration, interpretation and modification; facilitated internal and external educational programs regarding charitable giving opportunities and vehicles; and coordinated all aspects of receipt and administration of estate gifts to the University. Community Service I have served as a Trustee and officer of nonprofit organizations, lectured regularly and published articles in the areas of estate, gift and charitable tax planning, as well as practice issues for tax-exempt organizations. Style: My priority in client relations and service is to be an active listener and practical problem solver. My specific experience and services skills includes: • Strategic charitable gift planning - for donors and charities • Establishing, funding and administering charitable giving vehicles (e.g, private foundations, donor advised funds, charitable trusts, charitable gift annuities • Developing charitable mission statements for families and grant making organizations and facilitating generational charitable commitment/giving. • Outside counsel to nonprofit entities/advice regarding governance, federal tax compliance and best practices. • Guidance regarding fundraising, grant-making, planned giving and endowment matters. • Estate and succession planning advisory services to individuals/families.