Prior to establishing Dobben Law LLC, I was a partner with Hoogendoorn & Talbot LLP, a premier Chicago estate planning firm, for twenty-five years. I have also served as an
adjunct professor at Loyola University Chicago, teaching Wills, Trusts, and
Estates.
Licensed to practice in both Illinois and Michigan, I am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Chicago Estate Planning Council, and South Suburban Estate Planning Council.
Licensed to practice in both Illinois and Michigan, I am a member of the Illinois State Bar Association, Chicago Bar Association, State Bar of Michigan, Chicago Estate Planning Council, and South Suburban Estate Planning Council.
Education
- Valparaiso University, Valparaiso, Indiana, B.A., 1981
- Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, J.D., 1984
- DePaul University, Chicago, Illinois, LL.M., 1991
Professional
Activities
- Adjunct Professor, Wills, Trusts, and Estates, Loyola University of Chicago School of Law, (2010-2013)
- Advocate Gift Planning Advisory Committee for Advocate Charitable Foundation
- South Suburban Estate Planning Council
Civic Activities
- Bethshan Association, Palos Heights, IL (1993-1998, 2003-2008, 2009-2015); President (1996-1998, 2003-2008, and 2010-2015)
- Roseland Christian School, Chicago (1993-1998); President (1993-1997)
- Manitoqua Ministries, Frankfort, IL (1997-2001)
Publications
- “Estate Planning: The Initial Client Interview,” 81 111. B.J. 261
- “A Practical Guide to Living Trusts,” 82 111. B.J. 107 (book review)
- “Tax Apportionment Planning - Anticipating the Unexpected,” Illinois State Bar Association, Law Ed. Series
- “Irrevocable Insurance Trusts - An Integral Part of Even a Modest Estate Plan: The Basics,” Illinois State Bar Association, Law Ed. Series
- “An Overview of the Acronym Devices,” Illinois State Bar Association, Law Ed. Series
- Lawyer’s Guide to the Chicago Job Market - Estate Planning,” Chicago Bar Association, Young Lawyer Section
- “Estate Planning: The Initial Client Interview,” 81 111. B.J. 261, reprinted in Gary W. Beyer, Teaching Materials on Estate Planning (1st ed. 1995 and 2nd ed. 2000)
- “Advising Executors and Trustees About Investment Obligations: What If a Fiduciary Buys High and Sells Low?” Illinois Institute For CLE
Presentations
- South Suburban Estate Planning Council
- Chicago Bar Association (Young Lawyers Section)
- Barnabas Foundation Annual Meeting
- Lyric Opera of Chicago Overture Society Planned Giving Conference
- Land Trust Council of Illinois
- Chicago Bar Association (Young Lawyers Section) - Estate Planning Committee
- The Chicago Financial Planning Group
- The Estate Planning Council of Greater Joliet
- National Society of Fundraising Executives - Chicago Chapter
- Illinois Institute for Continuing Legal Education
- Law Ed Series of Illinois State Bar Association
