D’Amato forges close relationships with clients

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When one of her clients has a big change in life, Jennifer D’Amato is usually one of the first people to hear her phone ring. A trusts-and-estates attorney at Reinhart Boerner Van Deuren, she works with high-net-worth people and families on tax planning, succession plans for businesses and family issues.

“I wasn’t really interested in just corporate law or family law and this blends both of them together,” said D’Amato, who first became interested in trust work doing a case on the side for another attorney. She then pursued her master’s of law degree in taxation. “Estate and trust law work just seemed to click for me.”

D’Amato has worked with some clients for more than 15 years, developing deep relationships with them.

“I’m one of those first calls people make when they have a family issue,” she said. “It’s such an honor to be in that place and to know how much your client trusts you.”

D’Amato enjoys handling the complexities and tax issues associated with closely held businesses and other assets of high-net-worth individuals.

“I enjoy the challenges the cases provide,” she said.

Through the years, D’Amato has been often recognized for her work, including being elected a fellow to the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel and being named one of the top-100 attorneys in the country by Worth Magazine. She is also an adjunct professor at the University of Wisconsin Law School, where she teaches a course in federal estate and gift taxes. She also speaks frequently to organizations about estate planning.

At Reinhart, D’Amato was the first woman named to the firm’s board of directors and serves as chairwoman of the firm’s trusts and estates practice.

“Jennifer is highly regarded for her intellect, leadership abilities and sharp legal acumen. She is equally well known by attorneys and staff alike for her approachable manner and personality and positive impact on others,” said Reinhart CEO Jerome Janzer. “This combination of qualities has served her well when mentoring other attorneys and in setting an outstanding example” especially to younger attorneys.

While there are more women practicing trust and estate law today, that wasn’t the case when D’Amato started. She tries to use that experience to provide guidance to younger attorneys.

“I often felt there was a magnifying glass on me,” she said. “There are more women now in this area and that’s definitely a positive.”