Clement J. Carroll, Jr. | Chicago Estate Lawyer

Clement J. Carroll, Jr. is a practicing lawyer in the state of Illinois specializing in Estate planning.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
My client’s father died leaving his property in his trust to his two daughters.  My client’s sister was the designated executor under the Will and successor trustee under their father’s trust.  The trustee/sister refused to provide and inventory or accounting of her while she acted as agent and as trustee for her father during his lifetime and after his death.  While the immediate course of action would be to file a probate action to seek and accounting and distribution of trust property, this would result in substantial costs, time delays and a total severance family relationships.                

I suggested that an amicable solution reach a better result.  My client obtained relevant information regarding her father’s funds to recreate an a viable balance of what the estate/trust should look like.  While the trustee/sister initially resisted the inventory and accounting, she was made aware of her sister’s entitlement to a full inventory and accounting through the court process and all legal fees in the process would only reduce the trust distributable to each sister and delay any resolution of the problem.  After several discussions with the trustee/sister as well as my client, a reasonable compromise was reached and the trust terminated with distributions to each sister without the need for probate court proceedings.  Neither side technically “won” but both sides were comfortable in a mutual agreement.

How did you build a successful practice?
I think a combination of knowing the facts and the law as well as working with my clients to achieve what they really need rather than merely what they initially claim to want.  I will respect my client’s opinion and work to achieve a true good result.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
A client should look for a lawyer who knows the law and will respect the client’s wishes and needs in order to work together to achieve a suitable result.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
The local knowledge of the environment nearby may often be more important than merely knowing a text of law statutes.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
I will attempt to determine the relevant facts related to the inquiry and to determine what course of action if not only feasible but viable in light of the particular circumstances involved.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
The most important information is a simple discussion of the facts involved without blaming anyone for some perceived fault or error.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I believe that the simple solution to a problem is often the most understood as well as the most practical resolution of any issue.  I want to reach a solution even if the process minimizes legal time and costs.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
I feel that my clients’ appreciation for my efforts is far more rewarding than a fee paid.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I am an avid reader of drama adventure fiction with a smattering of nonfiction biographies and political essays.  I love to play golf despite mediocre game results.  I have been a Tai Chi practitioner for over 20 years.  I love my wife and two daughters and my sometimes best friend, Bruno, our dog.  We live near the woods and I enjoy long walks.  We live on a pond, so we also love to paddle boat. 

Are you involved in your community?
I have volunteered for the animal rescue in town as well as becoming a tutor at the local library for 2nd and 3rd-grade children.