Michael A. Passananti, JD

Michael Passananti serves as advisor and counselor to entrepreneurs/business owners, wealthy families, professional athletes, executives, and closely-held businesses. Michael’s comprehensive planning roles includes trusts and estate planning, family wealth transfer planning, business succession planning, asset protection planning, charitable giving, and corporate/business structuring. In addition, Michael’s corporate practice entails protecting the diverse business interests of his clients. Michael pays a high level of attention to his clients so that their respective planning goals are achieved, their wealth is protected, and their wealth passes in the most tax efficient manner.

Michael earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance and Management from Augustana College, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude and was selected as the top business student in his class. While at Augustana College, Mr. Passananti served as the Captain of the Men’s Basketball Team. He attained his Juris Doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in Chicago, Illinois.

In December 2006, Michael’s article, “Domestic Asset Protection Trusts: The Risks and Roadblocks Which May Hinder Their Effectiveness,” was published in the American College of Trust and Estate (“ACTEC”) Journal. Recently, Michael has been quoted in Financial Planning Magazine, U.S. News and World Report, and other recognized publications. Michael’s recent speaking engagements/presentations include:

  • 2012 Gifting and Beyond: Stafford Publications Webinar, September 2012
  • Comprehensive Planning with Limited Liability Companies: Strafford Publications Webinar, December 2011
  • Generation Skipping Tax (GST) Planning 101, YLS Estate Planning Committee of Chicago Bar Association, January 2010
  • Charitable Planning With Life Insurance, Provena Mercy Medical Center Foundation- Philanthropic and Legacy Planning For Professional Advisors, June 2009
  • International Asset Protection Planning with APTs, LLCs, and Captive Insurance Companies, DuPage Estate Planning Council, March 2009
  • Pre and Post Marital and Asset Protection Planning, YLS Estate Planning Committee of Chicago Bar Association, September 2008
  • Family Limited Partnerships and Family Limited Liability Companies: The Foundation of Any High Net-Worth Plan, Society of Financial Services Professionals Chicago Chapter, January 2008.

In addition to frequently speaking and writing in his areas of practice, Mr. Passananti is the past co-chair of the YLS Estate Planning Committee of the Chicago Bar Association. Michael has also served as the President of the Junior Board of Directors of the J. Kyle Braid Leadership Foundation and on the Junior Board of Directors for the Mercy Homes For Boys & Girls. Michael was recently recognized as a Rising Star by Super Lawyer.


mpassananti@dugganbertsch.com