James A. Goldsmith – UB Greensfelder – Cleveland, OH

Premier Estate Planning and Tax Counsel

James A. Goldsmith is a highly distinguished Partner at UB Greensfelder (formerly Ulmer & Berne LLP), practicing out of the Skylight Office Tower in downtown Cleveland. With a career spanning over three decades, James Goldsmith has established himself as one of the region’s foremost authorities on Trusts and Estates. He serves as the Chair of the firm’s Trusts & Estates practice group, guiding high-net-worth individuals, families, and business owners through the intricate processes of wealth preservation and succession planning. His approach is holistic, combining deep technical knowledge of tax law with a sensitive understanding of family dynamics. 📜

James Goldsmith’s expertise extends beyond simple will drafting. He is a strategic advisor who designs complex estate plans utilizing revocable and irrevocable trusts, family limited partnerships, and charitable giving vehicles. His goal is to minimize federal estate, gift, and generation-skipping transfer taxes while ensuring his clients’ legacies are protected. In addition to planning, he is a formidable advocate in Fiduciary Litigation, representing corporate and individual trustees in disputes involving breach of duty and trust interpretation. His excellence in the field is recognized by his election as a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC).

Practice Areas

• Estate Planning: Creating tailored strategies to manage and transfer wealth efficiently.
• Taxation: Advising on complex tax implications for individuals and closely-held businesses.
• Business Succession: Helping business owners structure the transition of leadership and ownership to the next generation.
• Probate & Trust Administration: Guiding executors and trustees through the legal requirements of administering estates.
• Fiduciary Litigation: Defending and prosecuting claims related to the management of trusts and estates in state and federal courts.

Recognized Leadership

James Goldsmith’s standing in the legal community is unmatched. He has been consistently named in The Best Lawyers in America and Ohio Super Lawyers. He is also AV Preeminent rated by Martindale-Hubbell, the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethics. Beyond his legal practice, he is deeply involved in the Cleveland community, serving on boards for University Hospitals and Facing History & Ourselves. 🏆

Located in the Skylight Office Tower, part of the Tower City Center complex, his office offers clients a central and prestigious location for conducting their most personal business affairs.