Joseph is known for his ability to make sophisticated legal issues and tax planning understandable and is highly regarded for his devotion and commitment to the diverse needs of business clients. Joseph represents corporations, partnerships and tax-exempt entities, as well as family-owned and other closely-held businesses, and their owners. He also represents high net worth individuals, lottery winners and professionals, including doctors, lawyers, accountants and wealth management advisors.

Joseph advises his corporate and business clients on critical financial, tax and business matters, including entity structure and formation, and asset ownership for asset protection and tax savings. He also assists closely-held and family-owned businesses and their owners with business succession planning for wealth preservation and to transition the business/ownership to younger generations and key employees. Joseph offers his individual clients a full range of estate, trust and tax planning services, from the drafting of wills, complex trust agreements and advanced wealth-preservation plans, to the formation of family foundations and other philanthropic entities to accomplish charitable objectives.

In addition to income and estate tax planning, a significant portion of Joseph’s tax practice involves representing individual, business and corporate clients in administrative tax-controversy matters before the Internal Revenue Service and the Illinois Department of Revenue. Joseph is frequently asked by banks and financial consultants in the Chicago area to speak on wealth preservation, tax and estate planning, and business succession.

When not finding solutions to meet his clients’ needs, Joseph enjoys spending time with his wife Karen and children Dominic, Gianna, Mia, Isabella and Vincent.

Practice Areas
Business & Corporations
Estate Planning

Experience
Lawrence, Kamin, Saunders & Uhlenhop LLC
     Partner: 2010-Present

Chuhak & Tecson, P.C.
     Principal: 2003-2010

Zarlengo & Planera, P.C.
     Partner: 1998-2003

O’Brien, Somer, Zarlengo & Planera
     Partner: 1992-1998

Horwood, Marcus & Braun Chartered
     Associate: 1989-1992

Levenfeld, Eisenberg, Janger, Glassberg &
     Samotney, Associate: 1986-1989

Education
New York University School of Law, L.L.M.      Taxation, 1986
The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1985
California State University, B.A., 1982

Honors
The John Marshall Law School, J.D., 1985, High Distinction; Law Review Honors; National Moot Court Competitor; Mugel Tax Competition—4th best brief, 1985 Quarterfinals

Bar Admissions
American Bar Association
Illinois State Bar Association
Chicago Bar Association

Court Admissions
United States Tax Court

Professional Memberships & Affiliations
South Suburban Estate Planning Council,
     1992-present

Society of Trust and Estate Planning Practitioners (STEP),
     2011-present

Community Service
Chicago Volunteer Legal Services, Member
     1992-present
Knights of Columbus Council, No. 9770
     Presently - Co-Chair of Annual Fund Raising
     for Special Needs Citizens.
     Previously held position - Grand Knight