Gould & Ratner

9 Best Lawyers awards

Gould & Ratner logo

Awarded Practice Areas

Tax Law Trusts and Estates

Biography

Known for her responsiveness and practical insight, Ilana Bley helps clients navigate complex legal matters with clarity and confidence. She breaks down complicated issues into clear, actionable guidance, often uncovering risks and solutions clients hadn’t yet considered. Recognized as proactive and solutions-oriented, Ilana makes it her mission to ensure clients feel informed, prepared and well cared for every step of the way.

She focuses her practice on assisting individuals, families and business owners with complex tax planning and wealth transfer strategies. Ilana handles a variety of matters, including implementing tax efficient estate plans, administering trusts and estates, estate and gift tax returns, and charitable planning.

Ilana is an Associate Member of the Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) and was selected by her peers for inclusion in the 2021-2024 editions of U.S. News Best Lawyers “Ones to Watch.” She is a member of the American Bar Association and the Chicago Bar Association and frequently writes articles pertaining to changes in tax law.

Prior to joining Gould & Ratner, Ilana was a corporate associate at a large law firm in Chicago where she counseled clients on a wide range of matters, including mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and general corporate matters.

Gould & Ratner

9 Best Lawyers awards

Gould & Ratner logo

Overview

  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A.
  • Loyola University Chicago, J.D., graduated 2015

  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association

  • American Technion Society – Chicago - Technion Innovators Program Participant, 2022-2024
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Emerging Members Program (now known as Emerging Leaders Program) Participant, 2019-2020
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Workshops and Roundtables Subcommittee Co-Chair, 2022-2023
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Workshops and Fundamentals Committee Chair, 2023-2024
  • Illinois, Illinois State Bar Association
  • American Technion Society – Chicago - Technion Innovators Program Participant, 2022-2024
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Emerging Members Program (now known as Emerging Leaders Program) Participant, 2019-2020
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Workshops and Roundtables Subcommittee Co-Chair, 2022-2023
  • Chicago Estate Planning Council (CEPC) - Workshops and Fundamentals Committee Chair, 2023-2024
  • Washington University in St. Louis, B.A.
  • Loyola University Chicago, J.D., graduated 2015

Client Testimonials

Awards & Focus

Recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch® in America 2026 for work in:
  • Tax Law
  • Trusts and Estates

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