Wayne Cooper

Wayne Cooper is an Estate & Wealth Planning Director at The Lerner Group. His role involves reviewing and structuring clients’ estate documents and dealing with tax issues arising from life-changing events such as a business liquidity transaction, marriage, divorce or death.

Before joining The Lerner Group, Wayne was the Wealth Strategist in Merrill Lynch’s Private Bank and Investment Group advising their wealthiest clients. Wayne’s experience in family-related issues offers benefits to clients in all stages of life. Wayne has devoted his career to helping individuals and their families navigate complex income and estate tax issues and mitigate exposure to taxes for current and future generations. Wayne received his BS in Accounting from the University of Illinois and his law degree from DePaul University, and was a Certified Public Accountant. He has been practicing law for over 30 years

Wayne is actively involved in the community. He makes time to share his knowledge with the planning committee for his temple and counsels the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation on tax and compliance matters. He also brings a broad range of knowledge to the issues faced by private foundations and other charitable entities and the immense benefits philanthropy brings to a family’s legacy.

Wayne loves spending time with his grandchildren and enjoys watching them participate in activities. He also likes walking his rescue dog Lily!