LGBTQ+ Estate Planning in a Changing Political Landscape: Rights, Strategies, and Best Practices

Maximillienne “Max” Elliott | The Law Offices of Max Elliott

Maximillienne “Max” Elliott is the Managing Attorney and Founder of The Law Offices of Max Elliott, Ltd., a law firm that has established itself as a leader in estate and asset protection planning. Her firm serves clients across multiple states, with a specialized focus on supporting LGBTQ+ families, professional women, and small business owners. Ms. Elliott provides comprehensive legal services that encompass complex areas such as estate planning for diverse estate structures, multinational family considerations, estate administration, and asset protection advisory services.

Throughout her career, Ms. Elliott has earned numerous prestigious accolades. She has received the AV Preeminent rating from Martindale Hubbell, been named to the National Black Lawyers Top 100, and recognized as a Super Lawyers® Rising Star from 2017-2021 and Super Lawyer® from 2022-2025. Her professional achievements were further solidified with her 2021 induction into Marquis Who’s Who® in America, a recognition reserved for the most accomplished professionals across various fields.

Ms. Elliott’s leadership extends beyond her private practice. She serves as Chair-Emeritus of the Chicago Bar Association’s Trust Law Committee and maintains memberships in key professional organizations including the Chicago Estate Planning Council and the Illinois State Bar Association’s Trust and Estates Section. Her professional engagement is complemented by her extensive speaking and educational contributions, with presentations delivered to prestigious institutions such as Harvard’s Research Center and the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association.

A graduate of DePaul University College of Law, Ms. Elliott distinguished herself academically by co-founding the DePaul Journal of Women, Gender and the Law, which was later folded into the Journal for Social Justice. Her scholarly work includes publications on international human rights; and, before law school she authored a non-fiction book published by Pocket Books a Division of Simon & Schuster. Prior to establishing her practice in 2011, she gained valuable experience working with Fortune 500 companies and the American Bar Association’s International Liaison Office, including a notable tenure as General Counsel for the Bernie Mac Foundation from 2014 to 2020.

Ms. Elliott’s professional journey is characterized by a commitment to advocacy and comprehensive legal engagement. She routinely presents and lectures on critical topics including estate and retirement planning, small business essentials, and protective measures for seniors and the LGBTQ+ community. Her approach combines deep legal expertise with a passion for supporting marginalized communities, making her a respected and innovative attorney in her field.

I. Historical context and current landscape of LGBTQ+ rights | 2:00pm – 2:40pm

• The evolution of LGBTQ rights in the United States
• Key legal milestones and landmark cases impacting estate planning
• Discussion of the implications of recent Supreme Court decisions on LGBTQ+ right

II. The impact of political changes on estate planning (Part I) | 2:40pm – 3:00pm

• Analysis of the effects of the Trump administration on LGBTQ rights and estate planning
• Anticipated changes and economic risks associated with Project 2025 and a second Trump presidency

Break | 3:00pm – 3:10pm

III. The impact of political changes on estate planning (Part II) | 3:10pm – 3:30pm

• Current trends in individual rights and their implications for estate planning

IV. Practical estate planning strategies for same-sex couples and non-traditional families | 3:30pm – 4:10pm

• Advantages and disadvantages of marriage from a tax and estate planning perspective
• Unique estate planning tools and strategies for same-sex couples
  • Wills and living trusts
  • Medical and financial advanced directives
• Defensive measures to protect rights and assets in light of potential policy changes
• Best practices for attorneys advising LGBTQ clients on estate planning