Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres announced on May 19 that Joshua Abern has joined the firm as a partner and will chair its Private Client Services and Family Enterprise practices. The firm said this move aims to strengthen its services for ultra-high-net-worth clients and multigenerational family enterprises.
Abern brings experience in trust and estate planning, business succession, trust litigation, income taxation, philanthropic matters, and managing family offices. He previously served as chief executive officer of a family office supporting an ultrahigh-net-worth family. In that role, he coordinated legal, financial, administrative, investment, and advisory functions for the family’s business interests and philanthropy.
Prior to that position, Abern was general counsel at another family office serving two ultra-high-net-worth families. His responsibilities included advising on ownership structures, philanthropic entities, regulated private trust companies, investment vehicles, and helping translate complex planning objectives into practical execution.
“Josh’s arrival represents an important expansion of CFDB’s platform for families, founders, family enterprises, and closely held businesses,” said Patrick Croke, CoFounder and CEO of Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres. “He understands not only the legal and tax issues that matter to these clients but also the operational, governance, and interpersonal dynamics that make this work so important. We are thrilled to welcome him to the Firm.”
Lisa Duarte—partner and co-chair of CFDB’s management committee—said: “Josh brings a rare combination of technical legal excellence and hands-on family office leadership. His experience advising ultra-high-net-worth families…and helping families preserve and transition wealth across generations will meaningfully enhance our ability to serve our existing family office and private client base.”
Earlier in his career Abern practiced law with several Chicago firms focusing on trust/estate planning; he holds an LL.M. in Taxation from Northwestern University School of Law as well as a J.D. from Loyola University Chicago.
“CFDB’s entrepreneurial culture and sophisticated client base make it an ideal home for a practice focused on families…I am excited to work with my new colleagues to help clients navigate complex legal…issues with judgment discretion practical execution,” said Abern.
The announcement comes as Croke Fairchild Duarte & Beres continues its growth among certified women-owned law firms nationally.
