James Betts practices in the areas of estate planning, estate settlement and trust administration. He assists clients with the full range of planning techniques for tax-effective intergenerational and charitable transfers. He also prepares, and advises those preparing, probate documents, estate tax returns and fiduciary income tax returns as well as represents estates before the IRS and DRS on audit. In addition, Jim actively administers trusts and advises trustees.
Jim is a past Chair of the Trusts & Estates Department. He is a member and past President of the Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford and a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel.
Distinctions
· AV Peer Review, Martindale-Hubbell
· Listed as a Connecticut Super Lawyer®: Estate Planning & Probate; 2006-2012
· Listed in The Best Lawyers in America®: Trusts & Estates; 1989-2012
· Fellow, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel
· Board of Editors, Yale Law Review
Professional Affiliations
· American Bar Association
· Connecticut Bar Association
· Hartford County Bar Association
· Estate and Business Planning Council of Hartford: Former President
· Greater Hartford YMCA: Director; Former Chairman
· Yale Club of Hartford: Director; Former President
Publications
May 19, 2011, Retroactive Connecticut Estate and Gift Tax Legislation Passed
February 15, 2011, Estate and Gift Tax Changes
December 21, 2010, New Legislation Affects Federal Estate, Gift, and GST Taxes
November 2010, Year-End Planning Reminders
January 29, 2010, Important Estate Tax Law Changes Now in Effect
News
September 2, 2011, "Best Lawyers in America" Recognizes 30 Lawyers from the Firm
April 2011, 35 Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named a "Top Lawyer" in Hartford County
October 28, 2010, "Super Lawyers" Recognizes 47 Lawyers From Shipman & Goodwin LLP
September 23, 2010, "Best Lawyers In America" Recognizes 27 Lawyers from Shipman & Goodwin LLP
October 27, 2009, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2010 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
August 10, 2009, 25 Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Recognized as "2010 Best Lawyers in America"
March 2, 2009, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2009 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars and Featured in Connecticut Magazine
December 4, 2008, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Recognized as "2009 Best Lawyers in America"
November 7, 2008, Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named 2009 Connecticut Super Lawyers & Rising Stars
April 25, 2008, Attorneys Named By Super Lawyers®
September 1, 2007, Nineteen Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named The Best Lawyers in America for 2008
February 1, 2006, Thirty-Five Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named Connecticut "Super Lawyers®"
September 1, 2005, Seventeen Shipman & Goodwin Attorneys Named The Best Lawyers in America for 2006