Even as a boy, James Nash knew he wanted to be a lawyer. Growing up in Northwestern Illinois, he was encouraged by his parents and had several excellent role models who helped him to follow his goal and make it a reality. As the senior partner at Nash Bean Ford & Brown, he focuses his practice primarily in the area of estate planning, together with wills, trusts, estate administration, business planning and civil litigation. Jim chose to emphasize the estate planning practice because it is one of the areas of law where there can be positive and constructive outcomes in most situations. Jim believes that high-quality estate planning must start with good organization and solid basic documents as the foundation upon which intermediate and advanced techniques can be developed if needed. He wants the process and the plan to be understood by his clients . . . a positive legal experience. The goal of understanding and positive participation by the client is a goal not taken lightly by the firm. Intermediate and advanced estate planning occurs when the client chooses to follow through with a plan to address some of the more difficult challenges for good estate planning. Quality estate planning is of real benefit and value for the individuals, families and small and medium-sized businesses involved in the process. Preserving assets and saving taxes is usually a good experience!
Experience
Mr. Nash is a member of the American Academy of Estate Planning Attorneys, the Illinois State Bar Association and the Henry County Bar Association, of which he is a past president. Jim has served as chairman of Law Day and has several times been a presenter for the Peoples’ Law School lectures and activities, sponsored by the Bar Association for the public. He is also the founder of the radio program “Legal Minute,” which he and his partners have produced for several years. He is admitted to practice before all Courts of Illinois and the U.S. Federal District Court, and has been in private practice since 1973. He actively lectures to many groups on estate planning including fellow attorneys.
He is a published co-author of the book Hope for an Enduring Legacy: Estate Planning that Crafts the ‘Message of Your Life
Education
James Nash received his Juris Doctor from the Valparaiso University School of Law in 1973 where he was selected as Note Editor of the Law Review. He was also selected as a student member to the Faculty Committee and received the Vaughn Advocacy Award his senior year. He received his undergraduate studies in Political Science from Augustana College where he was active in extracurricular activities such as captain of the golf team (which competed in an NCAA championship), toured nationally with the Augustana choir, and has also had several positions of responsibility in the student government.
Personal
Jim lives in Geneseo, Illinois with his wife, Judi, who is a teacher and coach in the local schools. Their children have graduated from high school and are finishing college and experiencing their first jobs. He is an active member of the Rotary Club, has participated as a leader and coach in youth football, soccer, basketball, baseball, and golf. He enjoys outdoor activities, music, and his responsibilities in his local church. Jim also enjoys growing and transplanting trees, fishing, and providing encouragement to young people as they set out into the “real” world.
You may contact James directly by sending an email to jnash@nashbeanford.com