Justin Shelmancpa
Partner
Chicago
Justin Shelman is a Tax Partner and leads Prosperity Partners’ High Net Worth & Family Office tax group. As a firm leader and team mentor, he implements the company’s strategic goals and develops the next generation of leaders. Justin began his career in St. Louis after graduating from Kentucky Wesleyan College and currently practices in Prosperity’s Chicago headquarters. He has a Masters of Science in Taxation from DePaul University.
Justin advises his clients on a range of tax planning and structuring opportunities. Focused on high earners and affluent families, Justin uses his deep knowledge of federal and state tax law to provide multi-generational income and estate planning, state residency analysis and tax preparation services for families and their sophisticated entity structures. Notably, Justin is proactive, connects with his clients and their teams and is accessible.
Justin actively participates in the IL CPA Society’s State and Local Taxation committee, speaking regularly on emerging technical issues. He enjoys spending time with his wife and dog, golfing and indulging in a nice bottle of red wine with friends and family.
EXPERTISE: Ultra-high Net Worth Tax Planning, Family Office Structuring and Tax Compliance, Estate Planning, State & Local Taxation, Flow-through Taxation, Aircraft Tax Planning
- Favorite thing about Prosperity Partners: Simple – our people. While I enjoy the sophisticated work and unique opportunities, I’ve never been more connected to or motivated by a stronger group of colleagues.
- Favorite Prosperity Partners outing you’ve been on: With many great memories, it’s hard to select just one; however, our 15-year anniversary event stands out. The firm rented-out a Michigan-located Bed & Breakfast and organized fun and activities such as paintball, hiking and dining out. The weekend culminated with an amazing feast, prepared by our entire team, and included a competitive game of Cards Against Humanity.
- Favorite vacation you’ve taken: I’ve traveled extensively, but last year with my wife I embarked on a “Tour of Northern California,” including hiking in Yosemite National Park, wine tasting in Napa, and golfing at three bucket list courses – Pasatiempo, Pebble Beach and Olympic Club. Capping an incredible week, we celebrated our friends’ wedding in Monterrey.
- What are your passions and hobbies? Wine and golf! I have long-term goals of obtaining my Sommelier certificate and qualifying for a USGA event.
- Favorite movie quote: “Baxter, you know I don’t speak Spanish!” – Ron Burgundy, Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy. Don’t judge me – there’s a lot of downtime with college golf and this movie always brings back great memories with my teammates!
- Favorite way to celebrate your birthday: Great red wine and a home-cooked meal with my wife and dog.
- Favorite concert you’ve attended: My wife and I are huge Old Dominion fans and have seen them live several times. In Chicago on a cross-country tour, the band sidelined their hits to spend a few minutes sharing the story of their journey from humble songwriters to national headliners. It was an amazing evening with incredible music. Honorable mention would be two of my favorite concerts at Soldier Field – Coldplay and Taylor Swift.
Civic
- Member, Illinois CPA Society State and Local Taxation Committee
- Member, Illinois CPA Society State and Local Taxation Conference Content Advisory Board
Education
- DePaul University, Master of Science in Taxation (2010)
- Kentucky Wesleyan College, Bachelor of Science – Accounting (2010)