Ben Trujillo is a trusted advisor to ultra-affluent families, helping them navigate the complexities of wealth with clarity, intention, and confidence. With nearly three decades of experience in estate and gift tax planning, business succession, and family office strategy, Ben is known for making the Internal Revenue Code feel a little less… confusing.

His work sits at the intersection of law, finance, and family dynamics. He guides clients through pivotal moments—liquidity events, generational transitions, major gifts—and helps them design structures that reflect not just what they’ve built, but what they want to leave behind. Ben’s clients span founders, executives, and multi-generational families, often with closely held businesses or private investments at the center of their balance sheets.

He began his career practicing law at a top regional and national firm, and ran his own family’s business, giving him firsthand perspective on the challenges and responsibilities of legacy planning.

Ben is an adjunct professor at Washington University School of Law, where he teaches Federal Income Tax. He earned his LL.M. in Taxation from Washington University, his J.D. from Georgetown, and dual undergraduate degrees in Political Science and History from Texas Christian University. He is a licensed attorney and investment advisor representative.

A natural teacher and mentor, Ben is passionate about translating sophisticated strategies into human conversations. Whether helping a client structure a GRAT or coaching a young advisor on GST nuances, his goal is the same: to bring technical excellence to life with practical wisdom.

When he’s not immersed in tax code or trust diagrams, Ben can usually be found swimming laps, curating rare single malts, or supporting animal rescue efforts in the St. Louis area.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Political Science, B.A., History, Texas Christian University
• Juris Doctor, Georgetown University
• LL.M., Taxation, Washington University in St. Louis

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

• The Missouri Bar
• Licensed Investment Advisor Representative (series 66)

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

• Stray Rescue of St. Louis, Volunteer
• Tenth Life Cat Rescue, Board Member

NEWS & PUBLICATIONS

• The Inflation Reduction Act’s Potential Impact