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Benjamin Trujillo

Partner

J.D., LL.M.

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

A WEALTH OF INFORMATION

Dive into the latest insights from our expert team with our personal touch.

Monthly Recap – May 2026

Monthly Recap – May 2026

June 10, 2026

May Observations Markets Climb on AI Momentum and Iran Optimism May was another constructive month for...

Prenuptial Agreements: Shared Values, Transparency and Mutual Protection

Prenuptial Agreements: Shared Values, Transparency and Mutual Protection

June 5, 2026

By Anna McDonald, Director of Family Learning A conversation for families navigating prenuptial agreem...

The Five Risks That Can Unravel a Business Overnight — And How to Plan for Them 

The Five Risks That Can Unravel a Business Overnight — And How to Plan for Them 

May 14, 2026

By Michael Torney, J.D., CFP®, LL.M., CEPA When everything’s running smoothly, it might...

A Semi-Charmed Earnings Season

A Semi-Charmed Earnings Season

May 12, 2026

By Tim Side, CFA – Director of Investment Strategy For many years, we’ve advised clients that while ge...

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