About
About the Principal
Nicole M. Soltanzadeh
Nicole M. Soltanzadeh is principal at The Law Office of Nicole M. Soltanzadeh, where she advises clients in estate planning, estate and trust administration, and real estate negotiations. Nicole started her firm in 2017 after personal circumstances highlighted for her the importance of regularly talking with loved ones about estate planning before it’s too late. This personal experience drives her passion in educating and counseling her clients when it comes to estate planning, and Nicole is a frequent lecturer on all aspects of estate planning.
Nicole carries her passion into the related fields of trust and estate administration and real estate law, and in all these areas, Nicole’s practice remains committed to providing her clients with intelligent and compassionate representation.
Before starting her own firm, Nicole earned substantial experience as a litigator, advocating for her clients routinely in state and federal court, and at the trial and appellate levels. She has skillfully brought hundreds of cases to closure through mediations, settlement conferences, and trials. Her experience as a litigator informs her transactional practice, as she is mindful of the planning traps to avoid when working with clients. Nicole is passionate about proactive planning and providing her clients with the peace of mind in knowing that their assets are well-managed and their loved ones are provided for.
Nicole graduated with honors in 2004 from The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C., a top-tier law school at which she gained valuable experience clerking for the U.S. Department of Justice, serving as a research assistant for her professor’s treatise on professional responsibility, and clerking for small and mid-sized litigation boutiques. She also holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan and a master’s degree from Northwestern University.
Nicole has practiced in California, Illinois, and Michigan. She lives in Chicago and maintains her Illinois and Michigan law licenses. She is an active member of the Illinois State Bar Association’s Trust and Estates, Elder Law, and Real Estate Sections, sits on the Probate Practice and Trust Law Committees of the Chicago Bar Association, and is an active member of Wealth Counsel.
When she isn’t at work, Nicole is spending time in Chicago with her husband, their two teenage sons, and their two rescue dogs.
Claire Henleben- Associate Attorney
Claire Henleben is an associate attorney at The Law Office of Nicole M. Soltanzadeh, where she focuses her practice on estate planning, estate administration, and real estate transactions. With her compassionate approach and meticulous attention to detail, Claire is committed to creating quality, tailored estate plans that address the unique circumstances of her clients. She is also equipped to conduct both buyer and seller-side real estate transactions with care and efficiency.
Claire has previously worked as a civil litigation attorney where she advised corporate, municipal, and individual clients on matters involving breach of contract, employment disputes, and more. Her diverse experience allows her to bring a well-rounded perspective to her current practice. She further leverages her litigation background to anticipate potential legal risks and to craft estate plans that are well-prepared to withstand potential challenges.
Claire graduated in 2020 from Loyola University Chicago School of Law where she served as Executive Editor of the Loyola University Chicago International Law Review and Captain of The Jessup Moot Court Team. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in political science and history from the University of Missouri, where she graduated with honors. Claire is a member of the Illinois State Bar Association and is licensed to practice law in the State of Illinois and the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois.
Outside of work, Claire enjoys watercolor painting, bike riding around Chicago with her fiancé, and slowly chipping away at her yearly reading goal.
Katarina Robinson- Legal Assistant
Katarina is a legal assistant at The Law Office of Nicole M. Soltanzadeh, where she supports members of the firm in all aspects of estate planning, estate administration and real estate transactions.
Prior to joining the firm, Katarina worked at the public defender’s office and in the healthcare and childcare fields, where she learned how to manage multiple tasks and find creative solutions to problems, all while providing clear and warm client services.
Katarina graduated with honors from Beloit College, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in sociology and health and society.
Katarina understands the unique and sensitive nature of each case and enjoys seeing clients through to the conclusion of their cases. She takes pride in providing clients with peace of mind as they plan for their futures.
Outside of work, Katarina enjoys baking cakes and confections with her loved ones, catching up on the latest Netflix series, and going for long walks with her dog after eating too many baked goods.
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