Michael J. Baldwin
Practice Areas
Experience
- Asset Protection
- Business Succession Planning
- Charitable Planning
- Family Office
- Family-Owned Business
- Fiduciary Advice & Counsel
- Premarital, Marital, & Cohabitation Agreements
- Probate, Trust, & Guardianship Administration
- Transactional Tax Planning
Biography
For more than 25 years, Michael J. Baldwin’s wealth transfer and private client practice has been focused on representation of and counsel to high net worth individuals, affluent families, family offices (domestic and foreign), family and non-family business entities, estates, trusts, and charitable entities. Michael holds the distinction of being one of the only attorneys in the state who holds an LL.M. in Taxation, is a Fellow of the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and has received certification in Estate Planning and Probate Law from the Texas Board of Legal Specialization. Michael is also the founding co-chair of Jackson Walker’s Family Office Group, which provides trusted counsel to a distinguished group of family office and multifamily office clients throughout the United States and worldwide.
The primary focus of Michael’s representation of individuals and families is the preservation and protection of wealth and the efficient transfer of wealth among generations. To achieve these goals, he spends extensive time educating his clients about various transfer techniques available, from the simple to the more advanced, and implementing the appropriate plan for each client.
Education
B.A., Baylor University
J.D., LSU Paul M. Hebert Law Center
LL.M. (Taxation), University of Denver Sturm College of Law
Bar Admissions
Texas
Washington, Inactive
Court Admissions
United States Tax Court
Professional Certifications
Board Certified in Estate Planning and Probate Law
Fellow, American College of Trust & Estate Counsel
Michael has extensive experience drafting individualized estate planning documents including wills, revocable management (living) trusts, irrevocable trusts, dynastic (exempt) trusts, and ancillary estate planning documents (powers of attorney/living wills). Additionally, he has vast experience in complex estate and transfer planning techniques, including proper use of irrevocable life insurance trusts, family partnerships and family limited liability companies, grantor retained annuity trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts (including the sale of assets to such trusts), and foreign and domestic self-settled trusts.
Michael has considerable experience representing fiduciaries of estates and trusts. This representation includes counseling and assisting fiduciaries on all matters pertaining to the subject estate or trust, including all probate proceedings, estate and trust administrative matters, income and transfer tax planning, and asset distribution issues. He also represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and individuals in a variety of litigation matters, including trust modification and reformation suits, contested wills and trusts, and breaches of fiduciary duty.
Michael’s practice also includes counseling and representing high net worth foreign individuals, families, and family offices on appropriate cross border estate, business, and tax planning matters.
- “Austinâs Top Attorneys” List â Wills, Estates, and Probate, Austin Monthly, 2021-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Trusts and Estates, 2022-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2008-2011, 2013, 2016-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2006-2007
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow
- Business Planning Committee
- International Estate Planning Committee
- American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law
- State Bar of Texas Section of Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law
- Washington State Bar Association, Inactive
- Estate Planning Council of Central Texas, Past President
- Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Foundation, Board of Trustees
- Capital Area Food Bank Foundation
- Board of Directors â Former Member
- Board of Directors â Secretary, 2000-2006
- Austin Public Library Foundation, Board of Directors â Treasurer, 2000-2006
Jackson Walker Congratulates 2025 Texas Super Lawyers and Rising Stars
Jackson Walker is pleased to announce the recognition of 75 attorneys by Thomson Reutersâ Super Lawyers in the 2025 “Texas Super Lawyers” list, as well as 66 attorneys as “Texas Rising Stars” for 2025. Each year, less than 5% of attorneys are selected to Super Lawyers and 2.5% to Rising Stars. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 18, 2025
âThe Best Lawyers in Americaâ Features 350 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2026 Edition, Including 10 âLawyers of the Yearâ and 106 âOnes to Watchâ
The Best Lawyers in America, a widely regarded guide to legal excellence, has recognized 350 Jackson Walker attorneys across 87 specialty practice areas in its 2026 edition, including 10 Lawyers of the Year and 106 Ones to Watch.
Attorney News • August 21, 2025
âAustin Monthlyâ Lists 44 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ of 2025
Jackson Walker congratulates the 44 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2025. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 40 categories.
Attorney News • July 15, 2025
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its âTexas Super Lawyersâ of 2024
Jackson Walker proudly announces the selection of 71 attorneys to Thomson Reutersâ 2024 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list.
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 17, 2024
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Features 306 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2025 Edition, Including 9 “Lawyers of the Year” and 75 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 306 Jackson Walker attorneys across 81 specialty practice areas in its 2025 edition, including 9 Lawyers of the Year and 75 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (75 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (55 attorneys) and the addition of 27 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 15, 2024
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2023
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 19, 2023
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 287 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2024 Edition, Including 12 “Lawyers of the Year” and 80 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 287 Jackson Walker attorneys across 5 offices and 82 specialty practice areas in its 2024 edition, including 12 Lawyers of the Year and 80 Ones to Watch. In this yearâs guide, Jackson Walker saw the largest number of attorneys in the areas of Commercial Litigation (66 attorneys) and Real Estate Law (60 attorneys) and the addition of 35 attorneys as Best Lawyers.
Attorney News • August 17, 2023
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 14 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2022
Jackson Walker congratulates the 14 attorneys recognized among Austin Monthlyâs list of âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2022. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 38 categories.
Attorney News • October 25, 2022
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 64 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2022
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 21, 2022
‘The Best Lawyers in America’ Honors 214 Jackson Walker Attorneys in 2023 Edition, Including 11 “Lawyers of the Year” and 41 “Ones to Watch”
The Best Lawyers in America has recognized 214 Jackson Walker attorneys across 6 offices and 79 specialty practice areas in its 2023 edition, including 11 Lawyers of the Year and 41 Ones to Watch. Best Lawyers listings are based on an exhaustive peer review survey of thousands of attorneys who vote on the legal abilities of others in their practice areas.
Attorney News • August 18, 2022
Jackson Walker Congratulates Its 57 “Texas Super Lawyers” of 2021
Each year, less than 5% of attorneys in Texas are named to the list. Selection is based off of peer nominations that are then reviewed by a research team. Each nominee is evaluated on his or her professional accomplishments, peer recognition, and community involvement.
Attorney News • September 22, 2021
‘Austin Monthly’ Lists 20 Jackson Walker Attorneys Among “Austin’s Top Attorneys” of 2021
Jackson Walker congratulates the 20 attorneys recognized among âAustinâs Top Attorneysâ for 2021. For recognition in the list, Austin attorneys must be nominated by their peers on the basis that they offer experienced counsel in one of 43 categories.
Attorney News • August 3, 2021
53 Jackson Walker Attorneys Named to 2017 “Texas Super Lawyers” List
Thomson Reuters has named 53 Jackson Walker attorneys to its 2017 âTexas Super Lawyersâ list. According to Thomson Reuters, the list recognizes a âcredible, comprehensive and diverseâ selection of âoutstanding attorneys,â and serves as a resource for those in search of legal counsel.
Attorney News • September 6, 2017
Michael Baldwin, Tom Groves, Sam Hildebrand, Willie Hornberger, and Michael Kaufman Participate in Dallas CPA Society Conference
Michael Baldwin, Tom Groves, Sam Hildebrand and Michael Kaufman spoke at the 7th Annual Dallas CPA Society Education Conference on May 26, 2011, in Dallas, Texas. JW partner Willie Hornberger chaired the event.
Attorney News • June 6, 2011
Practice Experience
Michael has extensive experience drafting individualized estate planning documents including wills, revocable management (living) trusts, irrevocable trusts, dynastic (exempt) trusts, and ancillary estate planning documents (powers of attorney/living wills). Additionally, he has vast experience in complex estate and transfer planning techniques, including proper use of irrevocable life insurance trusts, family partnerships and family limited liability companies, grantor retained annuity trusts, intentionally defective grantor trusts (including the sale of assets to such trusts), and foreign and domestic self-settled trusts.
Michael has considerable experience representing fiduciaries of estates and trusts. This representation includes counseling and assisting fiduciaries on all matters pertaining to the subject estate or trust, including all probate proceedings, estate and trust administrative matters, income and transfer tax planning, and asset distribution issues. He also represents fiduciaries, beneficiaries, and individuals in a variety of litigation matters, including trust modification and reformation suits, contested wills and trusts, and breaches of fiduciary duty.
Michael’s practice also includes counseling and representing high net worth foreign individuals, families, and family offices on appropriate cross border estate, business, and tax planning matters.
Recognition & Accolades
- “Austinâs Top Attorneys” List â Wills, Estates, and Probate, Austin Monthly, 2021-2025
- The Best Lawyers in America (Woodward/White Inc.), Trusts and Estates, 2022-2026
- Texas Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers by Thomson Reuters, 2008-2011, 2013, 2016-2025
- Texas Rising Star, Super Lawyers â Rising Stars by Thomson Reuters, 2006-2007
- AV Preeminent, Martindale-Hubbell
Community Involvement
- American College of Trust and Estate Counsel (ACTEC), Fellow
- Business Planning Committee
- International Estate Planning Committee
- American Bar Association Section of Real Property, Probate, and Trust Law
- State Bar of Texas Section of Real Estate, Probate, and Trust Law
- Washington State Bar Association, Inactive
- Estate Planning Council of Central Texas, Past President
- Synod of the Sun Presbyterian Foundation, Board of Trustees
- Capital Area Food Bank Foundation
- Board of Directors â Former Member
- Board of Directors â Secretary, 2000-2006
- Austin Public Library Foundation, Board of Directors â Treasurer, 2000-2006